The Covenant relationship between the Church of Ireland and the Methodist Church is a vital expression of each tradition’s ongoing mission, members of General Synod heard today (Friday May 8).
The Board of Education of the General Synod has expressed its deep concern for the welfare of principals, teachers, staff and governors due to the state of funding in education in Northern Ireland. Proposing the report of the Board of Education (NI) at General Synod today, the Revd Catherine Simpson highlighted a recent report which stated that 91% of teachers, including principals, were stressed, anxious and near burnout.
The wide range of achievements of the Representative Church Body during 2025 were highlighted to members of General Synod meeting in Newcastle, County Down, this morning (Friday May 8). Proposing the report of the RCB, Hilary Prentice, chairperson of the RB Executive said there was much to be thankful for as the RCB continues to strive towards delivering on its strategic priorities for the Church.
A Bill which seeks to introduce 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 was presented at General Synod on Thursday afternoon. Discussions on 13 amendments to the Bill took place on Friday morning.
Where money and resources are committed to youth work, it can be seen to flourish. So said President of the Church of Ireland Youth Department (CIYD) Bishop Pat Storey, when she proposed the report of CIYD to members of General Synod today.
A Bill to amend Chapter XVI of the Constitution in relation to safeguarding was presented to General Synod this afternoon (Thursday May 7).
A Bill which seeks to provide 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 was introduced at General Synod this afternoon (Thursday May 7).
A Bill which seeks to amend aspects of the clergy disciplinary process outlined in Chapter VIII of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland was presented to members of General Synod this afternoon (Thursday May 7).
General Synod 2026 will deal with three Bills associated with Clergy Tenure. The Bills arise from the work of the Clergy Tenure Working Group, which was established as a select committee following Synod of 2023 and later became a working group. The group’s chairperson, Honorary Secretary of Synod, Canon Malcolm Kingston this afternoon outlined the group’s processes in drafting the Bills.