Overview

The accession of George IV marked no great change in government policy or in church-state relations, but his short reign was to see the beginning of the end of the religious establishment as it had existed since 1660. The removal of disabilities affecting dissenters in 1828 and the subsequent emancipation of Roman Catholics created a situation in which it was no longer possible even to pretend that the Church of England was coterminous with the nation, or that parliament could function as the lay arm of the church. The convocations were not immediately affected by this, but change was in the air. It would only be a matter of time before something would have to be done about a church which remained part of the state establishment but which no longer had any plausible mechanism for ordering its internal affairs.

The convocation of 1820-6

This convocation met on 22 April 1820, and the first item of business was yet another petition from Jonas Dennis, protesting about the supposed irregularities in the election of the clergy proctors in Exeter. Mr Dennis was allowed to have his say, but the archbishop refused to overturn the election results and no more was heard of the affair. The convocation was prorogued at the customary intervals and dissolved on 5 June 1826.

The convocation of 1826-30

This convocation met on 26 November 1826 and was dissolved on 25 July 1830, following the king's death. No business was transacted, but it was during this parliament that restrictions on dissenters and Roman Catholics were removed. The clergy were not unaware that this was pending, and in their loyal address, composed and despatched on 22 November 1826, they made the following comment: