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UK News

CofE set to discuss tougher abuse measures

by Hannah Tooley

It's one of the issues set for next month's General Synod next month.

Members will also get the opportunity to discuss the environment and how children can be involved in the leading of communion.

Also on the agenda is debates surrounding church buildings, how to make the Church more representative and fasting.

The Synod will take place from Friday 10th July until Monday 13th July and it is the final meeting of the current Synod before the elections of the new group take place over summer.

On Friday the agenda for the meeting was published with William Fitall, the Secretary General of the current Synod, stressing the environment was a big issue and will be high up on the Church's agenda.

He said the Church of England is reviewing its investment policies and encouraging ministers to train in 'eco-theology'.

Mr Fitall said the Synod had a duty to be "topical" and "outward looking" with regards to the environment over the next five year term.

Alexander McGregor, Deputy Legal Advisor, spoke about safeguarding legislation within the Church. He said the Synod will be debating potential new powers including checks being made similar to that for staff working in schools or hospitals.

He emphasised that the budget for safeguarding has increased dramatically from around £44,000 to around £500,000.

Any person in the Church undergoing risk assessment will be checked and the refusal of a check can be counted as misconduct.

There will be new rules surrounding misconduct and the current one year out of service rule following a misconduct case will be replaced by a law which means that those involved in sexual misconduct cases will no longer be able to serve.

If passed there will also be the installation of quality assurance during these checks and a right of appeal for anyone accused of misconduct.

Mr McGregor also spoke about how the right to take part in the leading of Holy Communion could be given to children.

He stressed that this would apply mainly in schools where children might be leading assemblies or worship, and said that it would be age-appropriate so children understand the process.

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