Christopher D Jones

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Christopher specialises in ecclesiastical and charity property within the Church of England and also acts for other Christian and secular property-holding charities. In recent years he has developed his practice area to include substantive ecclesiastical law and has been personally appointed to serve as Diocesan Registrar for the Church of England Diocese of Bath and Wells and as Legal Secretary to the Bishop of Bath and Wells.

Christopher's specialism in ecclesiastical and charity property law took root during his legal training and has continued to develop over more than 20 years. His practice has evolved to encompass substantive ecclesiastical law in addition to ecclesiastical and charity property work and Christopher serves as Diocesan Registrar for the Church of England Diocese of Bath and Wells and as Legal Secretary to the Bishop of Bath and Wells.

Christopher leads the Ecclesiastical Property sub-team within Stone King's Commercial Property Team

Christopher acts for church bodies, charities, not-for-profit organisations, and other landowners in a broad range of property transactions. His property practice encompasses transactions involving churches and churchyards, cathedral premises, parish property, functional property, clergy housing, agricultural and development land, reverter of sites, mortgage finance, chancel repair liability and related matters.

His work as Diocesan Registrar includes advising clergy, diocesan leadership, church officers, and parochial church councils within the Diocese in relation to ecclesiastical and secular law and procedure. The matters in relation to which legal advice may be required are varied and include canon law, property matters, clergy discipline, safeguarding, constitutional and governance matters, and data protection.

Christopher aims to offer a constructive and considered approach; guiding clients through ecclesiastical law, charity law, and related requirements in a straightforward and practical way.

Christopher has collaborated with the Centre for Law and Religion at Cardiff University since 2007, teaching the Church Property Seminar as part of the LL.M Course in Canon Law. It is the only course of its type in the country. Past students have included clergy, diocesan officers, members of the judiciary, lawyers, and lay people.

Christopher is a voracious reader and reads books and articles on a variety of subjects to develop his knowledge and also to relax. He also listens to a varied selection of podcasts and appreciates classical music.