5(1)A motion for the final approval of any Measure or Canon shall not be deemed to be carried unless, on a division by Houses, it receives the assent of the majority of the members of each House present and voting:E
Provided that by permission of [F1the chair] and with the leave of the General Synod given in accordance with Standing Orders this requirement may be dispensed with.
(2)All other motions of the General Synod shall, subject as hereinafter provided, be determined by a majority of the members of the Synod present and voting, and the vote may be taken by a show of hands or a division:
Provided that, except in the case of a motion relating solely to the course of business or procedure, any 25 members present may demand a division by Houses and in that case the motion shall not be deemed to be carried unless, on such a division, it receives the assent of the majority of the members of each House present and voting.
[F2(3)This Article shall be subject to any provision of this Constitution or of any Measure with respect to special majorities of the Synod or of each House thereof, and where a special majority of each House is required the vote shall be taken on a division by Houses, and where a special majority of the whole Synod is required, the motion shall, for the purposes of this Article, be one relating solely to procedure.]
[F3(4)Without prejudice to Article 11(1) below, where a vote is to be taken by a division either of the whole Synod or by Houses, Standing Orders may provide for the vote to be taken either by physical separation of the members voting or by other means including such electronic method of voting as may from time to time be determined by the Business Committee.]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in Sch. 2 Art. 5(1) substituted (16.3.2020) by Church of England (Miscellaneous Provisions) Measure 2020 (No. 1), ss. 14(3), 16(2) (with s. 16(8))
F2Article 5(3) substituted by Synodical Government (Special Majorities) Measure 1971 (No. 1, SIF 21:1), s. 1(3)
F3Sch. 2 Art. 5(4) substituted (1.10.2006) by Church of England (Miscellaneous Provisions) Measure 2006 (No. 1), ss. 8(b), 16(2); 2006 No. 2, Instrument made by Archbishops