¹ See principle 12.1 of the Principles of Canon Law Common to the Churches of the Anglican Communion (2nd edition, 2022): ‘Each Church is autonomous in respect of its freedom of self-government’.

² Ibid.

³ Emphasis added.

⁴ See generally N Doe, Canon Law in the Anglican Communion: A Worldwide Perspective (Oxford University Press, 1998) at 58 et seq; and 36.

⁵ See Doe (ibid) at 34 et seq.

⁶ Dioceses Measure 1978, s 17.

⁷ Synodical Government Measure 1969, s 4(2)(a).

⁸ It is the bishop’s duty to consult with the diocesan synod on matters of general concern and importance to the diocese: Synodical Government Measure 1969 s 4(3).

⁹ Ibid s 4(2)(b), (c), Sch 2 art 8.

¹⁰ Synodical Government Measure 1969, s 4(2)(d) and (e) respectively, introduced by the Synodical Government (Amendment) Measure 2003, s 1.

¹¹ Ibid s 4(4). There is a mandatory requirement that a bishop make provision for a bishop’s council and a standing committee.

¹² Synodical Government Measure 1969, s 4(2) proviso.

¹³ Ibid s 4(5).

¹⁴ Diocesan Boards of Finance Measure 1925.

¹⁵ Ibid s 3.

¹⁶ Synodical Government Measure 1969, s 5(4).

¹⁷ Church Representation Rules, r 28. This includes a power to vary the rules as to membership: ibid r 26.

¹⁸ Ibid r 38.

¹⁹ Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction and Care of Churches Measure 2017, ss 45, 46.

²⁰ Repair of Benefice Buildings Measure 1972. See for example ibid ss 1(1), 10, 15, 19, 20.

²¹ Church Representation Rules.

²² Ibid r 34(1)(i).

²³ Ibid r 34(1)(j).

²⁴ Repair of Benefice Buildings Measure 1972, s 1.

²⁵ Mission and Pastoral Measure 2011, ss 2, 3.

²⁶ Diocesan Boards of Education Measure 1991, ss 1, 2.

²⁷ Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Measure 2019, ss 36, 37.

²⁸ Patronage (Benefices) Measure 1986, ss 26–28, Sch 3.

²⁹ Pastoral Measure 1983, s 42, Sch 5 paras 5–12.