Report on business from the General Synod at Church House Westminster, Friday 13 February 2009.

The February Group of Sessions of the General Synod concluded today with two debates.

The first was on the plight of asylum seekers in the UK, to ensure that they are treated with justice and compassion.  Specifically there was  call to confer the right to work on all asylum seekers, to have an amnesty on the ‘legacy cases’ predating the most recent changes and to end the detention of children.  This motion was passed with one vote against.

The second debate was a resolution to ensure that Church bodies could take into account environmental issues in respect of property transactions. At present in line with charitable properties there is a requirement to act to maximise the benefit of the charity, ie get the best price.  Clearly any change would introduce a considerable element of subjectivity and the motion was defeated by a narrow margin.

After farewells the Synod was prorogued.