Incumbent (ecclesiastical)

Incumbent (ecclesiastical)

In English ecclesiastical law, the term incumbent refers to the holder of a Church of England parochial charge or benefice. The term benefice originally denoted a grant of land for life in return for services. In church law, the duties were spiritual ("spiritualities") and some form of assets to generate revenue (the "temporalities") were permanently linked to the duties to ensure the support of the office holder. Historically, once in possession of the benefice, the holder had lifelong tenure unless he failed to provide the required minimum of spiritual services or committed a moral offence; but with the passing of the 1968 Pastoral Measure and subsequent legislation, this no longer applies and many ancient benefices have been joined together into a single new one.

At one time an incumbent might choose to enjoy the income of the benefice and appoint an assistant curate to discharge all the spiritual duties of the office at a lesser salary. This was a breach of the Canons of 1604, but the abuse was only brought under control with the passing in 1838 of the Pluralities Act (1&2 Victoria, ch.106) which required residence unless the Diocesan Bishop granted a licence for non-residence for reasons specified in the same act and provided severe penalties for non-compliance.

Read more about Incumbent (ecclesiastical):  Official Title, Nomination and Admission Into Office, The Temporalities

Famous quotes containing the word incumbent:

    It is remarkable that almost all speakers and writers feel it to be incumbent on them, sooner or later, to prove or acknowledge the personality of God. Some Earl of Bridgewater, thinking it better late than never, has provided for it in his will. It is a sad mistake.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)