In 2007, for the first time in its 130-year history, the General Synod met in the mediaeval city of Kilkenny, famous for its cats and, more appropriately for this report, for Saint Canice. The legislative programme consisted of several bills, the first two being brought forward by the Liturgical Advisory Committee.

LITURGY

The first was designed to correct an anomaly in the Calendar and Table of Readings that occurred when Christmas Day fell on a Sunday. This will not actually happen again until 2011, but the Committee was anxious to deal with the problem in good time. The Bill received the necessary two-thirds majorities of call-over and was passed. The second Bill provided a service for the Institution of an Incumbent, something not contained in the 2004 Book of Common Prayer. The service is intended to be normative but not to diminish the opportunity for appropriate local flexibility, seeking a balance between the presiding role of the diocesan bishop and the inaugural liturgical appearance of the new rector in the parish, whilst making clear the function of the ordained ministry within the ministry of the whole people of God. Subject to some amendment, it was duly passed.

BURIAL LAW

The third Bill sought to remove the reference to suicide in the Canon dealing with the discretion extended to members of the clergy in refusing to read the burial service. This Bill also received the necessary majorities and was passed, thus restoring the canonical position as it pertained prior to 1974. Suicide is no longer explicitly included in the exceptions listed in the Canon.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

A Bill to increase the pension assessments both on members of the clergy pension scheme and on the parishes and dioceses was duly passed. Finally, a Bill was passed to make provision for the appointment of ecumenical canons to the Chapter of the National Cathedral of St Patrick, Dublin.

Two further bills fell by the wayside. A Bill to alter the representation provisions of the Constitution so as to reflect more closely demographic changes in the Church of Ireland population since 1870 was defeated in both Houses. A Bill intended to provide for the better observance of the legal requirements relating to copyright was withdrawn.

As there were no liturgical resolutions, it would appear that, for the first time in many years, there will be no liturgical legislation before the Synod when it meets in Galway in 2008. No doubt some other central committee will fill the unaccustomed gap, lest the membership should have nothing to do.