Two initiatives are underway with respect to cemeteries in the diocese. This work is partly as a follow up to a motion approved at the 137th Synod in 2019: that Diocesan Council develop a policy and procedures for the perpetual care of cemeteries located within dissolved parishes.
A new cemetery management regulation has been adopted by Diocesan Council and will come into force 1 November 2023.
Regulation 6-3 Cemetery Management
This effort is in response to questions to Synod personnel over a number of years on how to handle certain recurring cemetery issues. A Regulation lays a basis for dealing with many of them by requiring that future sales of cemetery lots take the form of a written contract featuring certain standard provisions. An example of such a contract is included. At the same time, the proposed contract allows for local variation on many matters.
A cemetery survey was distributed to parishes in the Fall of 2021. To date, about 2/3 of parishes have responded. If your church/parish has not yet responded, please find the instructions and a blank form here: