Standing Committee & RB19 Nov 25

Standing Committee News

The Standing Committee of the General Synod met on Tuesday, 18th November 2025, in an online format.

The meeting was opened by Canon Malcolm Kingston with a Bible reading from Matthew chapter 7.

Canon Gillian Wharton delivered the report of the Honorary Secretaries. She noted the Church of Ireland census will commence in January 2026, and it will consist of the same online format as previous years.

The Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe proposed a motion that the Standing Committee write to President Connolly congratulating her on her recent election and inauguration as President of Ireland. It was agreed that the letter would be sent in both English and Irish.

The revision of the Dignity in Church Life Anti–Bullying and Harassment Policy was proposed by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe and was accepted by the Standing Committee.

Changes to the Church of Ireland Safeguarding policy were presented by Dr Niall Moore (RCB Safeguarding Manager for Policy and Training), and the Bishop of Clogher, and were also accepted. Terms of Reference for the new Safeguarding Case Management Committee were also given approval.

Canon Kingston delivered a progress report from the Clergy Tenure Working Group, which is expected to deliver its proposed recommendations to the Standing Committee in January 2026 before onward submission to the General Synod in May 2026

The Revd Carlton Baxter provided an update from the Church of Ireland Marriage Council which included some of its recent strategy days, and a forthcoming retreat for clergy couples.

Appointments

The Revd Dr Chris MacBruithin, on the proposal of the Bishop of Tuam, Limerick and Killaloe, was appointed as the representative to the Conference of European Churches (CEC).

The meeting closed with the Grace.