The General Synod of the Church of Ireland today debated a bill that seeks to permit the redrawing of the boundaries of rural deaneries so that they may transcend the boundaries of archdeaconries and dioceses within a united diocese.

At present a rural deanery must be made up of parishes within a single archdeaconry, and archdeaconries must not cross the boundaries of a diocese.

The Bill would allow the boundaries of a rural deanery to cross those of archdeaconries or dioceses that are under the jurisdiction of a single bishop.

Proposing the Bill, the Ven. Philip Patterson (Down) suggested that “the Bill would allow for meaningful cooperation in carrying out the Church’s mission.”

He went on to point out that united diocese that do not wish to avail of the reform will be under no obligation to do so. The Bill passed its first and second readings with no debate, and will undergo its third reading on Thursday 15th May.