A major overhaul of the Church of England's clergy discipline system has cleared its final parliamentary stage and is now set to become law.
The Clergy Conduct Measure (CCM), which will replace the existing Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM), has passed through the House of Lords and is expected to receive Royal Assent.
The development marks the final step in a reform process that began several years ago and follows concerns raised by Parliament earlier this year over transparency in clergy disciplinary proceedings.
The CCM introduces a new framework for handling complaints against clergy, with cases categorised as grievances, misconduct or serious misconduct. Each category will be subject to its own investigative process.
Speaking during the measure's passage through the House of Lords on Wednesday, Rt Rev David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, described the legislation as a "vital part of the Church of England's ongoing reform of clergy discipline and safeguarding".
He said the existing disciplinary process had been widely criticised as "painfully slow" and acknowledged that it "does not serve complainants well".
The bishop also said the current system can leave clergy facing complaints in "prolonged anxiety and limbo, worried they will lose their house and job".
Among the most significant changes is the return of powers to remove clergy from holy orders for the most serious cases of misconduct.
The measure also removes the one-year time limit for bringing complaints relating to serious misconduct, including safeguarding concerns, allowing allegations to be considered regardless of when the alleged conduct took place.
Additional protections are included for clergy who face repeated unfounded complaints, with the introduction of restraint orders against those who persistently submit "vexatious complaints".
It's a move Christian MP for New Forest West, Sir Desmond Swayne, welcomed. He said: "We all know from our experience of handling our own voluntary organisations that character clashes and differences emerge. It was always said that, when it came to any kind of selection, the local candidate was at a disadvantage because, if they know you, they know they do not like you. Therefore, these provisions for dealing with vexatious litigants are most welcome. On that basis, I will certainly be voting for this Measure."
The measure's progress follows intervention from Parliament earlier this year. In February, General Synod was required to reconsider the legislation after the Ecclesiastical Committee raised concerns that disciplinary hearings would generally be held in private.
Synod subsequently approved amendments making hearings public by default, unless privacy is required in the interests of justice or to protect vulnerable participants, such as children giving evidence.
Church leaders say the new system will be fairer, quicker and more transparent than the current process, which has been in place since 2003.
