'That this Synod, in recognition of the Coalition Government's interest in partnering with voluntary organisations in building local communities and the Church of England's successful existing partnership role in the provision of education throughout England, request the Archbishops' Council to:

(a) acknowledge and celebrate all those within the Church who are currently involved in building better neighbourhoods, in either diocesan, deanery or parish bodies, other agencies or an individual capacity, and request their support in the development of new partnerships with government;

(b) establish a dialogue with the government and other Churches to explore the potential for new partnerships in a variety of respects, affirming the work already undertaken in this respect as set out in GS1804;

(c) undertake a feasability study with benefactor funding and in association with other Churches and Christian agencies prepare business templates for various options which could be used by dioceses and others who choose to make such partnerships a reality in their local area without delaying while progress with 'Near Neighbours' is assessed, in view of the severe economic circumstances and the government's need for action; and

(d) report to General Synod as soon as such a feasability study has been completed or during 20102, whichever is sooner.'

The motion was carried.

Audio of session

QUESTIONS

58 questions were submitted by members of the Synod. The text of these questions, alongside the written responses, will be available here within the next week or so.

Audio of session, including supplementary questions raised by the members

These brief summaries are offered primarily for reference while the General Synod is in session. The formal record of the Synod's business at each sitting during the November 2010 group of sessions can be found in the 'Business Done' (once available here, a few days after the Synod concludes its business), which includes details of unsuccessful amendments to motions and other significant information offering a fuller picture of the Synod's business.