General Synod July 2023
York University 7-11 July
This GS had numerous rearrangements of business so will be reported by topic. It is fair to say that the press statements re Safeguarding, Soul Survivor and the collapse of the Independent Safeguarding Board preceded this session and dominated it, leaving those attending with a sense of apprehension.
Archbishop Stephen gave the Presidential Address, causing a press outcry as he spoke about the word 'Father' being difficult for some people. The Archbishop of Sweden spoke as the Ecumenical Guest reflecting on the post-Covid problems and our joint concerns.
Members used the Business Committee Report to complain about the 'lack of trust' in the Central Church.
A debate on the Church of England Youth Synod attracted amendments as members had missed the voices of young people. It was suggested that Dioceses met with young people and reported to GS their reactions. Other denominations handled this differently. It was decided that 3 young people aged 18-25 should be co-opted immediately and younger people aged 16 plus invited to a meeting once safeguarding is arranged.
The previously agreed policy to steadily increase Legal Officers' Fees was approved.
Church of England Pensions Measure was approved to continue payment from the Church Commissioners to the fund.
The Electronic Register was approved if desired by parishes.
Questions was again dominated by Living in Love and Faith and numerous ones on Safeguarding.
Miscellaneous Provisions Measure contained many items that needed addressing, including cover for absent bishops; the live broadcast of GS proceedings; provision for Lay Residential Canons; the continuation of remote meetings.
Amending Canon 43 amended the 'Queen' references for the 'King'.
Amending Canon 42 replaces a Diocesan Safeguarding 'Adviser' for an 'Officer' with independence.
The National Investing Bodies approach to Climate Change detailed the initiatives undertaken to persuade companies, particularly oil and gas, to change their policies and the good effect this has had on investors and investments.
The Contribution of Faith to the Rehabilitation of Offenders came from Worcester Diocese and reported on a project between the Probation Service and Chaplains to prevent further offending which had been very successful and is recommending for extension. Bishop Michael has a special interest in this as we have 8 prisons in our diocese.
Living in Love and Faith update was given by the Bishop of London. Although the Prayers are being reviewed the Code of Practice is not prepared yet. Questions were raised again about liturgy, the position of clergy wishing to use the prayers, the reassurance needed, the disagreement about same sex issues. This item will be ready for discussion in November.
Safeguarding Redress for the first time was a report on the financial, therapeutic, spiritual and emotional support necessary for survivors. This scheme is still being developed with survivors.
Responding to the Climate Emergency was an Oxford Diocesan motion reflecting on the previous motion to achieve Net Zero by 2030. As the fifth mark of mission the motion called on the Church to review investments, policies and procedures, liturgy, prayer and lobby the Govt. Passed.
National Church Governance proposes big changes in the governance to reflect transparency, trust and a change of culture; including a new body to replace the Archbishop's Council; a new National Services body. The Church Commissioners to remain separate and the Pensions Board and the Education body; Lead Bishops to be defined and supported. The recommendations were broadly accepted.
Reduce Parochial Fees for Marriage from Blackburn diocese was changed by amendment to be a pilot project to trial this, inviting donations from couples rather than fees.
Revitalising the Parish for Mission simply affirmed the parish system, encouraged more ordinands and Mission Action Planning.
Independent Safeguarding Board this was an update from a panel giving a timeline of the events leading to the sacking of the Board. Procedural points were continually raised in order to inhibit the debate. Following this disruption there was a motion to suspend the business to allow the two members of the Board in the public gallery to speak. A highly emotional atmosphere heard them say that they had accomplished the task given to establish procedures for the independent review body. This contradicted the previous statements from the panel. They also claimed that survivors are being ignored. Meg Munn, the Chair of the Board was also in the gallery but not invited to speak and left in distress, as did Gavin Drake who had proposed a following motion to ask for a review. The serious breakdown in the relationships inside the Board were exposed and the lack of cooperation with Archbishop's Council.
A Code of Practice for Safeguarding Reviews was approved as this contained much reflection on good practice from other professional bodies. A swift response to the mess was promised [updated by the appointment of the Chair of ICCSA to head the new Independent Safeguarding Board immediately after GS].
The Archbishop's Council's Report and Finances highlighted the death of the Queen and the Coronation as notable events during the year; the need for more children and young people in the Church; greater diversity; revitalised parishes; 10000 new churches; discipleship; churches as hubs for their communities. Finances are declining and so the Church Commissioners are supporting with increased funding, £116.6million last year. Diocesan Apportionment was £30.2million. There is the CCs promise of £1.3 billion to 2031, plus support for Net Zero, £190m; £11m for buildings; £20m for racial justice. SDF funding has been to deprived areas. A sad farewell was for John Spence, our remarkable director of finance, whose evangelism, enthusiasm and astonishing capabilities have captivated us all.
We had Holy Communion together at York Minster and were addressed by the Archbishop of Ghana.
Farewells were to the Bishops of Carlisle, Coventry [moving to be Dean at Windsor], Sodor & Man and Exeter.
Sadly Archbishop Justin left us to be with his mother who has since died. We were asked for prayers for his family.
Penny Allen
GS335
Archbishop Stephen gave the Presidential Address, causing a press outcry as he spoke about the word 'Father' being difficult for some people. The Archbishop of Sweden spoke as the Ecumenical Guest reflecting on the post-Covid problems and our joint concerns.
Members used the Business Committee Report to complain about the 'lack of trust' in the Central Church.
A debate on the Church of England Youth Synod attracted amendments as members had missed the voices of young people. It was suggested that Dioceses met with young people and reported to GS their reactions. Other denominations handled this differently. It was decided that 3 young people aged 18-25 should be co-opted immediately and younger people aged 16 plus invited to a meeting once safeguarding is arranged.
The previously agreed policy to steadily increase Legal Officers' Fees was approved.
Church of England Pensions Measure was approved to continue payment from the Church Commissioners to the fund.
The Electronic Register was approved if desired by parishes.
Questions was again dominated by Living in Love and Faith and numerous ones on Safeguarding.
Miscellaneous Provisions Measure contained many items that needed addressing, including cover for absent bishops; the live broadcast of GS proceedings; provision for Lay Residential Canons; the continuation of remote meetings.
Amending Canon 43 amended the 'Queen' references for the 'King'.
Amending Canon 42 replaces a Diocesan Safeguarding 'Adviser' for an 'Officer' with independence.
The National Investing Bodies approach to Climate Change detailed the initiatives undertaken to persuade companies, particularly oil and gas, to change their policies and the good effect this has had on investors and investments.
The Contribution of Faith to the Rehabilitation of Offenders came from Worcester Diocese and reported on a project between the Probation Service and Chaplains to prevent further offending which had been very successful and is recommending for extension. Bishop Michael has a special interest in this as we have 8 prisons in our diocese.
Living in Love and Faith update was given by the Bishop of London. Although the Prayers are being reviewed the Code of Practice is not prepared yet. Questions were raised again about liturgy, the position of clergy wishing to use the prayers, the reassurance needed, the disagreement about same sex issues. This item will be ready for discussion in November.
Safeguarding Redress for the first time was a report on the financial, therapeutic, spiritual and emotional support necessary for survivors. This scheme is still being developed with survivors.
Responding to the Climate Emergency was an Oxford Diocesan motion reflecting on the previous motion to achieve Net Zero by 2030. As the fifth mark of mission the motion called on the Church to review investments, policies and procedures, liturgy, prayer and lobby the Govt. Passed.
National Church Governance proposes big changes in the governance to reflect transparency, trust and a change of culture; including a new body to replace the Archbishop's Council; a new National Services body. The Church Commissioners to remain separate and the Pensions Board and the Education body; Lead Bishops to be defined and supported. The recommendations were broadly accepted.
Reduce Parochial Fees for Marriage from Blackburn diocese was changed by amendment to be a pilot project to trial this, inviting donations from couples rather than fees.
Revitalising the Parish for Mission simply affirmed the parish system, encouraged more ordinands and Mission Action Planning.
Independent Safeguarding Board this was an update from a panel giving a timeline of the events leading to the sacking of the Board. Procedural points were continually raised in order to inhibit the debate. Following this disruption there was a motion to suspend the business to allow the two members of the Board in the public gallery to speak. A highly emotional atmosphere heard them say that they had accomplished the task given to establish procedures for the independent review body. This contradicted the previous statements from the panel. They also claimed that survivors are being ignored. Meg Munn, the Chair of the Board was also in the gallery but not invited to speak and left in distress, as did Gavin Drake who had proposed a following motion to ask for a review. The serious breakdown in the relationships inside the Board were exposed and the lack of cooperation with Archbishop's Council.
A Code of Practice for Safeguarding Reviews was approved as this contained much reflection on good practice from other professional bodies. A swift response to the mess was promised [updated by the appointment of the Chair of ICCSA to head the new Independent Safeguarding Board immediately after GS].
The Archbishop's Council's Report and Finances highlighted the death of the Queen and the Coronation as notable events during the year; the need for more children and young people in the Church; greater diversity; revitalised parishes; 10000 new churches; discipleship; churches as hubs for their communities. Finances are declining and so the Church Commissioners are supporting with increased funding, £116.6million last year. Diocesan Apportionment was £30.2million. There is the CCs promise of £1.3 billion to 2031, plus support for Net Zero, £190m; £11m for buildings; £20m for racial justice. SDF funding has been to deprived areas. A sad farewell was for John Spence, our remarkable director of finance, whose evangelism, enthusiasm and astonishing capabilities have captivated us all.
We had Holy Communion together at York Minster and were addressed by the Archbishop of Ghana.
Farewells were to the Bishops of Carlisle, Coventry [moving to be Dean at Windsor], Sodor & Man and Exeter.
Sadly Archbishop Justin left us to be with his mother who has since died. We were asked for prayers for his family.
Penny Allen
GS335