So, General Synod can do whatever the heck it wants. Why bother having a Handbook?

Synod already has on the table the deferred resolution from 2004 (#4 from the CoGS report). The Primate’s Theological Commission has reported that the issue is a matter of doctrine, but adiaphora. A lot of people ASSUMED, when the St. Michael Report came out, that its conclusion required an amendment to Canon XXI or creation of a new canon on SSBs. But nowhere does the report say this. Indeed, a lot of other doctrinal issues (such as holy orders) are not covered in the canons. A canonical amendment would only be required to allow the marriage of same-sex couples (the process which would be set in motion by #5).

The 60% standard is totally made-up. But, I suspect the justification is, as Bishop Ingram imposed in New Westminster, that such a change should be supported by a substantial majority rather than just bare majority. That standard will come before Synod as a motion to suspend the rules of Synod, for the purposes of these resolutions, to require 60% rather than 50%+1 for passage. As I read the rule of procedure, that motion (not subject to debate) would require a 2/3rds vote. If it fails, the SSB questions would then require only 50%+1 to pass.

Based on voting and sentiment at GS2004 (assuming no major changes in the composition of delegations), at 50% the resolution will pass. At 60%, it could go either way, especially among the Bishops.

The whole thing is a sham. However, these resolutions were introduced by a lawyer who drafted them to be ‘legal’. There is enough interpretation room in our canons that all those motions could be passed, and would be binding.

Note there is no overt motion to change canons, only to pass a simple (nonsense) statement about consistency with core doctrine. Setting the 60% limit is within their authority (Synod can establish a higher bar through a vote, just not a lower bar). A legislative body receiving a report is under no obligation to adopt any of the conclusions of that report (stupid, but permitted).

The real mission out of COGS is to set Synod up to pass the local option resolution (deferred from 2004).