Dispute Advisory Service

Conflict is a perfectly normal feature of life but it can cause great stress whether at work or between neighbours or inside the family. Perhaps we should not be surprised, then, that conflict also occurs among the people who belong to the Christian church. However, if that conflict worsens it can be a source of intense disappointment, given the gospel of love which lies at the heart of our faith.

What is this service?

A safe place to bring conflicts and problems that we might have with each other in a church setting. It offers an accessible, voluntary and confidential process that helps to resolve disputes in a broad range of situations and at all levels in the church community, including ministers, churchwardens, office staff and congregation members. It is supported by the Diocese but is independent of it: our stance is completely neutral and we never report to anyone, even if they have referred someone to us.

Who is it for?

It is for anyone in a church community: clergy or lay, employed, a volunteer or a congregational member. They might be in conflict with someone else, maybe over roles, responsibilities, management of change or reorganisation; or over differences of belief and worship. There might be issues of discrimination, harassment, abuse of authority or bullying.

Talking to us can help you find ways of managing these or other difficult situations

How does it work?

Contact details of our Dispute Advisory Service Advisors can be found at the bottom of this page. With the Adviser you will explore the issue that is causing you concern and discuss how, when and whether to contact the other person in the conflict.

There is a wide range of routes to resolution which include: discussions with appropriate people in the parish or Diocese; the Diocese of St Albans’ Counselling Service, the Support in your Ministry scheme, Mediation, support through the Clergy Discipline process or specific trainings.

Once you have consented to a proposed route to seek a solution, the Adviser will refer your situation to an appropriate person or service and will continue to support you through the process.

The process is confidential and every step will be with your consent