The Diocesan Registry is the first port of call for the diocese when any legal queries or issues arise. The registry also keeps all diocesan registry records.

Every diocese in the Church of England has a Chancellor and a Registrar. Both are legal officers appointed by the diocesan bishop. Our Chancellor is The Worshipful Gregory Jones KC. He is the judge of the Consistory Court of the diocese and determines matters of church law.

The Registrar is Donna Myers. Donna is based at HLF Berry Solicitors, which has a long history of working with charities and not-for-profit organisations. Donna is responsible for providing legal advice to the diocese on all ecclesiastical matters.

The work of the Registry includes:

• Giving advice to clergy, parochial church councils, churchwardens, boards and councils about their offices and functions.
• Dealing with enquiries relating to marriage, baptism, confirmation and burial from clergy and the general public.
• Preparing notices, licences and all other documents relating to the appointment of clergy and lay office holders, and the consecration of churches, churchyards and cemeteries.
• Maintaining diocesan records and registers.
• Administering the court office of the Consistory Court and, at the direction of the Chancellor, issuing permissions known as faculties to authorise changes to consecrated land and buildings, burial grounds and exhumations.
• Issuing Common Licences on behalf of the Bishop of Manchester authorising marriages in parish churches and in other buildings licensed for the solemnisation of marriages according to the rites and ceremonies of the Church of England.

Donna Myers

Diocesan Registrar

Danielle Morris

Solicitor

Julie Ardrey

Registry Support Administrator