Parish Clerks. A parish clerk is usually, but not always, a layperson who helps the incumbent perform their duties. In the past the parish clerk's duties have included leading the congregation in responses and singing during divine service, reading the epistle and the care of the church building. Parish clerks, whether members of the clergy or laity, are licensed by the bishop (although while this is usual it does not seem to be absolutely necessary). The role of parish clerk was a freehold for life but today, parish clerks are appointed jointly by the parochial church council (PCC) and the incumbent and can also be dismissed. The PCC and the incumbent determine the parish clerks duties and salary.
Lecturers. Lecturers (or preachers) are clergy elected or appointed for the special purpose of lecturing and preaching. Under the Act of Uniformity 1662, lecturers and preachers had to be licensed by the bishop or archbishop. Where there is a right to elect or appoint a lecturer, the bishop has to licence the chosen individual and can judge only the qualification and fitness of the nominee, not the right of the lectureship. The Lecturers and Parish Clerks Act (1844) enabled bishops to require lecturers to perform other clerical or ministerial duties, but even before 1844 some nominations were for positions as lecturer and curate. Appointments to the role of lecturer are now rare although some parishes still have endowed lectureships.
Stipendiary Curates. A curate is the person who has the cure of souls within a parish and is paid to undertake their duties. This person is nominated to the bishop by the patron of a benefice and is then licensed by the bishop to the cure. Once licensed the curate can only be removed by resignation, exchange of benefice, promotion or conviction of an offence.
