Guidelines for the Resolutions Committee

It is the responsibility of the Resolutions Committee (the “committee”):

1. to receive, and prepare for debate, resolutions proposed for the consideration of the Synod;
2. to ensure that proposed resolutions contain clear and concise statements of what is intended by the sponsors;
3. to consolidate, and, if necessary, reword resolutions which deal with the same subject, after consultation with the sponsors;
4. generally to ensure that the resolutions do not contradict the resolutions procedures which form part of these guidelines;
5. to prepare and present a list of proposed ‘no-debate’ motions (see revised Rules of Order and Procedure, section 12);
6. to reject, or return for amendment, any resolution it considers to be outside the jurisdiction of the General Synod.

Resolutions Procedures

1. The text of all resolutions not already in the Convening Circular (except those of a procedural or courtesy nature, or that arise in the course of debate) shall be written on the prescribed form and submitted to the General Secretary by 30 June 2023. (please see paragraph l., below)
2. As soon as practicable the General Secretary will transmit the text of the resolutions to the committee for consideration before being put to the Synod.
3. The Chair of the Resolutions Committee will assign a number to each resolution, and will place them in priority according to their source in this order:
   • A resolutions from within the General Synod itself – Standing or Coordinating Committees, Councils and Commissions
   • B resolutions from ecclesiastical provinces and dioceses;
   • C resolutions from members of General Synod.
   • and will assign a sequential post-script to identify each successive amendment to the resolution (example: Resolution A123, Resolution A123-R1, Resolution A123-R2, and so on).
4. The committee shall not debate the merits of any proposed resolution, but will ensure that it contains a clear and concise statement of what is proposed.
5. Preambles (i.e., “Whereas” etc.) are not permitted in General Synod resolutions. Any resolution presented to the committee may be accompanied by an explanatory note setting forth the consideration leading to the proposal. This note will not form part of the resolution.
6. The committee is authorized to consolidate and, if necessary, re-word resolutions which deal with the same subject, with the understanding that, in doing so, the committee will consult with the sponsors of the resolutions.
7. The sponsors of any resolution which is recommended for change by the committee must be consulted and asked for their agreement to the change(s) proposed. The consultation may take place prior to the commencement of General Synod 2023, and may take place in person, by email, or any other means of communication. If agreement cannot be reached, the committee has authority to present its version, and the sponsors will have the opportunity to propose any amendments they believe desirable.
8. The committee may substitute either or both of the sponsors of a resolution who does not become a member of General Synod 2023.
9. No motion or notice of motion (except one of a procedural or a courtesy nature) will be received after the 30 June 2023 deadline, except with the consent of a two-thirds majority of the Synod.
10. Any resolution which requires the expenditure of funds, the source of which has not been identified prior to the Synod session (Handbook, Rules of Order and Procedure 15b) shall be referred to the Expenditures Committee by the General Secretary or the Chair of the Resolutions Committee.
11. Resolutions, which are received after the printing of the Convening Circular will be dealt with in the order in which they are received or at the discretion of the Agenda Committee.
12. NOTE: Notice of any motion that would enact a Canon or amend the Declaration of Principles, Constitution or existing Canon must be received by 15 May 2023 so that it can be transmitted to members of General Synod at least 30 days before the meeting of General Synod (Revised Rules of Order and Procedure, section 11)
13. Published resolutions will have the following format:
    1. Heading including correctly assigned numbering
    2. Subject
    3. Mover and Seconder
    4. “Be it resolved that this General Synod…”
    5. Source
    6. Submitted by:
    7. Explanatory Note/Background
    8. Procedure for adoption

Adopted by the Council of General Synod, March 2023