Last amended by Synodical Government Measure 1969 in 1969. Replaced the National Assembly with the General Synod comprising House of Bishops, House of Clergy, and House of Laity.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
The Enabling Act 1919 gave the Church of England's representative body (now the General Synod) power to prepare Measures having the force of Acts of Parliament. Measures receive Royal Assent after being approved by both Houses of Parliament. This gave the Church significant legislative autonomy within the established church framework.
Key Points
- Establishes the National Assembly of the Church of England (now General Synod)
- Gives Assembly power to prepare Measures on matters concerning the Church
- Measures submitted to Ecclesiastical Committee of both Houses of Parliament
- Measures require approval of both Houses before receiving Royal Assent
- Once enacted, Measures have the same force as Acts of Parliament
- Created the modern system of Church-State legislative relationship
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
1969 — Synodical Government Measure 1969
Replaced the National Assembly with the General Synod comprising House of Bishops, House of Clergy, and House of Laity.
Frequently asked questions
- What power did the 1919 Act give to the Church of England?
- The Enabling Act 1919 granted the Church of England's representative body the authority to prepare Measures concerning the Church. These Measures, once approved by both Houses of Parliament and receiving Royal Assent, hold the same legal force and effect as Acts of Parliament. This mechanism established the modern legislative relationship between the Church and the State.
- What body was created by the Church of England Assembly (Powers) Act 1919?
- The Act established the National Assembly of the Church of England. This body was responsible for preparing Measures on matters concerning the Church. It was later replaced by the General Synod under the Synodical Government Measure 1969, which comprises the House of Bishops, House of Clergy, and House of Laity.
- What is a Measure and how does it become law?
- A Measure is a legislative instrument prepared by the Church's representative body. To become law, it must be submitted to the Ecclesiastical Committee of both Houses of Parliament. It requires approval from both Houses before it can receive Royal Assent. Once enacted, the Measure has the same force and effect as an Act of Parliament.
- What replaced the National Assembly of the Church of England?
- The National Assembly was replaced by the General Synod under the Synodical Government Measure 1969. The General Synod consists of three houses: the House of Bishops, the House of Clergy, and the House of Laity. This change updated the constitutional structure of the Church's representative body while maintaining the legislative framework established in 1919.
- Do Measures have the same legal status as Acts of Parliament?
- Yes, once a Measure is duly passed by the Assembly and approved by Parliament, it has the force and effect of an Act of Parliament. This means it carries the same legal weight as legislation passed through the standard parliamentary process, giving the Church significant legislative autonomy within the established church framework.