MHKs have voted to push back debating an amendment on a bid to remove the bishop’s vote to the end of January.
The Keys had been due to debate an amendment which would remove the vote from the bishop but not for up to five years.
Moving the amendment, Lawrie Hooper said it was “relatively straightforward” and he was “content to support the Legislative Council’s position”.
He argued against delay, saying: “I don’t see any benefit to adjourning it to the new year.”
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However, Rob Callister successfully proposed an adjournment “to allow further conversation”. He requested it be paused “until the first sitting of the Keys in the new year”.
Chief Minister Alf Cannan supported the move, citing “questions to answer” about the Council’s position.
Chris Thomas emphasised the weight of the change, urging reflection “respectful to a 1,600 year old institution”. He highlighted procedural concerns, asking if members were “sure exactly what we can do today”.
Kate Lord-Brennan noted a lack of “passion or conviction” behind the proposal, while Tim Johnston said he needed clarity on the implications of removing the Bishop’s vote.
The Church of England has effectively threatened the end of the Diocese if members remove the vote from the Bishop.
The matter will return to the Keys at the end of January.