Motion Responding to GS 2019 Resolution C005 - Changing the Threshold for Required Votes by Orders

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A031

THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA
GENERAL SYNOD 2023
RESOLUTION

Resolution Number: A031

Subject: Motion Responding to GS 2019 Resolution C005 – Changing the Threshold for Required Votes by Orders

Moved By: Chancellor Canon David P. Jones, K.C.

Seconded By: The Ven. Alan T. Perry

Be it resolved that this General Synod:

Give First Reading to amend section 11 of the Declaration of Principles as follows:

in paragraph a) ii), the phrase “a two-thirds majority in each Order” be changed to “a two-thirds majority of the members with a majority in each Order”;
in paragraph b), the phrase “a two-thirds majority of each Order” be changed to “a two-thirds majority of the members with a majority in each Order”;
in paragraphs c) i) and ii), the phrase “a two-thirds majority in each Order” be changed to “a two-thirds majority of the members with a majority in each Order”.

Source: Governance Working Group

Submitted By: Governance Working Group

Does this motion contain within it any financial implications?

If yes, has the General Synod Expenditures Committee considered the implications?

Yes No

EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND

General Synod 2019 passed the following resolution:

Resolution C005—Constitutional Review (as amended)

Be it resolved that this General Synod:

Direct Council of General Synod to review the composition of the membership and the rules of order and procedure of General Synod and bring forward any recommended changes for consideration at the 2022 General Synod.

At the November 2021 meeting, the Council of General Synod directed the Governance Working Group to proceed with the steps necessary to implement the working group’s five proposals to respond to Resolution C005.

The proposed change is intended to make General Synod more nimble. It would make it somewhat easier to amend the Declaration of Principles, Constitution, and Canons dealing with discipline, worship and doctrine. The current requirement of two-thirds of each Order has the possibility that a small minority (one-third plus one) of any one Order could block a change, despite a majority of each Order as well as two-thirds of all of the members of General Synod being in favour.

PROCEDURE FOR ADOPTION

(A)

Section 11 a) ii) of the Declaration of Principles requires an amendment to the Declaration of Principles to be approved by a two-thirds majority in each Order voting at two successive sessions of General Synod.

Note: This type of amendment to the Declaration of Principles must also be referred to all diocesan and provincial synods for consideration (not consent) after first approval by General Synod.

Resolution A031