General Synod July 2006 - overview

Women bishops

A very clear majority of bishops, clergy and laity are in favour of searching for practical ways of proceeding and agreed that all valid ordinations must be recognised.

Further education

Government is showing interest in faith support for further education. Synod agreed plans to increase chaplaincies from the present 200 colleges to all 400.

Marriage

Synod moved forward proposals to allow people with a range of ‘qualifying connections’, the right to be married in most churches.   Synod recognised marriage as central to the stability and health of society and the bringing up of children.  Members called on the Government to get rid of disincentives to marriage, especially within the tax system.

Environment

Synod agreed to seek advice for Church members and others on reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 60% by 2050.

‘Faithful cities’ report

This major, ecumenical report which describes the unique contribution of faith communities to city life was commended for study and use.

The Anglican Communion

The Archbishop of Canterbury proposed exploring a ‘Covenant’ relationship between members of the worldwide family of Anglican churches, which would be a formal but voluntary commitment to each other. Changes in the way the World Council of Churches operates were generally welcomed.

Other items

• Major new legislation will bring a lighter touch to reorganisation of dioceses and will allow unconventional mission initiatives to happen.
• The Church has had some success in dissuading the Government from further relaxations of the law on Sunday trading.
• About one-third of retired clergy use the Church's Housing Assistance for the Retired Ministry (CHARM) scheme.
• It was reported that prison chaplains had not been forced to sign a multi-faith covenant nor stop specifically Christian activities.
• In common with most pension funds, the clergy fund was under review and a consultation on future actions had started.   The past 10 years had been helped by above-average performance of Church Commissioners’ investments.
• An overall increase of 2.9% in the budget from dioceses was agreed. Most of this was for big increases in numbers of ordinands in training and in provision for clergy housing in retirement.
• Synod agreed to simplify the Church Accounting Regulations. It was expected that the new government regulations will require parishes with an income of over £100,000 to register with the Charity Commissioners.

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