General Synod February 2019
Wednesday 20th February
To London by train to arrive in time for a House of Laity meeting to discuss clergy well-being.
Business Committee Report
Rev Sue Booys had a difficult time defending the new meeting dates set for 2021-2023 as the survey which was conducted about whether to use Saturdays had been ignored. It is thought that more working people would be able to attend without losing leave if Saturdays were used.
Ecumenical Guests
Ecumenical guests Most Rev Prem Chand Singh from N India and Kenyan Bishop of Kapsabet, Rt Rev Paul Korir, spoke of the persecution of the Church in India and the growth in Kenya. Ecumenical guests will in future be able to speak but not vote in debates.
Questions
The largest group of questions was on sexuality, the guidance on the treatment of trans people. Rev Shaun Morris asked whether ordinands who transitioned would have to give up their training: answer was the Pastoral Advisory Group would be consulted. Bishop Pete Broadbent reiterated that the Bishops had acted following the July request from GS and would not withdraw the guidance.
Some of the other questions revealed that :
Thursday 21st February
Holy Communion with help from Ely diocese.
Legislative Business
As expected the changes to Church Representation caused the most comments as deanery members would be allowed only two terms of office. John Wilson spoke to this as he had conducted a survey of Lichfield diocese revealing that over 90% of deanery members had served more than two terms. This item was referred back to the Elections Review Group. Other amendments to allow electronic voting for GS and Diocesan Synods; joint councils for multi-parish benefices plus one benefice service on Sundays; lay majority on PCCs and ordinations to Bishop's Mission initiatives were carried.
Miscellaneous provision for lay people to conduct funerals; a register for all clergy and the ability to have electronic parish records were passed. Then limits to terms of office for DACs members, which Lichfield DAC opposed in writing, was passed.
Fees
This item is normally uncontested but suddenly Bishop Philip North, newly arrived back in GS, led a revolt against fees for weddings and funerals. This was unsuccessful but supported by 80 members in the voting. Also funeral fees for under 18s are now waived and a new charge for funerals at natural burial grounds proposed.
Ecumenical church cooperation
A new code of Practice was accepted and welcomed to allow participation in services by other denominations.
Homeless Task Force
This Private Member's Motion almost did not make it to the business but Andrew Gray was allowed sufficient time and made a detailed and impassioned speech in support of linking to existing charities, faith groups and local initiatives to ease problems caused by homelessness. Crisis believe there are 236000 homeless people in the UK currently. Overwhelmingly passed
Living in Love and Faith
The Pastoral Group attached to the project made a presentation identifying 6 underlying problems currently: ignorance, silence, fear, hypocrisy, misused power and prejudice, surrounding attitudes to LGBTI people. Bishop Christine Hardman called for increased awareness and understanding.
The project lead Bishop Christopher Cocksworth then outlined the documents' progress and Dr Eeva explained the resources that are being produced. Questions were asked about the involvement of trans people as Tina Beardsley has resigned- answer another trans person has been recruited, Canon Rachel Mann gave a lively view of mission, Andrea Minichello Williams and Rev Dr Ian Paul spoke about irreconcilable positions; and conversion therapy was highlighted as wrong. Chris Gill asked why singleness has been neglected in ministry.
Friday 22nd February
Environmental Programmes [delayed from York last year]
Two dioceses, London and Truro introduced these plans to reduce the Church's carbon footprint in 2016, it was finally debated this year. Specifically to recognise climate change, reduce energy consumption and promote best practice. I had been asked to assist the dioceses with an amendment to move finances to do this work but the Chair made suitable space for John Spence to speak and £10,000 is to be tagged for consultancy, £10,000 for the parish return forms to be amended to capture energy readings and one part-time or full-time post considered to move this forward. I spoke about Shrinking the Footprint, The Church and the Earth and Caring for God's Acre- clearly we should be caring for more than churchyards. The First Estates Commissioner reminded us that we had asked for disinvestment and robust conversations with companies resulting in Shell, BP and Exon revising their positions. Despite one sceptic this was passed overwhelmingly.
Evangelism and Discipleship
Comments were made about lay witness, telling stories, 'Setting God's People Free', apologetics, motivation, open conversations, e-learning and social media, training ordinands, an inclusive and invitational call, no training available in British Sign Language, 17 dioceses with no deaf chaplain. Continuing the work of Thy Kingdom Come, which has expanded across denominations.
Proposed Changes to the CNC
Bishop Michael had led this group. Attempts were made to remove secret voting and have more open discussion, these failed due to voting by laity. Voted by Houses, Bishops 19 for/ 14 against, Clergy 76 for/ 6 against/ Abs 4, Laity 63 for/ 99 against/Abs 5. It will in future be enough to have 2/3 majority in voting.
Growing Faith: Ministry Amongst Children and Young People
Research shows parents have greatest influence on children coming to faith. 40% before age of 5, 16% 5-10, 20% 11-18.
Key findings:
Farewells
Given to Bishop of Dover on his retirement, valuing his work with refugees across the Channel, Channel Islands and his hospitality and hard work [Open Synod Group will miss +Trevor as President of our open group].Bishop of Norwich for his wisdom and media savvy presence. Stephen Slack for piloting legal work on women in ministry, equalities etc. Jonathan Spencer as Chmn of Pensions Board, with special thanks for staying on after sudden death of CEO.
Estates Evangelism
An energised Bishop Philip North opened this debate to provide a church presence on every estate with social housing units, reaching the poor and working class. Comments by the Bishop of London highlighted the need for money for training and education, the difficulties of middle class people being invited to minister; others spoke of mid week services rather than Sundays, calling people from different backgrounds, richer parishes helping poorer ones, a church in a deprived estate with a tent in the building as it needed money for repairs, working in partnership with other denominations. The motion was carried urging dioceses to develop Strategic Development bids, and for the Renewal and Reform group to see Christians in every community.
Saturday 23rd February
Began with a bible study on 1 Peter 1 v1-21 with ++JW's chaplain [attached]
Centuries of Marginalisation- Mision and Ministry Among Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities
The accompanying information GS 2123 had some revealing facts: 90% of children suffered racial abuse; 2/3 have been attacked; life expectancy is 12 yrs lower for women, 10 yrs for men, over 50s are elderly, infant mortality is 3 times higher, as is depression. They are refused occasional church offices and supplies of water. 5% of prison population is from these communities. They cannot easily register with schools and doctors. We were reminded that 2879 Gypsies died at Auschwitz and 500,000 altogether in the Holocaust.
We were called on to speak out about racism, stop the media victimisation, instigate a Commission to make land available including church land, urge the Govt to address their legal position if they have recently arrived, speak out in the House of Lords, each diocese to appoint a Chaplain. There are only two chaplains in the UK.
Janie Codona, from the Gypsy community spoke about her experiences. She was accompanied by about 30 members of the communities in the public gallery.
One person spoke of the difficulties in coping with travellers on church land and the lack of advice. Jamie Harrison spoke of the difficulties in accessing medical care.
The motion was passed 265for/ 1against/ 0 abs.
Encouraging Youth Evangelism a Private Member's Motion by Mark Russell, Head of Church Army
With Mark's usual energy and enthusiasm this motion affirming Youth Officers and encouraging dioceses to invest in youth ministry was challenging the national and local churches to do more. 95% of churches have less than 25 young people. Comments were made about the lack of welcome to LGBTI young people being off-putting, the need to make space by taking out pews, the cuts to diocesan youth work, working with those in choirs, Scouts and Guides, and speeches were made by young people in Synod about the need for more focus on the young, who need including in deanery MAPs. Passed overwhelmingly.
Advertising and Gambling
This motion to ask the Govt to reduce gambling advertising, encourage churches to help those addicted and educate children about risks was accompanied by some sad stories. Pitch and football shirt advertising grooms people, more money is spent on gambling than on sex, drugs and alcohol. Our former Bishop Alan Smith led the debate and revealed that 55,000 school children are addicted. Preb Brian Williams said that Bet 365 was a large employer in Staffs but we must be careful of what we say as we benefit from Lottery funding. Rev Zoe Hemming spoke about dangers of the algorithms that calculate our online interests. A young member from Southwark spoke about the defrauding of a church community of £1million in online gambling. One member said that her church had refused Lottery funding for repairs.
The motion was carried unanimously.
The State of the Nation- a debate tabled by ++JW and ++JS
++JW began this debate underlining the advantages we have living in the UK. We have relative stability, influence, democracy, overseas aid. He wanted prayer for those in Govt leadership and highlighted the Brexit anxieties, particularly for the poor. The Bishop of London echoed these concerns and the anxieties in Europe. Others spoke of council and Govt budget cuts, the divisive politics, the loss of jobs, the rise in populism rather than the common good. The motion noted the divisions felt, called on everyone to pray, reaffirmed Christian commitment to the poor and marginalised and called on leaders to work together.
Penny Allen
Lichfield 335
To London by train to arrive in time for a House of Laity meeting to discuss clergy well-being.
Business Committee Report
Rev Sue Booys had a difficult time defending the new meeting dates set for 2021-2023 as the survey which was conducted about whether to use Saturdays had been ignored. It is thought that more working people would be able to attend without losing leave if Saturdays were used.
Ecumenical Guests
Ecumenical guests Most Rev Prem Chand Singh from N India and Kenyan Bishop of Kapsabet, Rt Rev Paul Korir, spoke of the persecution of the Church in India and the growth in Kenya. Ecumenical guests will in future be able to speak but not vote in debates.
Questions
The largest group of questions was on sexuality, the guidance on the treatment of trans people. Rev Shaun Morris asked whether ordinands who transitioned would have to give up their training: answer was the Pastoral Advisory Group would be consulted. Bishop Pete Broadbent reiterated that the Bishops had acted following the July request from GS and would not withdraw the guidance.
Some of the other questions revealed that :
- there has been a reduction in residential training although there are 8% more ordinands
- Ministerial Development Review should be carried out every 2 years
- some dioceses recommend clergy take 5 days off per month; all clergy have 36 days leave
- there are no special liturgical resources for Brexit
- the C of E is prevented by charity law from providing land at discounted prices for affordable homes
- Cathedrals are still not yet required to register with the Charity Commission
- Songs of Praise has been retimed to prevent it being dislodged by sporting events and it will be available longer on iplayer
- the assets of dioceses have been published in a list
- there is no limit to the number of terms that GS members or officers should serve- question from John [Tug] Wilson
Thursday 21st February
Holy Communion with help from Ely diocese.
Legislative Business
As expected the changes to Church Representation caused the most comments as deanery members would be allowed only two terms of office. John Wilson spoke to this as he had conducted a survey of Lichfield diocese revealing that over 90% of deanery members had served more than two terms. This item was referred back to the Elections Review Group. Other amendments to allow electronic voting for GS and Diocesan Synods; joint councils for multi-parish benefices plus one benefice service on Sundays; lay majority on PCCs and ordinations to Bishop's Mission initiatives were carried.
Miscellaneous provision for lay people to conduct funerals; a register for all clergy and the ability to have electronic parish records were passed. Then limits to terms of office for DACs members, which Lichfield DAC opposed in writing, was passed.
Fees
This item is normally uncontested but suddenly Bishop Philip North, newly arrived back in GS, led a revolt against fees for weddings and funerals. This was unsuccessful but supported by 80 members in the voting. Also funeral fees for under 18s are now waived and a new charge for funerals at natural burial grounds proposed.
Ecumenical church cooperation
A new code of Practice was accepted and welcomed to allow participation in services by other denominations.
Homeless Task Force
This Private Member's Motion almost did not make it to the business but Andrew Gray was allowed sufficient time and made a detailed and impassioned speech in support of linking to existing charities, faith groups and local initiatives to ease problems caused by homelessness. Crisis believe there are 236000 homeless people in the UK currently. Overwhelmingly passed
Living in Love and Faith
The Pastoral Group attached to the project made a presentation identifying 6 underlying problems currently: ignorance, silence, fear, hypocrisy, misused power and prejudice, surrounding attitudes to LGBTI people. Bishop Christine Hardman called for increased awareness and understanding.
The project lead Bishop Christopher Cocksworth then outlined the documents' progress and Dr Eeva explained the resources that are being produced. Questions were asked about the involvement of trans people as Tina Beardsley has resigned- answer another trans person has been recruited, Canon Rachel Mann gave a lively view of mission, Andrea Minichello Williams and Rev Dr Ian Paul spoke about irreconcilable positions; and conversion therapy was highlighted as wrong. Chris Gill asked why singleness has been neglected in ministry.
Friday 22nd February
Environmental Programmes [delayed from York last year]
Two dioceses, London and Truro introduced these plans to reduce the Church's carbon footprint in 2016, it was finally debated this year. Specifically to recognise climate change, reduce energy consumption and promote best practice. I had been asked to assist the dioceses with an amendment to move finances to do this work but the Chair made suitable space for John Spence to speak and £10,000 is to be tagged for consultancy, £10,000 for the parish return forms to be amended to capture energy readings and one part-time or full-time post considered to move this forward. I spoke about Shrinking the Footprint, The Church and the Earth and Caring for God's Acre- clearly we should be caring for more than churchyards. The First Estates Commissioner reminded us that we had asked for disinvestment and robust conversations with companies resulting in Shell, BP and Exon revising their positions. Despite one sceptic this was passed overwhelmingly.
Evangelism and Discipleship
Comments were made about lay witness, telling stories, 'Setting God's People Free', apologetics, motivation, open conversations, e-learning and social media, training ordinands, an inclusive and invitational call, no training available in British Sign Language, 17 dioceses with no deaf chaplain. Continuing the work of Thy Kingdom Come, which has expanded across denominations.
Proposed Changes to the CNC
Bishop Michael had led this group. Attempts were made to remove secret voting and have more open discussion, these failed due to voting by laity. Voted by Houses, Bishops 19 for/ 14 against, Clergy 76 for/ 6 against/ Abs 4, Laity 63 for/ 99 against/Abs 5. It will in future be enough to have 2/3 majority in voting.
Growing Faith: Ministry Amongst Children and Young People
Research shows parents have greatest influence on children coming to faith. 40% before age of 5, 16% 5-10, 20% 11-18.
Key findings:
- they want to be part of whole church family and included
- they want to be equal
- Youth leaders help bridge the gap
- they need space to explore faith
Farewells
Given to Bishop of Dover on his retirement, valuing his work with refugees across the Channel, Channel Islands and his hospitality and hard work [Open Synod Group will miss +Trevor as President of our open group].Bishop of Norwich for his wisdom and media savvy presence. Stephen Slack for piloting legal work on women in ministry, equalities etc. Jonathan Spencer as Chmn of Pensions Board, with special thanks for staying on after sudden death of CEO.
Estates Evangelism
An energised Bishop Philip North opened this debate to provide a church presence on every estate with social housing units, reaching the poor and working class. Comments by the Bishop of London highlighted the need for money for training and education, the difficulties of middle class people being invited to minister; others spoke of mid week services rather than Sundays, calling people from different backgrounds, richer parishes helping poorer ones, a church in a deprived estate with a tent in the building as it needed money for repairs, working in partnership with other denominations. The motion was carried urging dioceses to develop Strategic Development bids, and for the Renewal and Reform group to see Christians in every community.
Saturday 23rd February
Began with a bible study on 1 Peter 1 v1-21 with ++JW's chaplain [attached]
Centuries of Marginalisation- Mision and Ministry Among Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Communities
The accompanying information GS 2123 had some revealing facts: 90% of children suffered racial abuse; 2/3 have been attacked; life expectancy is 12 yrs lower for women, 10 yrs for men, over 50s are elderly, infant mortality is 3 times higher, as is depression. They are refused occasional church offices and supplies of water. 5% of prison population is from these communities. They cannot easily register with schools and doctors. We were reminded that 2879 Gypsies died at Auschwitz and 500,000 altogether in the Holocaust.
We were called on to speak out about racism, stop the media victimisation, instigate a Commission to make land available including church land, urge the Govt to address their legal position if they have recently arrived, speak out in the House of Lords, each diocese to appoint a Chaplain. There are only two chaplains in the UK.
Janie Codona, from the Gypsy community spoke about her experiences. She was accompanied by about 30 members of the communities in the public gallery.
One person spoke of the difficulties in coping with travellers on church land and the lack of advice. Jamie Harrison spoke of the difficulties in accessing medical care.
The motion was passed 265for/ 1against/ 0 abs.
Encouraging Youth Evangelism a Private Member's Motion by Mark Russell, Head of Church Army
With Mark's usual energy and enthusiasm this motion affirming Youth Officers and encouraging dioceses to invest in youth ministry was challenging the national and local churches to do more. 95% of churches have less than 25 young people. Comments were made about the lack of welcome to LGBTI young people being off-putting, the need to make space by taking out pews, the cuts to diocesan youth work, working with those in choirs, Scouts and Guides, and speeches were made by young people in Synod about the need for more focus on the young, who need including in deanery MAPs. Passed overwhelmingly.
Advertising and Gambling
This motion to ask the Govt to reduce gambling advertising, encourage churches to help those addicted and educate children about risks was accompanied by some sad stories. Pitch and football shirt advertising grooms people, more money is spent on gambling than on sex, drugs and alcohol. Our former Bishop Alan Smith led the debate and revealed that 55,000 school children are addicted. Preb Brian Williams said that Bet 365 was a large employer in Staffs but we must be careful of what we say as we benefit from Lottery funding. Rev Zoe Hemming spoke about dangers of the algorithms that calculate our online interests. A young member from Southwark spoke about the defrauding of a church community of £1million in online gambling. One member said that her church had refused Lottery funding for repairs.
The motion was carried unanimously.
The State of the Nation- a debate tabled by ++JW and ++JS
++JW began this debate underlining the advantages we have living in the UK. We have relative stability, influence, democracy, overseas aid. He wanted prayer for those in Govt leadership and highlighted the Brexit anxieties, particularly for the poor. The Bishop of London echoed these concerns and the anxieties in Europe. Others spoke of council and Govt budget cuts, the divisive politics, the loss of jobs, the rise in populism rather than the common good. The motion noted the divisions felt, called on everyone to pray, reaffirmed Christian commitment to the poor and marginalised and called on leaders to work together.
Penny Allen
Lichfield 335