Church Of Ireland

Part of the worldwide Anglican/Episcopalian Church. Is both Catholic and Reformed and has parishes in both the North and South of Ireland. Consists of 12 dioceses, over 450 parochial units and over 500 stipendiary clergy. It is a representative church, with each diocese electing those who will represent them at the General Synod, the 'Parliament' of the church. It has in its General Synod a House of Bishops which has 12 members and a House of Representatives which has 216 clergy and 432 laity. There are also Diocesan Synods where representatives of the parishes meet usually once a year. Decisions at local level are made by Select Vestries whose lay members are elected each Easter by the people of the parish.