Press Releases
CLOGHER SYNOD REQUESTS REFORM OF GENERAL SYNOD
The Clogher Diocesan Synod has requested the reform of the Church of Ireland General Synod, particularly in regard to 'the present serious imbalance' in representation.
At the meeting of the Synod, held in Enniskillen, Precentor Brian Courtney, rector of Enniskillen, proposed the motion, "This Synod supports the Standing Committee's recent decision to review the workings of General Synod and trusts that every effort will be made to correct the present serious imbalance in General Synod representation. We give ourselves the task of looking at our own election procedures with the aim of increasing the participation of this Diocese in the meetings of General Synod. The Diocesan Secretaries are requested to communicate this motion to Standing Committee."
In proposing this motion, he outlined the reasons behind it: "Over the last 130 years there have been tremendous population changes within our Church. People have moved from the south and west and among other things this has resulted in General Synod no longer being truly representative of our Church. It is grossly unrepresentative.
"General Synod is the supreme legislating authority of our Church and makes laws which affect the whole Church. It is the only body which can alter the worship or doctrine of our Church. Only General Synod can express the opinion of the Church of Ireland, and, as presently constituted, it is far from being representative.
"It is unfair that some parts of our Church are over-represented and other parts are under-represented. It is an even more serious indictment of General Synod that knowing it is undemocratic it has refused to reform itself.
"In passing this resolution you are giving your support to those who would seek to see that the most important body in our Church is more truly representative of our Church, and more able to speak with integrity in the name of our Church."
Seconding the motion, Mr. J.J. Irvine spoke of the need to ensure greater participation in General Synod by representatives from Clogher.
In the ensuing debate, many speakers spoke in favour of the motion, while those opposing it highlighted the need to have adequate representation by area also, particularly in the south and west, and spoke about how well the present system worked in providing 'balance'.
The motion was passed by 64 votes to 13.
Further information from:
THE DIOCESAN COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
The Rectory
Knockarevan
Garrison
Co. Fermanagh
BT93 4AE
Tel: (028) 6865 8372
Fax: (0709) 2073480
Email:Clogher Diocesan Communications Officer
DCO: The Revd Bryan Kerr