General Synod February 2023
Monday 6th February
Arrived in London on time and not looking forward to this session, apprehension for everyone about Living in Love and Faith.
Reviving Remote Meetings. This item was immediately needed to allow those participating online to join the session. We had already received the appropriate link and ability to vote. In fact most people had come to participate in person.
Opening Worship was led by Rev Michael Gisbourne as our previous Chaplain had resigned.
Introductions to new members included our new member Andrew Charles who had unfortunately not yet arrived.
Presidential Address was given by Archbishop Justin.
Business Committee Report expressed concern about trialling two sets of Questions, comments received about the previous session; an outline of business and dates for York, 7-11 July.
Amending Canon 42 Revision. This is to appoint Safeguarding Advisers as Safeguarding Officers independent of the Bishop in the diocese.
Pensions Measure. Enabling Church Commissioners to extend time to contribute to Clergy Pensions until 2032.
Living in Love and Faith. Group Work. Arrangements for the Group Work were outlined then a presentation, including a film, gave the impression that prayers had been decided and the Bishops had made the decision, which was not true.
Questions 1. The first of two sets of Questions, which seem to have become adversarial against those answering them in writing. Supplementaries were allowed and usually asked on Mission, Schools, Ordinands, Stipends, Conduct for GS Members, CDMs, Churchyards, Liturgy, the Archbishop's Council, Safeguarding, Church Commissioners' investments etc. Questions were asked by Ros Clarke Q51, Rev Shaun Morris Q11, Rev Zoe Heming Q16, Rev Matt Beer Q109, Amanda Robbie Q114 and can be found in the 59 pages of Question Paper 1. Bishop Michael answered questions on Liturgy and on behalf of the House of Bishops. It was remarkable that so many were answered in the two hours given.
Tuesday 7th February
Eucharist. This was not well attended as again many Evangelical and Catholic members were missing.
Diocesan Boards of Education Measure. This was to align the legislation with the Academy Trusts now in operation.
Miscellaneous Provisions Measure. A large number of items were listed under this- approval of remote meetings without a sunset clause, removing the need for GS approval for naming diocesan sees, removing 10 year limits on Common Tenure and applications for religious Communities and Chaplains, changing regulations for Lay Canons of Cathedrals, disqualifications of Patrons if needed, age limit for Diocesan Chancellors, appointing a Diocesan Environmental Protection person to the DAC, allowing bishops to decide vacant housing and vary PCC requirements, closing churches etc. Rev Matt Beer spoke on the Bishops Mission Order which allows termination by the bishop at any time and his concern was noted. This Measure could not be accomplished in the time set so was resumed.
Loyal Address. Archbishop Justin gave the address to the new King and referred to the Coronation.
Questions 2. This was devoted to all Questions on Living in Love and Faith.
Resourcing Ministerial Education. In order to resolve funding issues arising yearly TEIs are to receive funding for 3 years, there will be new service level agreements and Dioceses can plan ahead for new ordinands knowing funding is secure. Training for the disabled is to be given priority. Lay training funding is not yet decided.
Living in Love and Faith, Group Work. Members had been allocated to groups with a facilitator and one or two Bishops. The groups were asked to discuss questions and give honest views with courtesy as all groups had a mix of opinions. The facilitators were asked to give feedback and these comments were discussed when GS resumed. There was a variety of views in the feedback.
Wednesday 8th February
Cost of Living. As expected Canon John Spence roused the Synod with a debate calling for prayer for the suffering caused by the financial crisis, committed the churches to help the vulnerable, called on the Govt to assist those in poverty and called on the dioceses to assist the clergy and their families. This was passed without dissent.
Draft Parochial Fees Order. This was to increase the fees due for funerals which sparked some debate about an amendment which would increase churchyard burial fees to £1000.
Amending Canon 43. This was amended to remove the Bishops Mission Order paragraph for further consideration.
Living in Love and Faith debate. 28 amendments had been tabled. Thankfully Geoffrey Tattershall was chairing this in his usual calm and assisting manner which helped very much with so many amendments, many of which were tabled to halt the progress of the Prayers of Blessing. Bishop Sarah Mullally opened the debate and we admired her stamina and unruffled manner as it slowly progressed. Every amendment was voted on by Houses which means that all votes were recorded and the electronic voting record will be available for all. +Sarah emphasised that the Bishops were not all in agreement but had decided to walk together. ++Justin spoke very emotionally about the effect on the Anglican Communion when people would die as we made decisions. Sam Margrave [Coventry Laity] had conducted a social media and vocal approach against certain members and in dioceses which had been referred to the police for hate speech and he had tabled a sequence of amendments designed to wreck the process. Other people's arguments against the LLF process were rushing through the process; lack of theology; understanding of the definition and doctrine of marriage; the legality of civil and church marriage; sexual identities; the effect on the Anglican Communion; the withdrawal of 'Issues', a previously conservative document; lack of pastoral guidance. Then an unexpected intervention of the Prolocutors [Leaders of the House of Clergy] criticising the 'rushed process' caused some consternation as it had not been discussed or tabled previously and the clergy were unaware of it. It was lost. A number of gay clergy spoke into the debate about their celibacy as required currently and their disappointment that their sacrifice may have been for nothing. All the amendments were lost systematically until Rev Andrew Cornes moved that the doctrine of marriage should be upheld and this was carried. Finally, those supporting the prayers and same sex marriage also lost their amendments. In the final vote the Prayers were upheld and Pastoral Guidance will be prepared. Bishops 36 for/ 4against/2 abstentions; Clergy 111 for/ 85 against/ 3 abstentions; Laity 103 for/ 92 against/ 5 abstentions. [The entire debate and speeches have been well recorded in the Church Times of 17 Feb].
At the end of the debate the rainbow flag appeared in the corner of the screen and Amanda Robbie made a complaint about that which has resulted in new software being purchased by Church House.
Thursday 8th February
Draft Diocesan Stipends Funds. This will allow rich dioceses to give money to poorer ones to pay for clergy. It has already been trialled.
Draft Amending Canon 42 to have independent Diocesan Safeguarding Officers was carried.
Governance Review. This needed more time for discussion as it will change the organisation of the C of E to streamline and reduce complication in overlapping committees. It recommends a new governing body called the Church of England National Services. The Church Commissioners, Pensions Board and Independent Safeguarding Board will retain their own governance.
Draft Pensions Measure to allow Church Commissioners' money to support the Pensions Fund was carried.
Electronic Register Book of Services can now be kept.
Standing Order Committee. Rules about amendments being supported by two people; presentation of petitions; allowing the proposers of debates to say whether they support the amendments; following motions; the Youth Council [which has been abolished]; the ability of members to resign from committees; length of service on the CNC; standing to express support for debate or voting were all discussed and sensible arrangements made.
Safeguarding. A brief account of the current position from the new Director and a reflection on the past term of office by +Jonathan Gibbs was given. I asked for more information to be given as abuse of children is not acceptable. We had all received a report form Martin Sewell prior to GS about concerns over the Independent Safeguarding Board.
Insurance Premium Tax. This was a diocesan motion form Lincoln asking Govt to exempt churches from this tax. This was warmly welcomed.
Penny Allen
Arrived in London on time and not looking forward to this session, apprehension for everyone about Living in Love and Faith.
Reviving Remote Meetings. This item was immediately needed to allow those participating online to join the session. We had already received the appropriate link and ability to vote. In fact most people had come to participate in person.
Opening Worship was led by Rev Michael Gisbourne as our previous Chaplain had resigned.
Introductions to new members included our new member Andrew Charles who had unfortunately not yet arrived.
Presidential Address was given by Archbishop Justin.
Business Committee Report expressed concern about trialling two sets of Questions, comments received about the previous session; an outline of business and dates for York, 7-11 July.
Amending Canon 42 Revision. This is to appoint Safeguarding Advisers as Safeguarding Officers independent of the Bishop in the diocese.
Pensions Measure. Enabling Church Commissioners to extend time to contribute to Clergy Pensions until 2032.
Living in Love and Faith. Group Work. Arrangements for the Group Work were outlined then a presentation, including a film, gave the impression that prayers had been decided and the Bishops had made the decision, which was not true.
Questions 1. The first of two sets of Questions, which seem to have become adversarial against those answering them in writing. Supplementaries were allowed and usually asked on Mission, Schools, Ordinands, Stipends, Conduct for GS Members, CDMs, Churchyards, Liturgy, the Archbishop's Council, Safeguarding, Church Commissioners' investments etc. Questions were asked by Ros Clarke Q51, Rev Shaun Morris Q11, Rev Zoe Heming Q16, Rev Matt Beer Q109, Amanda Robbie Q114 and can be found in the 59 pages of Question Paper 1. Bishop Michael answered questions on Liturgy and on behalf of the House of Bishops. It was remarkable that so many were answered in the two hours given.
Tuesday 7th February
Eucharist. This was not well attended as again many Evangelical and Catholic members were missing.
Diocesan Boards of Education Measure. This was to align the legislation with the Academy Trusts now in operation.
Miscellaneous Provisions Measure. A large number of items were listed under this- approval of remote meetings without a sunset clause, removing the need for GS approval for naming diocesan sees, removing 10 year limits on Common Tenure and applications for religious Communities and Chaplains, changing regulations for Lay Canons of Cathedrals, disqualifications of Patrons if needed, age limit for Diocesan Chancellors, appointing a Diocesan Environmental Protection person to the DAC, allowing bishops to decide vacant housing and vary PCC requirements, closing churches etc. Rev Matt Beer spoke on the Bishops Mission Order which allows termination by the bishop at any time and his concern was noted. This Measure could not be accomplished in the time set so was resumed.
Loyal Address. Archbishop Justin gave the address to the new King and referred to the Coronation.
Questions 2. This was devoted to all Questions on Living in Love and Faith.
Resourcing Ministerial Education. In order to resolve funding issues arising yearly TEIs are to receive funding for 3 years, there will be new service level agreements and Dioceses can plan ahead for new ordinands knowing funding is secure. Training for the disabled is to be given priority. Lay training funding is not yet decided.
Living in Love and Faith, Group Work. Members had been allocated to groups with a facilitator and one or two Bishops. The groups were asked to discuss questions and give honest views with courtesy as all groups had a mix of opinions. The facilitators were asked to give feedback and these comments were discussed when GS resumed. There was a variety of views in the feedback.
Wednesday 8th February
Cost of Living. As expected Canon John Spence roused the Synod with a debate calling for prayer for the suffering caused by the financial crisis, committed the churches to help the vulnerable, called on the Govt to assist those in poverty and called on the dioceses to assist the clergy and their families. This was passed without dissent.
Draft Parochial Fees Order. This was to increase the fees due for funerals which sparked some debate about an amendment which would increase churchyard burial fees to £1000.
Amending Canon 43. This was amended to remove the Bishops Mission Order paragraph for further consideration.
Living in Love and Faith debate. 28 amendments had been tabled. Thankfully Geoffrey Tattershall was chairing this in his usual calm and assisting manner which helped very much with so many amendments, many of which were tabled to halt the progress of the Prayers of Blessing. Bishop Sarah Mullally opened the debate and we admired her stamina and unruffled manner as it slowly progressed. Every amendment was voted on by Houses which means that all votes were recorded and the electronic voting record will be available for all. +Sarah emphasised that the Bishops were not all in agreement but had decided to walk together. ++Justin spoke very emotionally about the effect on the Anglican Communion when people would die as we made decisions. Sam Margrave [Coventry Laity] had conducted a social media and vocal approach against certain members and in dioceses which had been referred to the police for hate speech and he had tabled a sequence of amendments designed to wreck the process. Other people's arguments against the LLF process were rushing through the process; lack of theology; understanding of the definition and doctrine of marriage; the legality of civil and church marriage; sexual identities; the effect on the Anglican Communion; the withdrawal of 'Issues', a previously conservative document; lack of pastoral guidance. Then an unexpected intervention of the Prolocutors [Leaders of the House of Clergy] criticising the 'rushed process' caused some consternation as it had not been discussed or tabled previously and the clergy were unaware of it. It was lost. A number of gay clergy spoke into the debate about their celibacy as required currently and their disappointment that their sacrifice may have been for nothing. All the amendments were lost systematically until Rev Andrew Cornes moved that the doctrine of marriage should be upheld and this was carried. Finally, those supporting the prayers and same sex marriage also lost their amendments. In the final vote the Prayers were upheld and Pastoral Guidance will be prepared. Bishops 36 for/ 4against/2 abstentions; Clergy 111 for/ 85 against/ 3 abstentions; Laity 103 for/ 92 against/ 5 abstentions. [The entire debate and speeches have been well recorded in the Church Times of 17 Feb].
At the end of the debate the rainbow flag appeared in the corner of the screen and Amanda Robbie made a complaint about that which has resulted in new software being purchased by Church House.
Thursday 8th February
Draft Diocesan Stipends Funds. This will allow rich dioceses to give money to poorer ones to pay for clergy. It has already been trialled.
Draft Amending Canon 42 to have independent Diocesan Safeguarding Officers was carried.
Governance Review. This needed more time for discussion as it will change the organisation of the C of E to streamline and reduce complication in overlapping committees. It recommends a new governing body called the Church of England National Services. The Church Commissioners, Pensions Board and Independent Safeguarding Board will retain their own governance.
Draft Pensions Measure to allow Church Commissioners' money to support the Pensions Fund was carried.
Electronic Register Book of Services can now be kept.
Standing Order Committee. Rules about amendments being supported by two people; presentation of petitions; allowing the proposers of debates to say whether they support the amendments; following motions; the Youth Council [which has been abolished]; the ability of members to resign from committees; length of service on the CNC; standing to express support for debate or voting were all discussed and sensible arrangements made.
Safeguarding. A brief account of the current position from the new Director and a reflection on the past term of office by +Jonathan Gibbs was given. I asked for more information to be given as abuse of children is not acceptable. We had all received a report form Martin Sewell prior to GS about concerns over the Independent Safeguarding Board.
Insurance Premium Tax. This was a diocesan motion form Lincoln asking Govt to exempt churches from this tax. This was warmly welcomed.
Penny Allen