Press Release: Church of England Media Centre.
On Tuesday, members started the day by hearing the first Presidential Address from the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally.
The second day of Synod began, after Worship, with new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally’s, first Presidential Address. In it she spoke of approaching her ministry with calm, consistency and compassion; of nurturing confidence and hope rooted in the Gospel; and of recommitting the Church to transparency, safeguarding, and the flourishing of the local parish and communities.
Legislative Business
Synod then turned to a number of legislative items. Amending Canon No. 44, relating to the exercise of ministry by Armed Forces chaplains, which was enacted.
The Clergy Conduct Measure (CCM) was then reintroduced to synod following feedback from the Parliamentary Ecclesiastical Committee. Synod agreed an amendment, reversing the presumption of private hearings so that tribunals and courts will normally sit in public. Final approval for the Measure was then secured comfortably across all three Houses.
Bishops – For: 21, Against: 0, Abstained: 0
Clergy – For: 142, Against: 0, Abstained: 3
Laity – For: 149, Against:0, Abstained: 0
Synod then approved changes to the Church Representation Rules concerning PCC decisions taken by correspondence, introducing the requirement that at least one third of members must give written approval and that no member objects. The motion passed with strong support.
(Votes – Bishops: 17–0–0; Clergy: 94–6–3; Laity: 104–1–5).
Bishop of Guildford
Just before the break for lunch, prayers were said for the Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson, following his announcement of a cancer diagnosis.