INTRODUCTION
This year's General Synod, the first meeting of the triennium, was held in the now familiar surroundings of the City Hotel, Armagh. Over the past few years there has been a heavy emphasis on finance in the legislative programme, principally with regard to pensions. This year there was one Pensions Bill. It merely formalised the arrangements governing the separate Defined Contributions Schemes that have operated for Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland since 2013. The Bill duly passed.
RELATIONSHIPS WITHIN THE CHURCH
The main emphasis this year was on relationships and ethos, specifically in regard to dignity in Church life, the prevention of bullying and harassment, and the management of long-term clergy illness. Synod adopted a formal charter committing the Church and its individual members to building and supporting harmonious relationships across all Church structures, upholding the right of all to be treated with dignity and respect, and seeking reconciliation where there is disagreement or conflict. The Representative Body has been charged with developing policies to give effect to this charter; these policies will be subject to approval by Standing Committee and by the Synod itself.
Another Bill extended and improved the existing provisions for circumstances where a member of the clergy is unable to fulfil his or her official duties owing to ‘permanent mental infirmity’. These now extend to ‘permanent physical incapacity’ as well. It is further provided that a panel is to decide the matter and will have medical experts to help. Provision is also made for reversing the process if the cleric concerned is no longer incapacitated. One of the requirements to set these procedures in motion is for a declaration to be issued by the relevant bishop that provision can be made for the future maintenance of the incapacitated member. A further Bill broadened the scope of access to one of the central church funds to include such cases of permanent incapacity on medical grounds and to enable assistance to be given.
CHARITY REGISTRATION
Some problems have arisen for church bodies and parishes seeking registration as charities under the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 and the Charity Act 2009 currently being implemented in the Republic. Accordingly, the Synod passed a Bill setting out a ‘Statement of Charitable Purpose and Objects’ for each jurisdiction, together with a ‘Statement of Public Benefit’ for Northern Ireland. These statements will be used by all bodies governed by the laws of the Church of Ireland when registering under the relevant legislation.
CATHEDRALS
Two short Bills dealing with the regulation and management of the Cathedrals of St Patrick's, Armagh, and Christchurch, Dublin, completed the legislative programme.
MINISTRY
A couple of other matters should be noted. The Covenant Council, which deals with the interrelationship of the Church of Ireland and the Methodist Church in Ireland, reported that the two steps that were required to bring the interchangeability of ministry into effect had now been taken. Interchangeability of ministry is, therefore, no longer a prospect: it is a reality. The Council is working on protocols for participation in services of ordination, as well as focusing on the development of greater unity in a variety of fields.
The Commission on Ministry is talking of possible legislation on pioneer ministry next year. The Commission on Episcopal Ministry and Structures, however, is required to bring forward legislation next year. Their proposals on structures and boundaries are at present confined to principles rather than specifics, so it is difficult to foresee the detail of the prospective legislation. Their more detailed proposals for a more structured, informed and lengthy election process were broadly welcomed, with only a few quibbles. It is perhaps a pity that the proposer of the report expressly ruled out as too abrupt the adoption of the use of lots as described in Acts 1:26, though he did concede that it would be an awful lot quicker.
