General Synod. February 2018. Church House, Westminster
Thursday 8th February
Arrived late in London due to subsidence on the trail line near Rugby and a detour through Northamptonshire, but managed to get to Church House on time.
Two Archbishops from the Anglican Communion in attendance: Thabo from S Africa, Winston from Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, and Bishop Humphrey from Pakistan.
Good to see Rev Zoe Hemming chairing the Presidential Address and the Presentation on Digital Evangelism.
1.30pm- 5.30pm
Business Report
Several members asked why we were not having a debate on Safeguarding, the answer was this will be in July. I asked the Business Committee to note that the volume of reading has been heavy, particularly the two reports on Bishops Ball and Bell , and asked for early notification if we need extensive reading [in common with most members we had read synopses when published but the recommendations are many.] The reply was that these are in the public domain. As we had expected a presentation only we had not expected to discuss these reports, and in fact we were only allowed questions on the Safeguarding presentation later.
A Theological Review of the Crown Nominations Commission
This was particularly important after the Sheffield row about Philip North and the Oxford problem of no appointment at the first attempt. There have been difficulties and these have been exacerbated by:
- a lack of trust between Diocesan and central members
- too much secrecy
- lack of training for the diocesan Vacancy in See Committee
- too much pursuit of party agendas
- not enough power for the Archbishops in the chair in their role to seek balance in the House of Bishops
- not enough prayer or discernment
Questions- 93. A few below.
- 20 on safeguarding, including basic checks are required for lay people leading worship, not enhanced DBS; the one year rule for reporting abuse- permission can be given if the complaint is outside this time frame; in 2016 there were 3300 safeguarding concerns, 867 arrangements in place; the recommendations in Lord Carlile's report- House of Bishops has published revised guidance; a debate should be held in July.
- gender dysphoria- reflection will be in new teaching document on human sexuality
- SSMs- 30% of clergy, no bishop currently to support.
- Setting God's People Free- 27 dioceses now in Learning Communities, first supporting materials now published.
- fall in children's attendance- 22% between 2006- 2016.
- absolution- new material to be considered from Australia.
- Listed Places of Worship grants- £42m per year until 2020; grants for disabled toilets and hearing loops through Awards for All lottery fund
09.15 Holy Communion. Revd Damian Feeney , Revd Canon Pat Hawkins and myself were asked to assist in serving. Chik Tan to steward. John Naylor accompanied Evening Worship twice.
10.30- 1.00pm
International visitors' addresses
Archbishop Thabo spoke about hospitality, indaba, deepening relationships. Bishop Humphrey spoke about the tiny church, reaction and retaliation, the burning of churches, suicide bombings, 75-80% of the population being internally bruised, the need to wipe tears and the Church having grace to do so, offering healing. Archbishop Winston showed a film of the Polynesian islands, traditional boats, himself in the sea offering communion; the 1.5 deg increase in temperature limit; shaping the environmental concerns using a GS paper; togetherness- 'One bangle does not make a sound'.
Companion Links and The Anglican Communion
Bishop Michael spoke about his two years in Japan, visiting Bishop Moon King and advocating work in another culture for ordinands, priests and volunteers, 'living out faith in other settings'. The Melanesian partnership with Chester diocese had led to a twinning arrangement for schools, experience of hardship and persecution for volunteers, prayer and fellowship. The Youth Council representative spoke of her time in Romania. Others spoke of links with Tanzania, Zambia, Canada, Africa. We were reminded about the division over human sexuality and asked to send LGBTI visitors.
Rev Shaun Morris moved an amendment to commend this report rather than welcome it as he felt we are being asked to make links a central part of strategy, this was lost.
Food Waste- St Edmundsbury and Ipswich diocesan motion
Farmers are angry, consumers are confused about Best Before dates, out of season foods are imported, foodbanks have become necessary, Harvest Festivals are full of tins and packets not produce. We waste most food at home- 71%. Retailers are now reducing this by giving surplus food away to charities. Motion passed resoundingly.
2.30pm-7.00pm
Presidential address
++JW spoke about change as unsettling, Traditional and Faithful Innovation, and Faithful Improvisation, and the way that social media is disrupting change. We were encouraged to make change in small steps.
International visitors' addresses
Archbishop Thabo spoke about hospitality, indaba, deepening relationships. Bishop Humphrey spoke about the tiny church, reaction and retaliation, the burning of churches, suicide bombings, 75-80% of the population being internally bruised, the need to wipe tears and the Church having grace to do so, offering healing. Archbishop Winston showed a film of the Polynesian islands, traditional boats, himself in the sea offering communion; the 1.5 deg increase in temperature limit; shaping the environmental concerns using a GS paper; togetherness- 'One bangle does not make a sound'.
Companion Links and The Anglican Communion
Bishop Michael spoke about his two years in Japan, visiting Bishop Moon King and advocating work in another culture for ordinands, 'living out faith in other settings'. The Melanesian partnership with Chester diocese had led to a twinning arrangement for schools, experience of hardship and persecution for volunteers, prayer and fellowship. The Youth Council representative spoke of her time in Romania. Others spoke of links with Tanzania, Zambia, Canada, Africa. We were reminded about the division over human sexuality and asked to send LGBTI visitors.
Rev Shaun Morris moved an amendment to take note of this report rather than welcome it, this was lost.
2.30pm-7.00pm
Legislative Business
Various simplification laws to provide for burials of those commiting suicide; to allow priests to wear clothing other than vestments when taking services,;to allow for the sale, exchange and demolition of parsonage houses; to allow setting up of land management schemes; a draft Ecumenical Relations Measure- I commented that the renaming of LEPs to Local Ecumenical Co-operative Schemes was wordy and reminiscent of shopping, also that we had not realised we did not have permission to read lessons and intercessions in other churches; to allow GS meetings to be cancelled if necessary.
Mission and Ministry in Covenant
The Secretary, Gareth Powell, and former President of the Methodist Conference, Ruth Gee were invited to speak and talked of the role of presbyters, 'one holy catholic and apostolic Church', historic episcopy locally adapted, teaching and guarding the faith, personal and collegial relationships, the parish system and Methodist circuits, the 'scandal of disunity', anger at past actions and suspicion of corporate bodies. ++JW had already called for faithful improvisation in his sermon in the morning.
The Bishop of Carlisle spoke of the covenant between the URC, Salvation Army, Methodists, Anglican, Roman Catholics, Society of Friends and Baptists, plus the Church of Scotland.
Members spoke of Messy Churches, lay led congregations, past institutional failures, working together, evangelism, Setting God's People Free, the life and work of John Wesley, new churches and how we relate to them, the understanding of episcopy, delaying tactics.
The motion to reflect further on unity was carried by the following votes:
Bishops 35 for, 2 against, 0 abstentions
Clergy 131 for, 23 against, 13 abstentions
Laity 124 for, 34 against, 11 abstentions
Saturday 10th February
9.00am. Many members and the Archbishops gathered outside at the foot of the steps to pray silently with victims and survivors of abuse.
9.15am-1.00pm
Safeguarding
The Bishop of Carlisle opened the presentation. A DVD was played with the voices of survivors, about twenty were sitting in the public gallery.
The Bishop of Chichester spoke strongly about the need to train people in safeguarding, the misuse of power and the way in which investigative journalism has helped to expose abusers, the care needed for survivors. Bishop Rachel Treweek spoke of her deep shame when Peter Ball's offences were exposed and making sure parishes are full trained and aware. Sir Roger Singleton, a member of the National Safeguarding team, had several strong points to make:
- culture change is needed
- imbalance between influence and power
- some parishes will not engage with the training
- some believe that people are trying to claim abuse for money
- parish AGMs need a full report on safeguarding
- clergy, readers, PTOs and lay people need training
- ordinands need thorough training
- interviewees should be questioned closely on their attitudes
- schools, care homes and foster homes are likely to be more rigorous than parishes
- more sensitive approach to survivors is needed
- Bishop Peter Hancock is the lead on this issue and will be giving evidence soon at the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. We must be ready to be criticised for poor procedures, failing to act, cover-ups. The investigation will be over two years.
- the victims attending GS were willing to meet members in a room set aside for their use.
The independent audits covering all dioceses will now be extended to Archbishops' offices, cathedrals, colleges, courses.
At the close of questions a young man who had been standing throughout in the gallery spoke about the presence of Satan in the buildings. The entire presentation was spent in silence, an acknowledgement of the seriousness of the issue.
Religious Communities
Bishop David Walker, a Franciscan, moved this motion on the renewal of religious life in communities. He spoke about work in education, health care, mission, CMS, Church Army. Faithful improvisation in new communities; the need for a new handbook. The huge variety of Wesleyans, Benedictines, retreats etc. Mark Russell [Church Army] has re-orientated the organisation so that priests can remain in the CA. Members talked of counter cultural living, relating to the rest of the Church, prophetic value, hallowed time, contemplative experience. Revd Canon Pat Hawkins said the contemplative orders are not disengaged from the world. Their grounded ministry of prayer shows this. Father Thomas spoke of his monastic order. Leicester diocese is creating a new order, 'The Tree of Life'. Evangelism happened in history through religious communities. Some Fresh Expressions are exploring the Rule of Life. Sister Anita spoke of her order as the Best Kept Secret in Anglican Life. Canada also has religious orders, active outreach, described to her as 'No honey, no money, no messing about'.
Digital Evangelism- Rev Zoe Hemming chairing.
A presentation was shown giving information about the God With Us campaign which reached 2 million people with 1.5 million views of the new www.achurchnearyou.com website, which has 13 million views yearly. The family prayer had 200,000 views on facebook. 89% people use the internet, 66% use a mobile phone regularly and 57% use social media. The focus is on Evangelism, Discipleship and Common Good. There are 20 new faith in action films. Comments were we need more training from comms directors;could BSL be used more?; both Archbishops have A ratings; could the ACNY website accommodate churches from other denominations? [not yet]. Parish websites could be built soon using ACNY.
Valuing People With Down's Syndrome
An important debate following the news that Non-Invasive Prenatal testing is resulting in more abortions, although this was not included in the motion at the mover's request, despite amendments which were voted down. The motion asked for more support and information for parents and for full inclusion at churches and in society.
Down's Syndrome now has a life expectancy of 50 years+, resulting in increased expectation of full church membership, education through to 18+ when supported, changes in social attitudes. There are 40,000 living with this chromosomal anomaly in the UK, one per 1000 live births. Development is hampered by heart defects and digestive problems with positive and negative aspects of learning, but continual achievements. Many are well developed socially. Only 20% employment.
Members commented on support in small villages; the need for informed choice; pressure from consultants; 90% terminations; public health rationale; personal worth and value; gifts and access to church membership. One priest confined to a wheelchair spoke of her experiences, 'Being born with a disability is not a disaster-I know I am what God made me to be'.
This motion was amended to include Dr John Appleby's amendment to provide prospective parents with full information with no implied reference to outcome.
Robin Whitehouse was very disappointed as the parent of a daughter with Down's Syndrome, not to be called for his maiden speech.
This was the first time GS had met on a Saturday, which gave an opportunity for a youth group to attend and members who work did not have to take annual leave for three days. A mixed reaction to this.