People and Contact Information
Bishop's House, The Upper Drive, Hove, East Sussex, BN3 6NB
Tel: 01273 506387 (Bishop's House) or 01273 859701 (Direct)
Fax: 01273 501527
Chancellor: Mgr Canon John Hull VG
Email: vg@dabnet.org
Secretary: Miss Clair Crowley
Email: clair.crowley@dabnet.org
(Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 am to 5 pm)
Diocesan Archivist: Mrs Hazel State
Email: archives@dabnet.org
(Wednesday from 9.30 am to 4 pm)
Canon Law Summary
In every curia, a chancellor is to be appointed whose principal task is, unless particular law determines otherwise, to see to it that the acts of the curia are gathered, arranged and safeguarded in the archive of the curia. (Canon 482.1)
The main function of the Chancellor is that of custodian and organiser of the official archives, particularly those which have a juridic effect. Particular law allows for the adaptation of this function to embrace important documents relating to the activities of offices and agencies outside the actual curia. The Chancellor is the official notary of the curia.
The Diocesan Bishop may appoint any person - lay or cleric - to the office unless they are also to serve as Moderator of the Curia. . No executive authority is attached to the office itself, and any authority the Chancellor exercises is delegated.
See Code of Canon Law 482-491
The Chancery in Our Diocese
The main work of the Chancery Office is the processing of marriage papers – worldwide - for couples where the Catholic party, at least, is resident within Arundel & Brighton Diocese.
The aim is to help and assist both priests and couples in what can be the quite complex preparation of marriage documentation. Paperwork is sent to the Chancery from the parishes, it is processed, recorded, and then forwarded to the parish / diocese of marriage.
The Chancery deals with queries by post, telephone, fax and email - from priests, parishioners and the general public, with regard to marriage, baptism and confirmation documentation. The Office also deals with permissions for Reception into the Church, the issuing of priests Faculties, Celebrets and Ordination certificates and many general Curial enquiries.
Link to the Bishop
The Chancellor meets with the Bishop as often as needed.
