GOING FOR GROWTH: TRANSFORMATION FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE CHURCH

Following debate, the Synod voted to take note of the Report.

Audio of session

PRIVATE MEMBER'S MOTION: PARITY OF PENSION PROVISION FOR SURVIVING CIVIL PARTNERS (GS 1770A and GS 1770B)

The Revd Mark Bratton moved the following motion, which after debate, was carried by the Synod after a Division by Houses:

                   IN FAVOUR      AGAINST    ABSTENTIONS

Bishops          12                        2                    3

Clergy             97                       23                  10

Laity                78                       59                  9

'That this Synod request the Archbishops' Council and the Church of England Pensions Board to bring forward changes to the rules governing the clergy pension scheme in order to go beyond the requirements of the Civil Partnership Act 2004 and provide for pension benefits to be paid to the surviving civil partners of deceased clergy on the same basis as they are currently paid to surviving spouses.'

Audio of session

LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS

DRAFT MISSION AND PASTORAL MEASURE (GS 1740A)

Following debate, the Mission and Pastoral Measure was finally approved.

DRAFT CARE OF CATHEDRALS MEASURE (GS 1727A)

Following debate, the Care of Cathedrals Measure was finally approved.

Audio of legislative sessions above

PRIVATE MEMBERS' MOTION: VIOLENT COMPUTER GAMES (GS 1771A and GS 1771B)

Mr Thomas Benyon moved a motion, and following debate the motion was amended; and was carried by the Synod in the following amended form:

'That this Synod,

(a) express concern about the potentially desensitising and damaging effect upon children, young people and vulnerable adults of computer games containing gratuitous violent and sexual content;

(b) congratulate HM Government on the action it has taken to date in response to the Byron Review;

(c) call upon HM Government to continue to keep under review the regulatory system for advertising video games to prevent  the targeting of children, young people and vulnerable adults with unsuitable material;

(d) declare its support for all those, especially carers, working through research, education and public information, to prevent children, young people and vulnerable adults from being damaged by video and computer games and similar material; and

(e) request the MPA Division to continue to monitor developments in this area.'

Audio of session