A parish is a territorial division within a Christian diocese, under the pastoral care of a priest, often called a parish priest. The priest operates from a parish church and may be assisted by curates. Historically, parishes often corresponded geographically with manors. The connection between a parish and its church remains central.
1920: Disestablishment of the Church in Wales
The Church in Wales was disestablished in 1920, retaining the parish system.
1929: Abolition of Parishes as Civil Units in Scotland
In 1929, parishes ceased to be units of civil government in Scotland, becoming purely ecclesiastical entities.
1974: Establishment of Communities in Wales
Communities were established as civil administration areas in Wales in 1974, replacing parishes in that role.
July 2007: Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum
In July 2007, the motu proprio Summorum Pontificum was issued, allowing for the establishment of personal parishes for Catholics attached to the pre-Vatican II liturgy.
2010: Church in Wales Review Commissioned
In 2010, the Church in Wales commissioned a review into its organization, led by Rt Rev Richard Harries, Prof Charles Handy, and Prof Patricia Peattie.
July 2012: Church in Wales Review Report Publication
The "Church in Wales Review" report, proposing the reorganization of parishes into larger Ministry Areas, was published in July 2012.
2022: Final Ministry Areas Instituted
The final Ministry Areas, as recommended by the "Church in Wales Review", were instituted in 2022.