The recent fire in Paris at Notre Dame Cathedral demonstrated the extensive damage which can be caused in a relatively short time to the structure and content of an important religious building. This prompted a question to the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Dame Caroline Spelman, (Meriden, Con), on what steps the Church of England is taking with the Government to ensure the fire safety of cathedrals and churches. This post summarizes the legal advice on the responsibilities of the PCC provided by Legal Advisory Commission of the General Synod and other sources; also included are links to some of the practical advice in this area. Continue reading →