PROCEEDINGS IN THE GENERAL SYNOD
17. At the February 2011 group of sessions the
Measure was considered by the General Synod at First Consideration
Stage. It was committed to a Revision Committee. The General Synod
also gave its consent for the Code of Practice to be amended with
immediate effect, the most significant changes being in response
to concerns about the exercise of a bishop's pastoral functions.
18. The Revision Committee met in October 2011.
The Chair was the Venerable Richard Atkinson, Archdeacon of Leicester,
now Bishop of Bedford. The Measure was subject to detailed revision
and significant amendments were made, particularly in relation
to provision about membership or involvement in organisations
that are incompatible with the Church's teaching on race equality.
19. At Revision Stage before the General Synod
in February 2012 only one amendment was moved. It would have had
the effect of removing altogether the provision relating to membership
or involvement in incompatible organisations. The amendment received
little support and lapsed when fewer than 40 members stood to
indicate a desire that it be further debated.
20. At Final Drafting stage in July 2012, two
special amendments (dealt with in paragraphs 123 to 126) were
made, in addition to a number of drafting amendments. The Final
Approval Stage immediately followed Final Drafting.
Ayes Noes
Bishops 22 0
Clergy 90 0
Laity 100 2
21. No abstentions were recorded in the House
of Bishops or in the House of Clergy. There was one recorded
abstention in the House of Laity.
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