REPORT ON WEDNESDAY'S BUSINESS
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from the Revd Gregg Ryan, Irish Correspondent of the Church
Times
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Morning session (Wednesday):
After hearing from the representatives
of the churches visiting the Synod, work continues at the
General Synod today as attempts are made to catch up on the order of
business.
This morning Bill 7 was discussed by Synod. The purpose of this
Bill was to establish Provincial Mediation Panels and to make
further provision concerning mediation in conflict resolution and
related matters.
Canon J.A.A. Condell, introducing the Bill, said, "In the
Church of Ireland from time to time there are clergy who for
whatever reason make life intolerable for their parishioners and
there are parishes which for whatever reason make life intolerable
for their clergy."
This Bill, if passed will enable the Church to establish
Mediation Panels in the two provinces of the Church of Ireland, one
for the Northern Province of Armagh and one for the Southern
Province of Dublin.
The Bill makes provision for the members of these Panels to be
appointed by the Diocesan Councils, on the nomination of the Bishop,
and comprise one ordained priest and one lay person from each of the
Dioceses in the Province. They shall receive training in
conflict resolution prior to taking up office.
The Bill was passed in principle but will require final approval
on Thursday.
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Afternoon session (Wednesday):
Synod business continued this afternoon in the O'Reilly Hall in
Dublin. Reports were received and accepted from the Pensions Board,
the Commission on Ministry and the Representative Body.
After lunch Synod began to discuss Motion number 3 in the names
of Mr. J.M.D. Couchman and the Revd Canon N.T. Ruddock. The Motion
stated:
"That this Synod will not allow the sale of the Palace
Kilkenny in the present climate of dissent within the United
Diocese, and in the light of the disenfranchisement of Ferns
Diocese."
After advice from the Archbishop's Assessor, Synod was advised
that from a legal perspective Synod had no authority to allow or
disallow the sale of the Palace Kilkenny. Only the legal owners, the
Representative Church Body, had that right.
However the Archbishop requested that Synod permit debate on the
Motion continue after it was amended to read,
"That this Synod would disapprove of the sale of the
Palace Kilkenny in the present climate of dissent."
This permission was given and the debate took place.
A vote was taken on the amended Motion. In favour 99, against
209. The amended Motion was lost.
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