12/02/2025
The General Synod of the Church of England has approved a major overhaul of the Church’s discipline process for clergy.
The new Clergy Conduct Measure (CCM) is a significant reform which will replace the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) 2003.
The new measure is designed to provide a clearer, more proportionate, and pastoral approach to clergy discipline, in response to concerns about the shortcomings of the existing system.
For over two decades, the CDM has provided the legal framework for handling serious complaints against clergy. However, it has been criticised for being overly legalistic, slow, and burdensome for both complainants and clergy. Originally designed to address serious misconduct, Synod heard that it had become a catch-all process for all complaints, often leading to undue stress and reputational damage for clergy facing minor grievances.
Synod heard that many clergy had found the CDM process punitive rather than pastoral, with slow investigations leaving clergy in limbo for months or even years.
Recognising the need for reform, the House of Bishops concluded in 2020 that a complete overhaul was necessary. The new CCM introduces a tiered approach to complaints, ensuring that different levels of concern are handled proportionately.
Under it, grievances will now be addressed locally through informal resolution, ensuring that minor issues do not escalate unnecessarily. Cases of misconduct will be investigated by a case assessor, with bishops imposing penalties where appropriate, while the most serious cases will be handled centrally by an independent Investigation and Tribunals Team.
The reforms also introduce a number of measures to improve fairness and efficiency. A new threshold test for suspensions will prevent unnecessary exclusions, while the abolition of ‘no further action’ decisions ensures that all complaints reach a clear outcome. A dedicated system for handling vexatious complaints, including the power to impose restraint orders, will help protect clergy from unjustified allegations. Clergy will also be able to self-refer concerns about their conduct, encouraging greater transparency.
Further changes include administrative sanctions for lower-level misconduct to avoid overly severe penalties, the reintroduction of deposition from Holy Orders in cases of serious misconduct, and an improved tribunal system with smaller, more efficient panels.
Moving the Measure at Synod, Canon Kate Wharton paid tribute to the work of the Steering and Revision Committees, particularly Geoffrey Tattersall, who chaired the Committee but who had sadly died in the weeks prior to the meeting of the Synod.
She described the new Measure as one that “balances accountability with pastoral care,” ensuring that “clergy and complainants alike can have confidence in the system.” She highlighted the importance of the changes in protecting clergy from vexatious complaints while ensuring that serious misconduct is dealt with robustly.
“Discipline is, by its very nature, a controversial area. Nobody likes to be disciplined. Clergy, especially those of us at the coal face of parish ministry, can be very vulnerable,” she said.
“The system must be fair, proportionate and above all based in good order – because without order there is chaos and with chaos there is no justice.
“Synod, for me to say that we need to implement these reforms seems like an understatement in light of recent events. The current system is sick and we need a healthier and wiser one to take us forward.
“I ask that you grant final approval to this Measure so the work of implementing these changes can begin.”
Prior to the final vote, a number of amendments were passed with the permission of His Majesty The King, applying the Measure to clergy who minister in Royal Peculiars such as Westminster Abbey, St George’s Windsor and the Chapels Royal.
The motion finalising the measure was approved with votes recorded as follows:
- Bishops: 25 for; 0 against; 0 abstained
- Clergy: 128 for; 0 against; 1 abstained
- Laity: 145 for; 0 against; 2 abstained
The Measure now goes forward for for its Parliamentary stages and Royal Assent, with Rules to be laid before the Synod in July, and a Code of Practice to be finalised thereafter. The new Measure could then come into operation from early 2026.