Day 3
Bills Pass Final States on Last Day of General Synod
Four Bills which were presented to General Synod 2026 passed their final stages and were enacted this morning on the final day of synod.
Bill No 1 amends aspects of the clergy disciplinary process outlined in Chapter VIII of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland. It was enacted with one amendment.
Bill No 2 provides clarity and compassion by aligning Constitutional provision and Dignity in Church Life financial provision for when clergy find themselves in a situation where they cannot continue in ministry due to long term ill health. It was enacted with one amendment to remove commas.
Bill No 3 introduces a mechanism to address situations where “an intractable breakdown of relationships” has occurred between an incumbent and members of his or her parish through no particular fault of either party. The Bill was enacted with amendments.
Bill No 4 fell before Synod began.
Bill No 5 amends Chapter XVI of the Constitution in relation to safeguarding to remove reference to specific policies so that the Constitution does not become out of date. It was enacted with an amendment.