The Bills which passed their first and second stages on Thursday received their third and final readings today.

A Bill seeking to have a Dignity in Church Life Charter was formally adopted by members of Synod. A connected Bill aimed at extending the provisions of the Constitution of the Church of Ireland in relation to the permanent incapacity of members of the clergy on medical grounds also received its third reading. A third Bill seeking to broaden access to the Church of Ireland’s Severance Fund also passed its final stage.

A Bill aimed at facilitating compliance with the charities acts which are being implemented by the Government of Ireland and the Northern Ireland Executive passed its final stage.

Also receiving its third reading was the bill seeking to amend the management of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, to make provision for a second archdeaconry in the Diocese of Armagh.

The Bill formalising the setting up of two distinct Clergy Defined Contribution Pension Schemes (one for Northern Ireland and one for the Republic of Ireland) has also passed its final stage this morning.

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