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General Synod – Summary of business conducted on Monday 6th February 2006

6 February 2006

 

INTRODUCTIONS

 

PRESENTATIONS

Presentation of the Prolocutor of the Convocation of Canterbury

Presentation of the Prolocutor of the Convocation of York

Presentation of the Chair and Vice Chair of the House of Laity

 

PROGRESS OF MEASURES AND STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS

 

APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRS OF THE APPOINTMENTS AND BUSINESS COMMITTEES

The Archbishop of Canterbury moved:

That the Revd Preb David Houlding (London) be appointed as chair of the Appointments Committee for a period ending on 28 February 2009.

That the Revd Preb Kay Garlick (Hereford) be appointed as chair of the Business Commitee for a period ending on 31 December 2010.

Both were carried.

 

REPORT BY THE BUSINESS COMMITTEE (GS 1603)

The Ven Alan Hawker (Bristol) moved the committee’s Report. Following questions, the Synod voted to take note of the Report.

The Synod agreed future dates for 2008, namely 4-8 July and 17-19 November (if required).

 

Audio of debate

 

 

ECUMENICAL RESPONSES TO WOMEN BISHOPS IN THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND? (GS Misc 807)

A presentation was given by Revd Dr Paul Avis, followed by contributions from Revd Prof Frances Young (Methodist Church), the Revd Anthony Milner (Roman Catholic Church) and the Revd Dr David Thompson (United Reformed Church). The Bishop of Rochester commented on these responses, followed by questions from Synod members.

 

Audio of session

 

 

 

 

PENSIONS ISSUES

A presentation was given by Mr Shaun Farrell, followed by questions.

 

Audio of session

 

 

ETHICAL INVESTMENT: Report by the Ethical Investment Advisory Group (GS 1604)

At the invitation of the Presidents, Mr John Reynolds (Chair of the EIAG) addressed the Synod.

The Bishop of Worcester moved the Report. The Synod voted to take note of the Report.

 

Mr Keith Malcouronne (Guildford) moved:

That this Synod:

(a) heed the call from our sister church, the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, for morally responsible investment in the Palestinian occupied territories and, in particular, to disinvest from companies profiting from the illegal occupation, such as Caterpillar Inc, until they change their policies;

(b) encourage the Ethical Investment Advisory Group to follow up the consultation referred to in its Report (GS 1604) with intensive discussions with Caterpillar Inc, with a view to its withdrawing from supplying or maintaining either equipment or parts for use by the state of Israel in demolishing Palestinian homes &c;

(c) in the light of the urgency of the situation, and the increased support needed by Palestinian Christians, urge members of the EIAG to actively engage with monitoring the effects of Caterpillar Inc's machinery in the Palestinian occupied territories through visiting the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East to learn of their concerns first hand, and to see recent house demolitions;

(d) urge the EIAG to give weight to the illegality under international law of the activities in which Caterpillar Inc's equipment is involved; and

(e) urge the EIAG to respond to the monitoring visit and the further discussions with Caterpillar Inc by updating its recommendations in the light of these.’

Following debate, the Synod carried the motion.

Synod voted against extending the time available for this debate.

 

Audio of session

 

The Archbishop of Canterbury dismissed the Synod with a blessing.