Patronage. For a minister to hold a benefice they have to be formally presented to the bishop or archbishop for institution by the patron. The right to present a minister to a particular benefice is called the advowson, or right of patronage. The right of patronage often came to the founder, benefactor or maintainer of a church. In the past, advowsons were a valuable property right; however the right of Patronage under the Benefices Act 1898 (which has subsequently been amended by Church Assembly measures) closely regulated the transmission of rights of patronage. The sale of an advowson by public auction was forbidden and any transfer invalidated except when the whole interest of the transferor in the right of patronage was transferred. Twelve months had to have elapsed since the last admission to the benefice and the transfer had to be registered in the diocesan registry within one month. If these conditions were not fulfilled, the diocesan bishop could refuse to institute a presentee. Today, under the Patronage (Benefices) Measure (1986), the rights of a patron can only be exercised if they are registered. The Diocesan Registry is required to keep a register of patrons to benefices. If there is no registered patron of a particular benefice, then the Diocesan Board of Patronage becomes patron (see [GB 193 DO/DBP]).
Suspension of Presentation. By the Benefices (Suspension of Presentation) Measures 1946 and 1953, the diocesan is able to postpone for a period the filling of vacancies in benefices and to sequester the income of the benefices. He is also able to make provision for the performance of ecclesiastical duties during the period of suspension.
Presentation by lapse. If there is a failure of a patron to exercise his patronage rights, patronage for that turn lapses to the bishop.
