The Church Representation Rules (Amendment) (No. 1) Resolution 2025
This resolution amends the Church Representation Rules to modify the election timetable for the House of Laity of the General Synod.
The election period is shortened to 100 days, various deadlines are now defined by a separate timetable, and provisions are added for an initial letter to voters, and for publishing the names of those who nominate candidates.
These changes aim to improve the efficiency and transparency of the election process.
Arguments For
Improved Efficiency: The reduction of the election period from three months to 100 days streamlines the process, saving time and resources.
Enhanced Transparency: The requirement to publish the names of nominators alongside candidates promotes transparency and accountability in the election process.
Clearer Procedures: Delegating specific time-related aspects to procedural rules under Rule 56 creates a more flexible and adaptable system, allowing for adjustments based on specific circumstances.
Improved Communication: The introduction of a mandatory initial letter to electors ensures better communication and participation in the election process.
Arguments Against
Potential for Reduced Participation: The shortened timeframe may hinder voter participation, particularly for those who require more time to engage with the election.
Increased Complexity: Delegating to procedural rules under Rule 56 increases the intricate complexity of the process, which could create more work for involved parties, and potentially obscure procedures.
Unforeseen Consequences of Time Adjustments: The amended timetable may have short-term or long-term consequences that were not fully considered, affecting the overall fairness and efficiency of electing officials.
Unexpected Legal Challenges: The specific amendments might be difficult to enforce or result in unintentional conflicts with existing legislation, causing legal challenges or disputes.
- Citation, commencement, application and interpretation (1) This Resolution may be cited as the Church Representation Rules (Amendment) (No. 1) Resolution 2025. (2) This Resolution comes into force the day after the day on which it is laid before Parliament. (3) This Resolution does not apply to an election held, or to be held, before the next dissolution of the Convocations of Canterbury and York for the purposes of the Church of England Convocations Act 19663. (4) A reference in this Resolution to a numbered Part or Rule is to the Part or Rule so numbered in the Church Representation Rules.
This section establishes the resolution's citation, effective date, applicability, and interpretation guidelines.
It clarifies that the resolution will be referred to as the 'Church Representation Rules (Amendment) (No. 1) Resolution 2025' and will take effect the day after parliamentary presentation.
The resolution does not govern elections occurring before the next dissolution of the Convocations of Canterbury and York.
The section finalizes that any referenced part or rule should be identified accordingly within the Church Representation Rules.
- Timetable for elections to House of Laity of General Synod (1) In Rule 52 (timing), in paragraph (1), for the words from “three months” to the end substitute “100 days beginning with the day on which the General Synod is dissolved. (2) In Rule 52, for paragraph (2) substitute— (2) The elections are to be carried out in each diocese in accordance with the timetable provided by rules under Rule 56; and a reference in these Rules to a date given in the timetable for the stage of an election is a reference to the date given for that stage of the election in accordance with that timetable. (3) In Rule 53 (presiding officer), after paragraph (5) substitute— (6) The presiding officer must, in accordance with rules under Rule 56, give each person entitled to vote in an election to the House of Laity in a diocese a letter which contains the matters specified in those rules. (4) In Rule 54 (entitlement to vote), in paragraph (5), for “at least 21 days before invitations to nominate are issued under Rule 55” substitute “by the date given in the timetable (which must be at least 21 days before the invitations to nominate are issued under Rule 55)”. (5) In Rule 54, in paragraph (6), for “within seven days of receiving the copy names and addresses” substitute “by the date given in the timetable (which must be within seven days of the date given in the timetable for the purposes of paragraph (5))”. (6) In Rule 54, in paragraph (8), for “no later than seven days before invitations to nominate are issued under Rule 55” substitute “no later than the date given in the timetable (which must be at least 14 days before the date given in the timetable for the issue of invitations to nominate under Rule 55)”. (7) In Rule 54, omit paragraphs (9) to (11). (8) In Rule 55 (nomination), in paragraph (2)— (a) after “each diocese” insert “, having taken into account the replies received to the letter sent by virtue of Rule 53(6),”, and (b) after “ensure that” insert “, on the date given in the timetable,”. (9) In Rule 55, in paragraph (4), for the words from the beginning to “28 days” substitute “The period for making nominations begins with the date given in the timetable and ends with the date given in the timetable; and that period must be at least 21 days”. (10) In Rule 55, after paragraph (5) insert— (6) The invitation to nominate must state that, if an election is held in which there are sufficient candidates to require a poll to be held and invitations to vote to be issued, the name of each person who has nominated a candidate will be published alongside the name of the candidate. (11) In Rule 55, after paragraph (6) (inserted by sub-paragraph (10) of this paragraph) insert— (7) Rules under Rule 56 must include provision for the inspection of the register of lay electors during the period within which nominations may be made. (12) In Part 11 (index of defined expressions), at the appropriate place insert— “date given in the timetable” Rule 52(2)”
This section details specific amendments to the Church Representation Rules concerning the election timetable for the House of Laity.
Key changes include reducing the election period (Rule 52), incorporating timetables from procedural rules (Rule 56), requiring a presiding officer to notify voters (Rule 53), and adjusting deadlines (Rule 54).
Also, it alters nomination procedures (Rule 55), specifying the publication of nominators’ names, and adds provisions for inspecting the elector register.
Lastly, it updates the index of defined expressions in Part 11.
Approved by the General Synod on 14th July 2025. A.S. McGregor Registrar of the General Synod
This section notes the General Synod's approval date (July 14, 2025) and includes the signature and title of the Registrar of the General Synod.
EXPLANATORY NOTE (This note is not part of the Resolution) This Resolution amends the Church Representation Rules as set out in Schedule 3 to the Synodical Government Measure 1969. The amendments relate to the timetable for elections to the House of Laity of the General Synod. Paragraph 2(1) changes the length of the elections period from three months to 100 days. Paragraph 2(2) and (12) enable the Church Representation Rules to make provision by reference to the election timetable set in the procedural rules under Rule 56. Paragraph 2(3) inserts a new element into the election process, namely a duty on the presiding officer to send all the electors an initial letter about the election process. Paragraph 2(8) is consequential on that. Paragraph 2(4) to (6) and (9) acknowledge that certain time limits will be set by the timetable in the procedural rules under Rule 56 rather than in the Church Representation Rules themselves. Paragraph 2(7) and (11) move the provisions about inspection of the register of electors from the Church Representation Rules to the procedural rules under Rule 56. Paragraph 2(10) requires each invitation to make a nomination to specify that the name of each person nominating a candidate will appear alongside the candidate’s name on the invitation to vote.
This explanatory note summarizes the resolution's amendments to the Church Representation Rules.
It highlights the key changes in the election timetable for the House of Laity, the introduction of a new initial letter requirement, and the shift of certain time limits and provisions to the procedural rules under Rule 56.
The note clarifies the purpose and impact of each paragraph within the resolution, essentially providing a non-legally binding summary of the changes.