General Synod
The General Synod of the Church of England consists of the diocesan bishops, and representative clergy and laity from each diocese of the Church of England.The Bishop of Ely is a member of the House of Bishops, and the clergy and the lay members of Deanery Synods respectively elect three clergy and three laity every five years. The most recent election was held in 2005 when the following were elected:
- Mrs Gill Ambrose
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- The Ven John Beer
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- The Revd Canon Alan Hargrave
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- Dr Peter Harland
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- The Revd Rhiannon Jones
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- Dr Elaine Storkey
In addition, the University of Cambridge elects a representative:
- The Revd Duncan Dormor
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The Synod discusses national business and concerns. It can amend the Canon Law of the Church of England, and it can pass Measures which after receiving parliamentary approval and the royal assent have the full force of English law.
Official reports, agenda and other papers of the General Synod can be found on the General Synod website.
In addition the Ely representatives report back to the diocese after each meeting of the General Synod. These unofficial reports are placed here for the information of people in the diocese, and especially for Deanery Synod members who elect the members of the General Synod.
Synod Reports
Amending Canon 28 helps Ecumenical Partnerships
Amending Canon 28
Until recently, any Ecumenical church which was also a parish had to hold Anglican Eucharists, presided over by an Anglican priest, at all the major Christian festivals.
This meant, for example, that at Cambourne, brilliantly led by Peter Wood, a Church of Scotland minister, they were required to invite Anglican priest from elsewhere to celebrate communion at Christmas, Easter, Pentecost etc - something none of our ecumenical partners demanded.
Because of this, some years ago, Bourn Deanery sent a motion to Ely Diocesan Synod, which then sent it to General Synod, asking that this requirement be changed. The process for changing the Canons is not a speedy one, but, in July, the new Canon, enabling the Bishop, together with the local church, to decide what is appropriate in terms of provision of Anglican Eucharists, came into force.
Amending Canon 28 wording
The new ‘Amending Canon 28’ was displayed in all its glory at Synod.
Amending Canon 28 waxseal
It will now be kept in the ‘Seal Sanctuary’ at Church House! More importantly, we can rejoice that another small but important step has been taken to promote the sorts of creative ecumenical mission initiatives which our Diocese has helped pioneer.
Alan Hargrave, Canon Missioner and member of General Synod