Proposing the motion to allow the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue explore issues of a common theology of baptism with different Christian traditions, the Bishop of Meath and Kildare said, 'We have become all obsessed with the problems of sharing together at the Lord's Table as different parts of the Body of Christ. But the other great Gospel sacrament - that of Holy Baptism - is one which we already share and it is after all this sacrament which makes us part of the Body of Christ and already unites us all within that Body'.

The motion states 'That the General Synod is of the view that the time is right for the different Christian traditions in Ireland to explore afresh together a common theology of baptism and to share insights concerning their baptismal discipline and practice'.

Seconding the motion, the Rev Canon Patrick Comerford (Dublin) said, 'Baptism makes us members of the body of Christ', therefore we must make, 'baptism as the impetus for our ecumenical dialogue'.

There were a number of contributions from the floor on various aspects of baptism, following which the motion was passed by Synod.

During the Commission for Christian Unity and Dialogue report, the Bishop of Clogher, Right Rev Michael Jackson also reminded synod members of the centenary of the 1910 Edinburgh Missionary conference. He asked that 'we mark 2010 imaginatively and constructively as a celebration of both mission and unity'.

Bishop Jackson added, 'I will reserve my deepest Alleluia! for the day when we have a full range of guests and partners from other World Faiths present at our General Synod as a matter of course'.

The Bishop of Meath concluded the report by saying that 'there is a danger of seeing ecumenical matters as something that we might decide to put aside in the face of current financial issues, but this would be disastrous'.

Members of General Synod used the opportunity to show their appreciation to the Archbishop of Dublin for his contribution in the Anglican Covenant Design Group.

The General Synod also received the report and motion of the Covenant Council, which seeks to change membership and co-options to the Anglican-Methodist group. In proposing the motion, Very Rev Nigel Dunne (Cork) highlighted the particular need for ecumenical canons in the Church of Ireland constitution

Finally a motion was put before Synod urging, 'the international community to intensify its efforts to facilitate dialogue between elected representatives of Israel and Palestine, in order to secure the internationally recognized territorial integrities of Israel and Palestine, and to ensure peace and justice for all the people of the region and a permanent cessation of hostilities'.

Proposing the motion Mr J Couchman (Cashel) said, 'Now that American Foreign Policy is taking a more diplomatic approach to Middle Eastern realities, the Churches are provided with a matchless opportunity to ensure that the Palestinian electoral process is recognised'.

Seconding the motion Mr A Gilbert (Cashel), said 'The Church must not be reduced to a talking shop. Our mission is to influence our political leaders, to strive where possible to bring the Sympathetic Christian Ethos to bear on all situations of conflict'.

Speaking on the motion, Dr Tim Jackson (Cork), said 'The trouble is that the mess is so complicated that you really need to think very carefully about what you are walking into'.

The motion was passed by General Synod.