A Bill seeking to have a Dignity in Church Life Charter formally adopted by the Church of Ireland passed its first and second stages at General Synod this afternoon (Thursday May 7). The Charter seeks to articulate the Church’s commitment to harmonious relationships in Church life with reference to the Christian principles underpinning those relationships. If approved by Synod, the Charter will be adopted and published throughout the Church.

The Bill also seeks to empower the Representative Body to develop policies, regulations and rules to give effect to the Charter and submit them to Standing Committee for approval. Policies and procedures under the Charter are currently being developed in three areas: dignity in Church life and the prevention of bullying and harassment; grievances of members of the clergy; and the management of long term illness of members of the clergy.

The Bill was proposed by the Bishop of Derry and Raphoe and Mr Kevin Bowers at the request of Standing Committee and the Representative Church Body.

In proposing the Bill, Bishop Ken Good said that the Bill was about improving the way people in the Church of Ireland related to each other by establishing a workable process of good practice. He said the Bill had two parts – a charter entitled ‘Dignity in Church Life’ which was a statement of Christian discipleship; and enabling legislation.

He said that the booklet was still a work in progress and said that the RCB would welcome submissions from members of Synod over the coming weeks.

Seconding the Bill, Mr Bowers outlined the process that had been undertaken in developing the charter over the last 18 months. He said the unique characteristics of the Church of Ireland were taken into consideration in adapting best practice policies for the Church: the policies must incorporate an understanding of the vocational nature of ministry and the needs of the clergy must be balanced with the needs of the Church. The policies must work within the existing structure of the Church and must comply with relevant civil legislation.

He said the policies were drafted at every stage to be in line with Gospel values.
They were intended to provide clarity and consistency of approach, across the Church, he added. The policies also incorporated best practice principles such as:
Natural Justice, Confidentiality, Prevention, Early Intervention & Local Intervention, Informal Procedures, Mediation and Reconciliation.

In the discussion on the Bill, the Bishop of Meath and Kildare added her voice in support to the draft policies.

Other points made in the discussion include:

• They represent best practice.
• Hope was expressed that the charter would assist in parish relationships and all the people in the Church of Ireland and would breed a culture of respect.
• The inclusion of people of all sexualities was welcomed.
• Concern was expressed about how some of the detail of the Bill would affect the people in the pew and their ability to raise concerns.

The Bill will receive its third reading on Saturday.

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