CANON 9: OF THE BISHOP’S VETO IN THE SYNOD OF HIS DIOCESE

The Bishop’s Veto in his Synod

1 The Bishop of the Diocese shall possess the right Veto upon all Acts and Resolutions of the Synod of his Diocese, subject, however, as hereinafter provided.

2 If the Bishop of the Diocese shall dissent from any Act or Resolution of the Synod of his Diocese which is passed by a majority of less than two-thirds of those present, such Act or Resolution shall be void and of no effect.

3 If the Bishop of the Diocese shall dissent from any Act or Resolution of the Synod of his Diocese which is passed by a majority of two-thirds or more of those present, the Bishop shall express his intention of exercising his veto or the possibility that he may do so, and thereafter separate votes of the House of Laity and the House of Clergy shall be taken on the said Act or Resolution. If the Act or Resolution is then passed by majorities of not less than two-thirds of those present in the House of Laity and two-thirds of those present in the House of Clergy, and is thereafter vetoed by the Bishop of the Diocese, the Dean or Senior Priest present (if thereto empowered by resolution of the aforesaid Clergy and Laity), shall appeal against the Bishop’s decision to the Metropolitan (or Dean of the Province) and Diocesan Bishops, who shall hear and determine the matter in Synod. And if the Diocesan Bishops shall override the Bishop’s veto, the said Bishop shall promulge the Act or Resolution in his Diocese without delay, and it shall have the same force and effect from and after that date as if it had been promulged in the Diocesan Synod.