Standing Committee & RB
Standing Committee News - November 2006
The Standing Committee of the General Synod met on Tuesday, 21st November 2006.
Anglican Consultative Council
The two Church of Ireland members of the Anglican Consultative Council may serve for six years or for three successive meetings. The term of the Rt Revd Michael Burrows, Bishop of Cashel and Ossory has now expired and the Standing Committee has elected the Rev Dr Maurice Elliott as his successor. Dr Elliott is rector of Shankill Parish in Dromore Diocese. The other Church of Ireland member is Ms Kate Turner, who may attend one further meeting.
Synodical Reform
In response to a resolution from the Diocesan Synod of Down and Dromore requesting the Standing Committee to bring forward legislation for more equitable representation on the General Synod, the Honorary Secretaries will prepare a Bill for the General Synod next year. The Bill will provide for diocesan representation based on the number of cures in each diocese. There have been many demographic changes in the Church of Ireland since Disestablishment.
Archdeaconry of Belfast
The Diocesan Synod of the Diocese of Connor sought the consent of the Standing Committee, for the establishment of three archdeaconries within the Diocese of Connor. As the consent of the Standing Committee is required in accordance with section 38(a) of Chapter II of the Constitution, the Standing Committee agreed to the establishment of the following archdeaconries:
- The Archdeaconry of Connor comprising the parishes contained within the Rural Deaneries of Antrim; Derriaghy and Lisburn;
- The Archdeaconry of Dalriada comprising the parishes contained within the Rural Deaneries of Ballymena; Carrickfergus and Coleraine;
- The Archdeaconry of Belfast comprising the parishes contained within the Rural Deaneries of North Belfast; Mid Belfast and South Belfast.
Review of Committees
The Honorary Secretaries of the General Synod are carrying out a review of committees with a view to establishing a structure that will support the Church efficiently for the next five to ten years. As part of this process, an interim report was considered at the recent meeting of the Standing Committee.
The Anglican Communion
The Archbishop of Armagh welcomed the Rev Canon KA Kearon, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, who was invited to address the Standing Committee on the proposed Anglican Covenant, as outlined in the Windsor Report 2004. Canon Kearon made an informative presentation and answered questions. This was very much appreciated by members of the Standing Committee.