THE P
RTAL
The recent CofE General Synod meeting
March 2017 Page 11 Anglican News
The Revd Paul Benfield takes us behind the secular press headlines
The General Synod met at Church House , Westminster from 13th to 16th February . From most reports in the media , you might think that the only matter under discussion was sexuality and gay marriage . In fact , it was a busy and varied Synod dealing with many matters .
Synod is primarily a legislative body having powers delegated by parliament to pass measures which have the force and effect of Acts of Parliament . Amongst the thirteen pieces of legislation considered at this group of sessions was a Draft Legislative Reform Measure which will , if enacted , make a shorter method of amending some measures by an Order of the Archbishops ’ Council approved by Synod . This would avoid the existing lengthy process of consideration by Synod on three separate occasions followed by reference to the Ecclesiastical Committee of Parliament and a vote in both Houses of Parliament . It is intended to be used for non-controversial matters such as removing administrative burdens .
Other legislation considered included new regulations concerning clerics who wish to remain in office beyond their 70th birthday . At the moment , the provisions are somewhat complicated because of history , and the new regulations will make greater clarity and simplicity . An amendment proposed by me and accepted by Synod means that an incumbent can remain in office beyond his or her 70th birthday only if the Parochial Church Council consents .
Amongst non-legislative business considered was a motion by Fr Stephen Trott , asking for legislation to replace ecclesiastical preliminaries to marriage with a universal civil system controlled by civil registrars . There is concern that as more and more regulations come into force , the clergy are becoming immigration officers who must check passports and other documentation . Furthermore , banns may no longer be used for non EU citizens meaning that they have ceased to be available to all , However , after speeches praising the missional value of banns this motion was defeated .
Synod was unanimous in supporting a motion from the London Diocesan Synod calling on the government to reduce the allowable stake on Fixed Odds Betting
Machines from £ 100 to £ 2 . This latter stake is the maximum allowed for most gaming machines , but the higher limit on this one type of machine is causing hardship and distress to addicted gamblers .
On the Wednesday afternoon , some members of Synod met in variety of locations in Church House , Westminster School and Lambeth Palace for group work to consider case studies about sexuality and marriage . However , many members did not attend for a variety of reasons . Some felt they would be too vulnerable , others could not see how these groups could help inform the debate which would follow on immediately . All members returned to Church House for a debate , running the gauntlet of pro-gay protestors , some demanding Anglican Gay Marriage now .
The debate was a ‘ take note ’ debate on a report from the House of Bishops . In these debates no amendments to the motion are possible and they are used to allow Synod to express views on a report . The standing orders make clear that by ‘ taking note ’ Synod does not thereby accept any proposal or recommendation in the report . It simply , as the motion states , ‘ notes ’ it . The report was fairly conservative , proposing no change to the doctrine of marriage , no authorised or commended liturgies for blessing of same sex couples ( but pastoral guidance to clergy on what they could and could not do ), and that a new teaching document be prepared by the House of Bishops on sexuality and marriage . On a vote by houses , Synod did not take note of the report , the House of Clergy defeating the motion by 93 to 100 with 2 abstentions . The Bishop of Coventry voted against by mistake , the other 43 recorded episcopal votes being in favour . The House of Laity voted 106 in favour of taking note with 83 against and 4 abstentions .
Since the debate , the Archbishops have written to Synod members requesting further discussions with Diocesan Bishops and their Synod members .