The Church Representation Rules (Amendment) Resolution 2023

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Resolution)

This Resolution amends the Church Representation Rules as set out in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969.

Paragraph 2 provides that where, at an annual parochial church meeting, the number of candidates for the election of parochial representatives of the laity does not exceed the number of places to fill, anybody entitled to attend the meeting may seek a vote to confirm the election of each candidate. If the resolution is passed by a simple majority, a vote is held, in the case of each candidate, on whether that candidate should be elected.

Paragraph 3 requires a person elected as a parochial representative of the laity to make a declaration that the person is not disqualified under the Church Representation Rules, by virtue of being an employee of the National Church Institutions, being included in barred list under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, being convicted of a violent offence against a child or being disqualified as a charity trustee. A failure to make such a declaration would result in the person losing his or her seat.

Paragraph 4 makes a minor drafting improvement to Form M1, the form used to give notice of the annual parochial church meeting, by ensuring consistency in the references to the fabric report under section 50 of the Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2018.