A Change of Preferred Style at General Synod

Synod spent more than ten minutes yesterday debating the merits of including 'post-nominal letters' on the voting papers when the new Synod is elected next year.

Lay member, Mr Sam Margrave, had put down an amendment to the Church Representation Rules, which govern these elections. He wanted to create "a fair and level playing field" and was concerned that allowing people to include their qualifications and awards in this way, "introduces unconscious bias, nudges voters towards candidates who appear more qualified, or important, and how many letters do you allow?"

Mr Clive Scowen, a lawyer who was proposing the adoption of post-nominal letters on behalf of the Elections Review Group, explained why the change had been made,

"Well, the elections review group spent a surprising amount of time talking about postnominal letters and which ones would be all right and which ones wouldn't. We came to the conclusion in the end that we should leave candidates free to put down what they want. This provision replaces something that used to say that people could indicate their 'preferred style'. And um this caused endless confusion."

It certainly did - particularly as Mr Scowen is renowned at General Synod for his particular 'preferred style' - as can be seen in the photos above.

The Revd Mark Miller, who works in one of the most deprived parishes in England, warned that, "... two of the chief dangers facing the Church of England are educationalism and elitism," and in the end his view prevailed.

So, sadly readers who are considering standing for election next year won't need too dig out their old qualifications - which is a shame because some of the post-nominals suggested by current members later in the debate might have been helpful as people made their choices.

"Rev Mark Miller, BSC SSC. It stands for bronze swimming certificate and silver swimming certificate."

"Mr Jason Clark, FBSL - which stands for former Beaver Scout leader."

It had been a long day!