Diocesan Synod Motions

… to move on behalf of Southwell & Nottingham Diocesan Synod:

‘That this Synod urge the National Church Institutions and Church Buildings Council to use their influence to press for:

1. a reduction in the financial burden of VAT on churches through the continued funding of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPofWGS) and a broadening of the criteria for eligible expenditure together with a reduction in the administrative burden to access the LPofWGS with a simplified application process;
2. an intentional briefing, and greater understanding by, the local representatives of Historic England and the amenity societies of the mission and ministry objectives of the Church of England, and;
3. money to be made available from nationally held funds to assist churches to make reasonable adjustments to provide basic facilities for the comfort of worshippers and visitors.’

May 2022

… to move on behalf of Chelmsford Diocesan Synod:

‘That this Synod request that General Synod request the Archbishops' Council to carry out a review to consider:

1. the possibility of drawing up a Code of Conduct for PCC members and lay volunteers,
2. the issues required to put in place a disciplinary process for their removal from the PCC in cases where this is not followed,
3. the resources required at national, diocesan and parish level to bring this about.'

June 2022

… to move on behalf of Canterbury Diocesan Synod:

‘That this Synod:

     a.   request that the number of candidates presented for confirmation should be recorded, so they could be used by parishes, 
           deaneries or dioceses as one of their measures if they so desired; and
     b.   support the recording of confirmations, alongside baptisms, weddings and funerals in the annual Statistics for Mission online return.

September 2023

... to move on behalf of London Diocesan Synod:

'That this Synod, in the light of the motion passed at the February 2022 Group of Sessions relating to the persecuted Church (i.e. item 18 on the Agenda, as amended), request the Archbishops' Council to work ecumenically with other churches to establish a national day of prayer and action for the persecuted Church around the world'

August 2022

… to move on behalf of Sheffield Diocesan Synod:

‘That this Synod, mindful that the fourth Mark of Mission of the Anglican Communion is to “transform unjust structures of society”,

1. note the major contribution to social welfare being made by the churches and others in the provision of food banks
2. note with concern that levels of dependence on food banks have been increasing and that inflation is making the situation even worse
3. believe that this dependence reflects serious inadequacies in the social security system
4. note that the Trussell Trust has said: 'we stand on the edge of a precipice with a clear decision to make: either we accept food banks as a 'new normal' or we work to create a more dignified, compassionate and humane society where everyone has enough money for essentials'
5. welcome the Chancellor’s intervention to help the least well-off households with their energy bills but note this will not remove the problem of increased dependency on foodbanks
6. call on the House of Bishops to urgently engage with HM Government, in particular the Secretary of State, to press it to review the adequacy of current social security provision.'

January 2023

… to move on behalf of the Oxford Diocesan Synod:

‘That this Synod, mindful of the deep economic effects of the pandemic, the impacts of new technology, and the global rise of new forms of working:

1. affirm the dignity and value of purposeful work as a significant component of human flourishing
2. endorse and commend the five principles used for evaluating fair and dignified platform work in the gig economy by fair work and
3. call for the Faith and Order Commission (FAOC) together with Mission and Public Affairs Committee to advise on what is essential to purposeful, dignified, and fair work in the context of the fourth industrial revolution now in progress.’

March 2021

…to move on behalf of the Carlisle Diocesan Synod:

‘That this Synod:

1. endorse the “Cry for Hope” expressed by Palestinian Christians and the ‘Global Kairos for Justice’ coalition (GKfJ);
2. request that the Faith and Order Commission produce a report which analyses and refutes any theological justifications, for example, those promoted by some Christian Zionists, for the oppression of Palestinians;
3. instruct the Ethical Investment Advisory Group to provide guidance to the National Investing Bodies (NIBs) and Dioceses that will enable them to screen their investments and thereby make decisions regarding engagement with, and divestment from, companies which profit from the occupation.’

March 2021

… to move on behalf of London Diocesan Synod:

That this Synod request the Archbishops’ Council to lay a draft order before the Synod to amend the Parochial Fees and Scheduled Matters Amending Order 2019 so that a fee payable to the parochial church council is prescribed in respect of funeral services that take place at crematoria and cemeteries to reflect the contribution made by parishes in support of such services.

November 2022

…. to move on behalf of Winchester Diocesan Synod:

‘That this Synod request that the Archbishops’ Council lay before it for approval draft Regulations amending the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations 2009 so that an office holder is entitled to not less than 36 hours (a day and a half) of rest in any period of seven days, to include an uninterrupted rest period of not less than 24 hours, but so that the statement of particulars of office may continue to specify that any rest period may not be taken on or include a Sunday or any or all of the principal Feasts of the Church of England or Ash Wednesday or Good Friday.’

April 2023

… to move on behalf of Lichfield Diocesan Synod:

That this Synod request that the Archbishops Council:

1. review current legislative provision dealing with disqualification from holding office on a PCC or synod constituted under the Church Representation Rules;
2. consult the National Safeguarding Team on appropriate safeguarding measures;
3. bring forward proposals to amend the Church Representation Rules and other relevant legislation to allow checks to be made as to the eligibility of individuals to hold office on a PCC or synod; and
4. bring forward legislation to provide a robust and effective means for preventing those who are disqualified on safeguarding or other grounds from being elected to, or holding, office.’

April 2022