Proposals by Bishop Robert to shake-up the Anglican church in the Isle of of Man are being debated at a day-long synod today.

Last month he published his long-awaited Recommendations for Mission and Ministry in the Diocese of Sodor and Man and today's gathering, at the Corrin Hall in Peel, will be an opportunity for Anglican ministers from around the Island to discuss the proposed changes.

They include combining parishes and replacing the rural deaneries with four mission partnerships.

Methodist minister Reverend David Shirtliff says the church needs to respond to a changing world (play audio file):

Today's synod will be followed at 5pm by the appointment of six honorary canons in St German's Cathedral.