Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Church: Slimmed-down Synod on the cards

Clare Garner
Monday 30 June 1997 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Proposals to cut the size of the General Synod of the Church of England by a third, and to radically overhaul the way in which the church's parliament works, were published yesterday. A report, Synodical Government in the Church of England: A Review, published by Church House, is the culmination of a four-year review chaired by Lord Bridge of Harwich. It recommends that the number of suffragan bishops elected to the House of Bishops should be reduced from nine to six and that the maximum size of the General Synod be reduced from 575 to 390.

The report's suggestions for the style and procedure of the General Synod, which have existed in their present form since 1970, include more imaginative use of prayer and quiet reflection and allowing the Synod to determine the frequency of its own meetings.

Synodical Government in the Church of England: A Review, pounds 5.95 from Church House Bookshop, 31 Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3BN. Tel: 0171 340 0276.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in