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Duties of Wardens and Council Members 
 
Many of the documents of the Church of England refer to the responsibilities of "Parochial Church Councis (PCC)."  However, in our Diocese and in the chaplaincy scheme for Saint George, those responsibilities are vested in the "Chaplaincy Council," not in the Congregational Committees (of Malaga, Torre del Mar, Competa, etc.).  Thus, when the PCC and its wardens are cited in "A Handbook for Churchwardens and Parochial Church Councillors" they are applied, in our case, at the Chaplaincy level.   
 
The duties of the congregational wardens and congregational committee members are therefore not specified in the rules of the larger church, but rather are delegated, either formally or informally by the Chaplaincy Council.  In most cases, common sense dictates where chaplaincy level responsibility stops and congregational responsibility starts.  Thus, the following is a guideline written by the chaplain and is not an official Church of England statement. 
 
 
The Wardens.  The ownership of church buildings,  grounds, and contents, as well as the funds of the church, are normally vested in the wardens.  In our case, St. George's church building and its contents, but not its grounds, are in the care and custody of the chaplaincy wardens.  The same applies to other properties held by the church -- in our case, the chaplaincy apartment and its contents. It is within this overview that the following list of duties applies: 
1)  It is the duty of the church wardens to compile and maintain a complete terrier of all "real property," i.e., buildings and land.  This falls to the chaplaincy wardens. 
2)  It is the duty of the church wardens to compile and maintain a full inventory of all the articles appertaining to the church, such as altar furnishings, vestments, etc.   For practical reasons, this inventory should be undertaken by the local congregational warden. Wardens should be aware that the bishop or designated officer of the diocese may, from time to time, ask for a copy of the inventory of lands, buildings, furnishing and other physical objects which constitute the "fabric" of the church.  Thus, it is expected that the local wardens will keep such lists up-to-date and will forward them to the chaplaincy wardens in March of each year, if requested. 
3)  It is the duty of the congregational church warden to make general provisions for the place of worship and to maintain an orderly environment especially during divine services. 
4)  It is the duty of the congregational church warden  to take custody of money collected during a worship service and money belonging to the church from any social or fund-raising event, and to deliver such funds either to the chaplaincy treasurer or to a bank account designated by the chaplaincy treasurer.  Although this duty may be designated to another person (for example, to a congregational treasurer), the responsibility for such funds remains with the warden.   
5)  The chaplaincy wardens have special responsibilities when the the position of chaplain is vacant.  These duties are set forth in the canons of the church and the diocese. 
 
 
Members of the Chaplaincy Council and Congregational Committees.  In our chaplaincy scheme, congregational committees, in some cases, are not mandatory.  However, if the local congregation does not choose to have a formally elected congregational committee, it must make provision for any duties that would normally fall to such a committee (for example, by appointing someone to fulfill a specific role such as secretary for the congregational AGM, and a treasurer). 
1)  The chaplaincy council has a voice in decisions that often are taken for granted by the clergy.  For example, the council should be consulted on any major changes in the manner of worship, the vestiture worn by clergy, and the version of authorised scripture used.  In our case, such matters are best taken up by the congregations in consultation with the ministerial team members serving that congregation.  The chaplain should always be consulted.  The matter will be passed to the chaplaincy council if it becomes contentious, or is likely to be contentious, at the local congregational level. 
2)  The chaplaincy council must approve any change in the chaplaincy scheme (which, in turn, must be approved by the bishop).   
3)  The chaplaincy council must approve the continuation of the services of any chaplain who reaches the age of 70. 
4)  Two-thirds of the lay members of the chaplaincy council may ask the bishop to make an inquiry when there has been a serious breakdown in the pastoral relationships within the chaplaincy and where the incumbent chaplain is unable to discharge his/her duties adequately.  There are elaborate special rules covering the manner in which this duty is to be undertaken. 
5)  The chaplaincy council is responsible for the "budget" of the church and must provide within that budget for certain specified items (for example, the requisites of divine service and the care and repair of property).  Canons F1 to F14 
6)  Because the chaplaincy council must approve its chaplaincy scheme, and because there is a general provision that such schemes name the congregations included, it is implied that no new congregation can be formed without the approval of the council.  There is an explicit requirement that new congregations must be approved by the bishop. 
7)  The chaplaincy council and congregational committees have other responsibilities in that there is a constitution and a set of canons for both the Church of England and the Diocese in Europe, as well as Church Representation Rules, and other requirements which are binding on the clergy and laity of our church.  To list these as "duties" here is impractical, but in summary, it is important to note that "following the rules" is an important responsibility.  When in doubt, "look it up," or ask the chaplain to do so on your behalf.