Procedure relative to voting by the bishops at meetings of the General Synod is in accordance with the provisions contained in the following sections of Chapter I of the Constitution:
20. If at any time the bishops express their wish to consider separately any matter in debate, the further discussion of that matter shall be postponed until the bishops shall have had the opportunity of so doing.
21. The bishops shall vote separately from the representatives, and no question shall be deemed to have been carried unless there be in its favour a majority of the bishops present, if they desire to vote, and a majority of the clerical and lay representatives present voting conjointly or by orders: Provided always, that if a question affirmed by a majority of the clerical and lay representatives present and voting, conjointly or by orders, but in favour of which there shall not be a majority of the bishops, shall be re–affirmed at the next ordinary session of the General Synod, by not less than two–thirds of the clerical and lay representatives present and voting conjointly or by orders, it shall be deemed to be carried, unless it be negatived by not less than two–thirds of the then members of the House of Bishops, the said two–thirds being present and voting, and giving their reasons in writing.
22. The bishops shall not vote until after the declaration of the votes of the clerical and lay representatives. If they desire to vote, the bishops may withdraw from the General Synod for that purpose, and may reserve the declaration of their vote until the following day.
Appointment to the Chair
Procedure relative to the appointment to the Chair at meetings of the General Synod is in accordance with the provisions contained in the following section of Chapter I of the Constitution:
18.The President may exercise discretion in inviting any member of the House of Bishops to take the Chair for such period during a session as the President may determine; and the person so taking the Chair shall have, and may exercise, all the powers and functions conferred by Standing Orders on the President.
Venue for the meeting of the General Synod
In the Standing Orders of the General Synod the expression ‘Synod Hall’, wherever it occurs, shall be deemed to include the room in any building in which, for the time being, the General Synod of the Church of Ireland is meeting in Ordinary or in Special Session.