EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Resolution of the General Synod of the Church of England, which was passed in accordance with section 7(1) of the Synodical Government Measure 1969, makes amendments of the Church Representation Rules contained in Schedule 3 to that Measure. These changes include:—

(a)

the amendment of the procedure for approving parochial schemes;

(b)

increasing from two to three the number of lay religious to be elected to the General Synod;

(c)

the adjustment of the total number of laity elected to the General Synod;

(d)

the disqualification of certain employees of the Church from standing for election to the General Synod;

(e)

the inclusion on the voting paper of a candidate's year of birth when standing for election to the General Synod;

(f)

the abolition of the diocesan electoral commission for the hearing of appeals and its replacement by the clergy or lay members (as appropriate) of the bishop's council and standing committee; and

(g)

a provision that a casual vacancy shall remain unfilled until the next general election if not filled within six months of the vacancy occurring.