Church to take more softly-softly approach to seating

CHURCHES will find it easier to put cushions on pews, as officials intend to relax rules on adding “soft furnishings” to help meet environment targets.

Under plans due to be voted on at the Church of England’s General Synod, church laws will change to make it easier for vicars and parishioners wanting to install cushions, kneelers and carpets.

Previously, permission for such “changes” would have required a “full faculty” – the Church’s version of planning permission – from the consistory court. However, the proposals would amend the rules so that it is not required in all cases. Church officials claim having extra soft furnishings would mean buildings can more easily retain heat.

The plans are being put forward by officials as part of the Church’s target to achieve “net-zero” carbon emissions by 2030 and form part of a package of legislation which is going to a vote at Synod next month. If passed, the amendments to the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2022 will be rubber-stamped in July.

However, campaign groups often oppose such proposed changes and provide written submissions calling for the preservation of historical pews and other cosmetic aspects to the buildings.

Debates about changes to historical pews have also long resulted in disagreements

Documents released yesterday as part of the Church’s green strategy propose that changes to “kneelers, hassocks, pew runners or cushions are permitted so long as they do not result in a major change to the overall appearance”.

Previously, cushions were able to be introduced without permission only if they did not result in “a change to the overall appearance of the church”.

Becky Clark, the Church’s director of churches and cathedrals, said: “Putting cushions on seats, putting rugs on benches or small floor runners … underneath pews or seating can help stop people feeling cold and you can reduce the heating.”

Joe O’donnell, the director of the Victorian Society, said that it is important that those in charge of listed churches “fully understand the significance of their building and its furnishings”.