Abigail Lloyd joins the Diocese of Oxford as Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches.
The Chair of the DAC is a voluntary position supporting the work of the diocesan church buildings team, archdeacons, and bishops. Working with the Head of Church Buildings, Liz Kitch, Abigail will represent the DAC within the diocesan structures and work with committee members offering specialist advice on a wide range of church buildings topics.
The first female Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee, Abigail brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in building conservation and heritage to the role and is an active member of multiple archaeological, architecture, and conservation trusts and societies. Notably, within the ecclesiastical context, this includes being a member of the National Church Buildings Council and a Secretary of State appointee to the Statutory Advisory Committee.
Speaking on her appointment, Abigail said:
“Church buildings and sites hold the stories of communities. They are unique in the time-depth they represent. They are the places in which we can physically see the evidence of those who have gone before us, witness beauty and skill, and find space to think and be still.
“Nevertheless, there are undeniably growing challenges, and I hope very much to work widely with others as we look to safeguard the future of these hugely important places and alleviate the burdens on those caring for them.”
Liz Kitch, Head of Church Buildings, said:
“The Church Buildings Team and I are looking forward to working with Abigail as she supports the work of the DAC in its commitment to continue enabling and growing the mission and outreach of our churches, whilst preserving the historic significance of these sacred places for both future and current generations.”
About Abigail
Prior to studying and working in conservation and heritage, Abigail practiced as a Commercial Chancery Barrister in London, following a law degree at Cambridge. Subsequently, she went on to complete further degrees in Theology, Mathematics, and a Masters in Landscape Archaeology.
Alongside writing a PhD on the historic landscape, place-names, and medieval settlements, Abigail speaks and has taught widely, at various universities, colleges and museums, and for local history, architecture and archaeology groups. She also works on listed buildings in the secular planning system, and with statutory consultees such as the National Amenity Societies and Historic England. She is often to be found up a hill looking for a view, when not sinking into an upland bog!
About the DAC and Church Buildings Team
The DAC is the lead body in the diocese for advice on the care and development of churches - providing advice to parishes, archdeacons, and the Diocesan Chancellor. It has a key role to promote good practice over the maintenance and development of church buildings.
The committee is made up of both clergy and lay people and can offer specialist advice on a wide range of topics including archaeology, bells, clocks, lighting, organs, stained glass, heating, re-orderings, etc – as well as on the conservation of our rich store of historic buildings. All of this time and expertise is given freely.
Church Buildings and sustainability
Across the diocese, churches are working to improve their sustainability and energy efficiency as part of the diocese’s aim to reach net zero by 2035. The DAC and Church Buildings Team offer advice and support through the statutory permissions process to enable churches to progress towards reaching the target and limit their carbon footprint. The Church Buildings Team and the Environment Team are working on a new environmental policy for churches to encourage and enable them to make decisions for creation care and net zero.