members of Synod are the Lay members of each Deanery Synod, so getting on that The workings of is the way to have a vote for the other s y n o d i c a l levels. government in the Church of England It is important to remember that the aren’t generally a hot measure was not actually about whether topic, but they sure the Church believes the office of bishop made headlines last should be open to women (we said yes to November when the that nearly 20 years ago) but about when General Synod and with what provision for those unable voted down a to accept this development we should measure to allow women to become move forward. A discussion of all those bishops. All of a sudden, everyone was factors is way beyond the scope of this asking, “What happened?” and “How can article. The July meeting of Synod will be this be, when 42 out of 44 dioceses were grappling with this issue again, but in a different way, a way involving facilitated in favour?” discussion groups rather than floor The answers are both complicated and debates. Let us hope and pray that a way simple. In brief, there was no “funny forward will be found. business” going on, but only the working out of different levels of decision-making The Revd. Canon Robbin Clark, Dean with different levels of agreement required. of Women Clergy Deanery, Diocesan and General Synods are each made up of three categories of Nick & Helen representatives (not delegates, and that’s important - all members are there to vote Sherwood according to their own conscience): Bishops, Clergy and Laity. On certain important issues, all the dioceses are asked to debate the measure and return their verdict before it can be considered Propose for final passage nationally. A “yes” putting on a requires a simple majority in each of the series of short (40 min) three categories of voter. This is where the Lunchtime concerts / recitals 42 out of 44 comes in. However, at General Synod a two-thirds majority is in required in each category for the measure to pass. In November, even though the overall support was closer to three quarters, it was only 64 per cent among on most Lay members. Thus, it failed.
The Diocesan Letter
Thursdays and Saturdays during July and August.
Many have wondered whether those votes accurately reflected opinion throughout the Church and how they could make their own voice heard. The electors for Lay 6