General Synod

The General Synod of the Church of England consists of the diocesan bishops, and representative clergy and laity from each diocese of the Church of England.The Bishop of Ely is a member of the House of Bishops, and the clergy and the lay members of Deanery Synods respectively elect three clergy and three laity every five years. The following were elected in 2010:

In addition, the University of Cambridge elects a representative:

• The Revd Duncan Dormor
  
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The Synod discusses national business and concerns. It can amend the Canon Law of the Church of England, and it can pass Measures which after receiving parliamentary approval and the royal assent have the full force of English law.

Official reports, agenda and other papers of the General Synod can be found on the General Synod website. 

In addition the Ely representatives report back to the diocese after each meeting of the General Synod. These unofficial reports are placed here for the information of people in the diocese, and especially for Deanery Synod members who elect the members of the General Synod.

Synod Reports

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• July 2012
• February 2012
• July 2011
• February 2011
• November 2010 New General Synod inaugurated
• July 2010
• February 2010
• July 2009 (See photos below)
• February 2009
• July 2008
• February 2008
• July 2007
• February 2007

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Amending Canon 28 helps Ecumenical Partnerships

Amending Canon 28

Until recently, any Ecumenical church which was also a parish had to hold Anglican Eucharists, presided over by an Anglican priest, at all the major Christian festivals.

This meant, for example, that at Cambourne, brilliantly led by Peter Wood, a Church of Scotland minister, they were required to invite Anglican priest from elsewhere to celebrate communion at Christmas, Easter, Pentecost etc - something none of our ecumenical partners demanded.

Because of this, some years ago, Bourn Deanery sent a motion to Ely Diocesan Synod, which then sent it to General Synod, asking that this requirement be changed. The process for changing the Canons is not a speedy one, but, in July, the new Canon, enabling the Bishop, together with the local church, to decide what is appropriate in terms of provision of Anglican Eucharists, came into force.

Amending Canon 28 wording

The new ‘Amending Canon 28’ was displayed in all its glory at Synod.

Amending Canon 28 waxseal

It will now be kept in the ‘Seal Sanctuary’ at Church House! More importantly, we can rejoice that another small but important step has been taken to promote the sorts of creative ecumenical mission initiatives which our Diocese has helped pioneer.

Alan Hargrave, Canon Missioner and member of General Synod