| Administrative History | The Diocesan Council was established in 1967 with a membership of about 200, including the bishop, principal dignitaries of the diocese and four clergy and five laymen elected from each deanery. It was endowed with the same powers as the Diocesan Conference, including the power to form new boards, councils or committees. It was replaced in 1970 by the Diocesan Synod which had much the same structure as the Council and whose functions were: to represent the Church of England in relation to the diocese; to advise the bishop on any matters on which he may consult the Synod; to consider matters referred by the General Synod. |