Editing Henry Phillpotts (section)

== Restoration of Convocation ==
One of Phillpotts' greatest political battles was over the restoration of [[Convocation of the English Clergy|Convocation]], which has developed into the [[General Synod of the Church of England|General Synod]] (as it is now called). He was convinced that the Church needed to establish its rulings in a legislative body, and in a communication in May 1843 to his friend, the Rt Hon J.W. Croker, he explained:
<blockquote>I wish it to sit again, only for the purpose of synodically devising a better synod than itself; one, more like the synods of the early church&nbsp;– in ''one'' house, with less of power to the [[Presbyters]]&nbsp;– but more means of counsel and aid from them to the Bishops than their separate house gives. I need not tell ''you'' that Convocation is not the ancient Synod of our own Church. We need,&nbsp;– ''and must have''&nbsp;– a legislative body, sitting for real business from time to time. It ought to consist of bishops either solely (in the presence of Presbyters who should have a right, not to debate with them, but, hearing what they discuss, to represent by writing their opinions, when they think it necessary) or of bishops and such divines and representatives of the clergy, as shall be found necessary, securing a real preponderance to the bishops.... I am confident that it is hardly possible for us to go on long without restoring to the Church a real Church legislation.... There is not perhaps enough needing amendment in the [[Rubric]]s, of itself, to require a Synod. But of the [[Canon law|Canons]] this cannot be said.... They must be altered if the Church is to last in England, under the pressure of all that is opposed to it in privileges (supposed or real) of [[Dissenters]]&nbsp;– and with the little of real power of restraint over its own members, even its clergy, which it at present has.</blockquote>