A BILL that will make select vestries (the rough equivalent of a PCC in England) more accessible to young people, and allow for larger membership in the case of parochial unions, was passed by the General Synod.

The Bill, proposed by the Bishop of Cashel & Ossory, the Rt Revd Michael Burrows, and seconded by the Archdeacon of Ossory & Leighlin, the Ven. Andrew Orr (Leighlin), requires the amendment of the Constitution to enlarge vestries from the current limitation of 12 members to 20, in specific circumstances where a number of churches are joined in a union with one select vestry.

It also seeks to alter the requirement that no more than three members of a vestry should be aged under 21.

The Bill "reflects the experience of rural dioceses", Bishop Burrows said.