Synod focuses on poor

York

The Church of England’s General Synod, held July 6-10 at York, debated improving the health of the poor, the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, financial issues and reform of the House of Lords, according to the newspaper Church Times.

Synod approved a resolution calling for further government and church action to tackle the poor health of those on low incomes.

Concerning the crisis in many of Britain’s farm communities, synod called on the government to hold a consultation about the future of agriculture and a public inquiry into the causes of the foot-and-mouth outbreak, which has led to the killing of thousands of farm animals.

In financial discussions, synod debated a proposal to find an additional 12 million pounds a year to cover clergy pensions. Concerning the House of Lords, synod approved a resolution calling upon the government to ensure that bishops of the Church of England will continue to be able to contribute effectively to a reformed House of Lords.