General Synod February 2014
Monday 10th February
Arrived at Euston 10 mins late as the three carriages waiting at Wolverhampton were then joined to a Glasgow train, making an interesting time for those of us with booked seats. Wearing my GS tag so wished well by the man sitting next to me, 'it's about time' his response to hearing we are going to discuss women bishops again. Travelled down with Rev Pat Hawkins, good to have an opportunity to talk about the business.
2.00pm
Rev Sue Booys introduces the Business Report.
Tim Hind sets out objections to sale of Bath and Wells Bishop's Palace [done without much consultation] Accountability of Archbishop's Council called into question.
Ethical Investment
£9 billion of investments. James Fetherby sets out the policies and concerns. Focus on ethics, environment, society, governance.
Opportunities to influence major industries [ 72% of companies engaged with last year changed workings], chance to raise concerns over climate change, investing in timber for sustainable growth. Members raised corporate tax avoidance, carbon capturing, mining and Vedanta, unsafe baby food.
I spoke to raise awareness again about investment in alcohol when we have anxieties about happy hours, cheap supermarket alcohol, link to domestic violence, alcopops, when we have street pastors out in cities mopping up the problems that alcohol creates.
Gender- based Violence: Report by the Mission and Public Affairs Council
Introduced by Philip Fletcher who spoke about the bishops' support of White Ribbon day, Solihull Women's Aid, ASHA, Female Genital Mutilation. Mandy Marshall gave a presentation which highlighted the issues of shame, stigma and violence. A survey of 443 people involved had revealed 77% women had experienced violence, 23% men. 40% had been intimidated, 16% women do not submit to men, 1 in 6 were abused. Suggested we put info on toilet doors about where to seek help. Churches are not helpful, too likely to encourage people to continue in marriage/relationships, not aware enough of issues. First Man Standing campaign should be highlighted and White Ribbon day. Dr Paula Gooder spoke about an incident when she was a student, our texts of terror in Judges 19, God's intervention with Hagar, his actions as creator.
Rev Mark Ireland spoke very movingly about a funeral he had taken recently of Georgia Williams, killed after perpetrator viewed violent extreme pornography on the internet.'All pornography devalues and degrades'.
Prudence Dailey quoted statistics: 1 in 6 men violently abused, Home Office figs suggest 1.2m women, 0.8 men subject to violence. Men less likely to tell anyone. There are only 12 refuges for men in UK. Stonewall also reports violence between same sex couples. PCCs, deaneries and dioceses were asked to take this issue seriously.
Christina Rees said Christmas Day and New Year's Eve are high points. White Ribbon Day is 25 Nov.
Details of Springfield refuge, mental health issues, addiction were given.
Questions
Multilple and varied questions as always:
Not enough time to finish questions, worship then finish at 7pm.
Tuesday 11th Feb
Women Bishops
Given over entirely to women bishops' legislation and other legislation.
A much more good humoured day, old adversaries agreeing about the way forward, a few voices speaking about taking our time. Director of Reform, Susie Leafe, main voice against proposals.
Voting to agree the new legislation was very much in favour:
304 for, 33 against and 4 abstentions to adopt the new ideas on making it possible for women to serve and deal with disputes.
358 for, 39 against, 9 abstentions to send the new legislation to dioceses straight away so that GS can finish the process in July.
Language was much more moderated.
Naming of Dioceses
Straightforward motion to name diocese after their geographical area or a city/town was passed.
Pensions
Still a deficit in Pension Fund, time extended to rectify this.
Fees
New fees approved. Priests were reminded that the right to waive fees rests with the incumbent.
Legal Officers' fees
Registrars are working more hours than they are paid for. New fees will pay them for three quarters of their work.
Church Representation Rules
Numbers of amendments were tabled and the new suggested rules were thought to be unworkable or risky. Those with rural parishes were not happy with no safe guards. This legislation was sent back for further thought.
Wednesday 12th February
Justin Welby
He gave an address that was about his travels and was about love casting out fear and our anxieties about changing systems and culture.
http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/5251/archbishops-presidential-address-to-the-general-synod
Safeguarding
There were concerns expressed that removing the requirement to use vestments [later matter for discussion] would give greater opportunity for deception. A form of identification for priests was mentioned. What should rules be for those without parishes? Are those bringing drama, extra activities checked? Concern was expressed for victims of historical abuse.
Rev Pat Hawkins asked for more help and training with this issue, most parish priests are not experts. School training is not suitable for churches entirely. How do we find names on the barred list?
Sentamu spoke about the Stephen Lawrence inquiry and systematic failures. What can we do about abusers who move dioceses?
The new legislation will tighten up the regulations.
Environmental issues
Rev Giles Goddard brought this diocesan motion from the Southwark diocese. It recognises damage from fossil fuels, taking our responsibility for the earth, C of E investment responsibility.
Concerns were expressed about climate change and several amendments were moved to draw greater attention to the controversy about this. They were defeated.
The Diocese of Europe Environmental officer made an impassioned speech, 'Who is our neighbour?'., asking for assistance for those affected.
The motion was passed and a new working group will be set up to make recommendations.
Girl Guiding promise- Private member's motion
This motion was to ask the girl guide movement to restore the original promise to God for those wishing to make it.
Joanna Monckton moved an amendment to ask for choice for guides which was not passed.
The original motion was passed. 1500 objections had been received at Guiding HQs.
Optional Wearing of Vestments- Private Member's motion
This was postponed until the safeguarding regulations have been revised.
Pilling Report
Sir Joseph Pilling presented the report.
Questions only were invited.
I asked why there is no mention of sensuality in the report.
The theologians had asked to contribute and had not been allowed to. Reply- GS not ready to talk about desire!
It was suggested that PCCs, deaneries and dioceses could gather round a meal and discuss these issues.
The July sessions will include facilitated conversations
Sentamu closed the proceedings.
Got to Euston to find a crowded concourse and no Virgin trains. Went to ask Virgin staff and found one train going to Birmingham. Got on and set off. Half way they announced we were going to Wolverhampton as well. Crewe station had partly collapsed and cables caught fire.
Difficult end for those travelling north, no trains north of Wolverhampton so many people stuck in London.
HURRAY WOMEN BISHOPS ON THE WAY!
Penny Allen
GS 327
15/02/14
Arrived at Euston 10 mins late as the three carriages waiting at Wolverhampton were then joined to a Glasgow train, making an interesting time for those of us with booked seats. Wearing my GS tag so wished well by the man sitting next to me, 'it's about time' his response to hearing we are going to discuss women bishops again. Travelled down with Rev Pat Hawkins, good to have an opportunity to talk about the business.
2.00pm
Rev Sue Booys introduces the Business Report.
Tim Hind sets out objections to sale of Bath and Wells Bishop's Palace [done without much consultation] Accountability of Archbishop's Council called into question.
Ethical Investment
£9 billion of investments. James Fetherby sets out the policies and concerns. Focus on ethics, environment, society, governance.
Opportunities to influence major industries [ 72% of companies engaged with last year changed workings], chance to raise concerns over climate change, investing in timber for sustainable growth. Members raised corporate tax avoidance, carbon capturing, mining and Vedanta, unsafe baby food.
I spoke to raise awareness again about investment in alcohol when we have anxieties about happy hours, cheap supermarket alcohol, link to domestic violence, alcopops, when we have street pastors out in cities mopping up the problems that alcohol creates.
Gender- based Violence: Report by the Mission and Public Affairs Council
Introduced by Philip Fletcher who spoke about the bishops' support of White Ribbon day, Solihull Women's Aid, ASHA, Female Genital Mutilation. Mandy Marshall gave a presentation which highlighted the issues of shame, stigma and violence. A survey of 443 people involved had revealed 77% women had experienced violence, 23% men. 40% had been intimidated, 16% women do not submit to men, 1 in 6 were abused. Suggested we put info on toilet doors about where to seek help. Churches are not helpful, too likely to encourage people to continue in marriage/relationships, not aware enough of issues. First Man Standing campaign should be highlighted and White Ribbon day. Dr Paula Gooder spoke about an incident when she was a student, our texts of terror in Judges 19, God's intervention with Hagar, his actions as creator.
Rev Mark Ireland spoke very movingly about a funeral he had taken recently of Georgia Williams, killed after perpetrator viewed violent extreme pornography on the internet.'All pornography devalues and degrades'.
Prudence Dailey quoted statistics: 1 in 6 men violently abused, Home Office figs suggest 1.2m women, 0.8 men subject to violence. Men less likely to tell anyone. There are only 12 refuges for men in UK. Stonewall also reports violence between same sex couples. PCCs, deaneries and dioceses were asked to take this issue seriously.
Christina Rees said Christmas Day and New Year's Eve are high points. White Ribbon Day is 25 Nov.
Details of Springfield refuge, mental health issues, addiction were given.
Questions
Multilple and varied questions as always:
- Lots of questions about Wells Bishops Palace.
- related to Pilling report, reassurances given that all people should be welcomed to church [House of Bishops has issued pastoral statement]
- materials on homophobic bullying are being trialled and will be available to church schools in early summer
- Rev Mark Ireland asked a supplementary question about church growth report and little action taken
- Common award scheme for ordinands was commented on, those who have studied elsewhere are being integrated
- Readers [398 in training in 2012-13] training was questioned- response was culture and lack of resources are obstacles.
Not enough time to finish questions, worship then finish at 7pm.
Tuesday 11th Feb
Women Bishops
Given over entirely to women bishops' legislation and other legislation.
A much more good humoured day, old adversaries agreeing about the way forward, a few voices speaking about taking our time. Director of Reform, Susie Leafe, main voice against proposals.
Voting to agree the new legislation was very much in favour:
304 for, 33 against and 4 abstentions to adopt the new ideas on making it possible for women to serve and deal with disputes.
358 for, 39 against, 9 abstentions to send the new legislation to dioceses straight away so that GS can finish the process in July.
Language was much more moderated.
Naming of Dioceses
Straightforward motion to name diocese after their geographical area or a city/town was passed.
Pensions
Still a deficit in Pension Fund, time extended to rectify this.
Fees
New fees approved. Priests were reminded that the right to waive fees rests with the incumbent.
Legal Officers' fees
Registrars are working more hours than they are paid for. New fees will pay them for three quarters of their work.
Church Representation Rules
Numbers of amendments were tabled and the new suggested rules were thought to be unworkable or risky. Those with rural parishes were not happy with no safe guards. This legislation was sent back for further thought.
Wednesday 12th February
Justin Welby
He gave an address that was about his travels and was about love casting out fear and our anxieties about changing systems and culture.
http://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/articles.php/5251/archbishops-presidential-address-to-the-general-synod
Safeguarding
There were concerns expressed that removing the requirement to use vestments [later matter for discussion] would give greater opportunity for deception. A form of identification for priests was mentioned. What should rules be for those without parishes? Are those bringing drama, extra activities checked? Concern was expressed for victims of historical abuse.
Rev Pat Hawkins asked for more help and training with this issue, most parish priests are not experts. School training is not suitable for churches entirely. How do we find names on the barred list?
Sentamu spoke about the Stephen Lawrence inquiry and systematic failures. What can we do about abusers who move dioceses?
The new legislation will tighten up the regulations.
Environmental issues
Rev Giles Goddard brought this diocesan motion from the Southwark diocese. It recognises damage from fossil fuels, taking our responsibility for the earth, C of E investment responsibility.
Concerns were expressed about climate change and several amendments were moved to draw greater attention to the controversy about this. They were defeated.
The Diocese of Europe Environmental officer made an impassioned speech, 'Who is our neighbour?'., asking for assistance for those affected.
The motion was passed and a new working group will be set up to make recommendations.
Girl Guiding promise- Private member's motion
This motion was to ask the girl guide movement to restore the original promise to God for those wishing to make it.
Joanna Monckton moved an amendment to ask for choice for guides which was not passed.
The original motion was passed. 1500 objections had been received at Guiding HQs.
Optional Wearing of Vestments- Private Member's motion
This was postponed until the safeguarding regulations have been revised.
Pilling Report
Sir Joseph Pilling presented the report.
- 22 years since the report 'Issues' was given
- 01/07/11 House of Bishops announced reflections on 'Issues' should begin
- Sir Pilling is not an expert
- Section 28 has been repealed
- Same sex marriage has been approved by Govt
- listening exercises were commended
- 2 years of facilitated conversations are proposed
- need to welcome homosexuals
- need to reject homophobia and show repentance
- no proposals for authorise liturgy
- blessings may be possible
Questions only were invited.
- will we explore the science and natural science
- need to hear from same sex couples
- need to explore what is homophobia
- we need to hear oral evidence
- does the C of E have a place for gay clergy?
- will there be discussion of theology
I asked why there is no mention of sensuality in the report.
The theologians had asked to contribute and had not been allowed to. Reply- GS not ready to talk about desire!
It was suggested that PCCs, deaneries and dioceses could gather round a meal and discuss these issues.
The July sessions will include facilitated conversations
Sentamu closed the proceedings.
Got to Euston to find a crowded concourse and no Virgin trains. Went to ask Virgin staff and found one train going to Birmingham. Got on and set off. Half way they announced we were going to Wolverhampton as well. Crewe station had partly collapsed and cables caught fire.
Difficult end for those travelling north, no trains north of Wolverhampton so many people stuck in London.
HURRAY WOMEN BISHOPS ON THE WAY!
Penny Allen
GS 327
15/02/14