Clergy Discipline Measure 2003

3 Clergy Discipline Commission

(1) There shall be a body (to be called the Clergy Discipline Commission) consisting of not more than twelve persons appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Church of England including at least—

(a) two persons from each House of the General Synod;

(b) two persons who have either a seven years general qualification within the meaning of the Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (c. 41) or who have held or are holding high judicial office or the office of Circuit judge.

(2) The Appointments Committee shall, after consultation with the Dean of the Arches and Auditor, appoint a member of the Commission to be the chairman of the Commission and also a member to be the deputy chairman, being members who have the qualifications referred to in subsection (1)(b) above.

(3) The Commission shall exercise the functions conferred on it by this Measure and in addition shall have the following duties—

(a) to give general advice to disciplinary tribunals, the courts of the Vicars-General, bishops and archbishops as to the penalties which are appropriate in particular circumstances;

(b) to issue codes of practice and general policy guidance to persons exercising functions in connection with clergy discipline;

(c) to make annually to the General Synod through the House of Bishops thereof a report on the exercise of its functions during the previous year.