The Synod opened with the National Anthem and prayers for HM The Queen and for members of the Synod who were unwell.

INTRODUCTIONS

PROGRESS OF MEASURES AND STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS.

LOYAL ADDRESS

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dr Rowan Williams, moved:

'That this Synod congratulate most warmly Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her Diamond Jubilee and approve the submission to Her Majesty of a Loyal Address along the lines indicated in the Second Notice Paper.'

The motion was carried without debate.

REPORT BY THE BUSINESS COMMITTEE (GS 1849)

The Ven. Julian Henderson, Archdeacon of Dorking (Guildford)

(Acting Chair of the Business Committee) moved:

'That the Synod do take note of this Report.'

Following debate, the motion was carried unamended.

DATES OF GROUPS OF SESSIONS IN 2014-15 (GS 1849)

The Ven. Julian Henderson, Archdeacon of Dorking (Guildford)

(Acting Chair of the Business Committee) moved:

'That this Synod meet on the following dates in 2014-2015:

2014 Monday-Friday 10-14 February

Friday-Tuesday 11-15 July

Monday-Wednesday 17-19 November (contingency dates)

2015 Monday-Friday 9-13 February

Friday-Tuesday 10-14 July

Monday-Wednesday 23-25 November (inaugural group of sessions).'

Following debate, the motion was carried unamended.

APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENTS TO THE ARCHBISHOPS' COUNCIL (GS 1850)

The Archbishop of York moved:

'That the appointment of Mr Andrew Britton for a term ending on 30 September 2013 be approved.'

The motion was carried unamended.

The Archbishop of York moved:

'That the appointment of Miss Rebecca Swinson for a term ending

on 31 December 2016 be approved.'

The motion was carried unamended.

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PRIVATE MEMBER'S MOTION

INDEPENDENT COMMISSION ON ASSISTED DYING

(GS 1851A and GS 1851B)

Mrs Sarah Finch (London) moved:

'That this Synod express its concern that the Independent Commission on Assisted Dying is insufficiently independent to be able to develop proposals which will properly protect the interests of vulnerable and disabled people.'

Following debate and amendment, the motion was carried in the following form:

'That this Synod

a)      express its concern that the Independent Commission on Assisted Dying was insufficiently independent to be able to develop proposals which will properly protect the interests of vulnerable and disabled people;

b)      endorse the responses to the Commission on Assisted Dying referred to in paragraphs 7 and 8 of GS 1851B;

c)      affirm the intrinsic value of every human life and express its support for the current law on assisted suicide as a means of contributing to a just and compassionate society in which vulnerable people are protected; and

d)      celebrating the considerable improvement in the quality of care of the dying brought about by the hospice and palliative care movements and by the input of clinicians, clergy and others, encourage the Church's continued involvement in the wider agenda of the care of those approaching the end of their lives and the support of those caring for them.'

In a full count of the Synod, there voted in favour 284, against none, with four abstaining.

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QUESTIONS

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