General Synod July 2014, York
FRIDAY 11TH JULY 2014
Arrived in sunshine for what we hoped would be an historic time. Bishops and clergy were already meeting about the clergy discipline recommendations.
2.30p.m.
Met for opening worship. Large attendance as expected [not everyone attends all the sessions]. New backdrop to make us look less dreary, which some complained looked like the flight deck of US Enterprise. As my husband is a Trekkie I couldn't agree, not even close.
We had arrived ready to tidy up several sets of legislation as this quinquenium draws to a close, as well as to decide the women bishops issue.
Address
Dr Irmgard Schwaetzer of the Evangelische Kirche in Germany was welcomed and addressed us all. She is co-chair of the Meissen Commission and has been a leading politician in Germany, a minister of state. They are having the same problems in attracting young people into church, describing them as ambivalent and rejecting. The Evangelische Church renews its partnership every 10 years and The Lutherans, URC and Protestants are co-operating closely. Their Synod will be in Dresden in November to commemorate the falling of the Wall.
Business Committee Report
This gives everyone an opportunity to complain about the order of business, the lack of reports, the number of presentations etc. There were new arrangements for daily communion which would not take place in the hall for the first time. People complained about stopping assemblies with faith content, lack of mission topics, electronic issues with papers, lack of ecumenical progress, the costs involved [each York Synod costs £100,000 per day I am told], lack of topical emergency debates on Iraq, persecution of Christians.
Appointments to the Archbishop's Council were confirmed.
Women Bishops Measure and Canon
The drafts of these two documents were approved, so that we could proceed to debate them. There was little debate but the results of the dioceses' voting were referred to, the diocese of Europe being the only one not to have voted. 90% of clergy in the dioceses and 92% of the laity were in favour of women bishops. Special arrangements passed these on for final drafting.
The clergy discipline measure was another measure for first drafting. It will give powers to apply discipline to church wardens, PCC members and those already found guilty of conduct which concerns safeguarding issues. It will also formally remove the limitation period for sexual misconduct cases. Clergy spoke about ecumenical visitors, funeral arrangers, those with PTOs. Bishop Jonathan spoke about the length of time it takes to process cases, in his experience about two years, and the affect on the person and families. There is a need for a national list of licensed priests.
8.30pm-10.00pm
Questions
Time ran out before all questions could be answered.
SATURDAY 12TH JULY
9.30 am- 1pm
Archbishop Sentamu gave an address, which is available on the General Synod website,CALL TO LIFE.
The morning was devoted to legislation needing action.
Firstly the Pensions Board needed permission to extend the time to make extra contributions to the Pension Fund.to 2025, this was passed almost unanimously.
Church Representation
There were discussions about the weighting between Canterbury and York. York has two more seats than numbers would normally allow. It was decided to preserve this to give the North of England more of a voice in GS.
Representation for Europe will be increased from 2 to 3, suffragan bishops from 4-5.
Next item was contentious, representation for universities- they have a separate diocese. After some discussion the electorate will be widened to include those teaching and researching in theological educational institutions. This irritated Rev Prof Richard Burridge from Oxford.
Voting for the status quo was as follows:
Bishops 5 for, 17 against
Clergy 53 for, 69 against
Laity 67 for 65 against
Draft canon was carried to enlarge electorate.
2,30pm- 3.15, 3.15- 6.30pm
After lunch there was a presentation by Rev Jim Wallis, from USA on The Uncommon Good, a renowned speaker apparently.
It was very predictable, advocating people working together to help others. Group discussion then followed, with photo sheets which bore little relevance to the discussion, most of that also predictable. Disappointing.
5.05pm- 6.30pm
The Mission and Public Affairs committee then moved a motion in support of the idea of The Common Good.
People spoke about human trafficking, sexual violence, racism, youth work, the role of the arts, the increase in equality. Some spoke of disillusionment with politics.
The motion was passed: 299 for, 0 against, 2 abstentions.
8.30pm- 10.00pm
Clergy Dress- changing the legislation to allow clergy to not wear robes when not appropriate.
This was contentious- some clergy felt they already had permission to do so as the canon uses the word 'normally' about vestments. Others felt that a bishop could complain if they did not wear vestments while giving communion.
Some clergy spoke about the symbolism in the robes, clerical collar, others spoke about Fresh Expressions and younger congregations, cafe church. Bishop Jonathan asked for clarification of what was meant by 'distinctive dress'. A Reader spoke about his scarf giving authority.
SUNDAY 12TH JULY
Some walked, some bussed, some drove in bright sunshine to York Minster for Holy Communion.
Rev Jim Wallis gave the address and was significantly more inspiring than the previous day about the Common Good. He spoke about meeting Desmond Tutu and a service which was invaded by the security forces looking to arrest Tutu and how he rose to this challenge. He also spoke about the prevalent discontent in Washington with politics.
2.30pm- 6.15pm
Churches Conservation Trust payment- this issue needed to be resolved so that redundant and closed churches can be supported. 45% of closed churches are Grade 1 listed buildings. The closed church with the highest number of visitors is in York, Holy Trinity, which has 60,000 visitors per year. Membership of the Historic Churches Trust was encouraged, it costs £36 per year and allows free entrance to St Paul's and Canterbury cathedrals, free visits to other churches and 2 for 1 for Westminster Abbey and Cathedral. There are 1883 closed churches and 20 per year are added. The payment of £4 million form 2015-18 was passed.
Additional Texts for Holy Baptism
At long last additional simplified texts especially suitable for children were ready and have been trialled. Much to my consternation people were still trying to alter the wording, particularly about referring to the Devil. I spoke about the need for the liturgy from my experience as a teacher trying to explain the service to young people in state schools, when we started with a dictionary. The pupils said, 'If it means that why doesn't it say so?' , also that clergy needed to use their own discretion about which people to use the liturgy for and how to introduce the idea of baptism. The texts were passed to the next stage.
Churches' Mutual Credit Union presentation
This new credit union is being set up for clergy only initially. Volunteers were invited to encourage people to save, especially school children eventually when it is rolled out. Questions were invited. I asked whether there would be a link with William and Glynns, the new bank set up by the C of E. The reply was that it had not been considered but it may be possible to share premises/ have advice centres. Special facilities for the deaf and disabled were requested. Deaneries may be able to use it to pay the employees in the future.
8.30pm- 10.00pm
Archbishop's Council's Budget and proposals for Apportionment [how it is spent]
Rev John Spence, a former business exec and now Chair of the Finance Committee, spoke to introduce the proposals. He has 3 priorities:
Training for Ministry will require more money when more ordinands come forward, we are short of priests. Only 2.7% increase this year.
Retirement housing will receive a 5% increase this year which will be needed.
Church House has made a profit and needs no subsidy , the rent has been waived so this money has been made available for grants.
Questions were asked about the need to put money aside for compensation claims.
Church Commissioners' Annual Report
Profits on investments have been good this year- 11%. when the rate of growth of income is 1%. Forecast of giving is 1- 1.5% increase.
I asked again about the Williams and Glynn Bank, now trading profitably above its forecast. People are looking for another ethical bank. It has attractive low cost loans for communities.
The Church owns land appropriate for social housing which it hopes to make a profit on in 3-5 years. It has forestry in the USA.
Questions were asked about the pay for the investment fund director, which is high but equivalent to the investment industry pay. The answer was he is worth it.
Is money being set aside for reorganisation of dioceses? Yes, particularly Ripon and Leeds this year.
Have we still an investment in Wonga? No it has been sold at break-even.
Rev Mark Ireland asked about money for growth and mission as people are looking for spirituality. £8 million is being spent on research and development to find effective ways to evangelise. The answer was that the first round of diocesan funding has been allocated, there will be two further rounds. The criteria for funding has been revised to target it effectively.
Other questions were asked about investment in fossil fuels, fracking and renewables. The answer was a report is being awaited.
The report was passed.
Monday 14th
THE DAY WE HAD ALL BEEN WAITING FOR.!
9.30- 11.15am
The Armed Forces Covenant
This covenant will require the C of E to take pastoral care of and support the armed forces and their families. This is becoming more important as they are no longer confined in to barracks but living more in community as reservists. GS members of the armed forces spoke of the difficulties faced in church membership, memorably a young female lieutenant who was asked to take on duties and responsibilities she could not perform by her local church eg; baking cakes, stewarding.
Difficulties in identifying families due to the data protection act were discussed, housing issues for those leaving the services, relationship issues, role of chaplains [Rev Stephen Pratt wished to speak as an army chaplain but was not called] .
Statistics:
1 in 12 people- veterans
1 in 6 retiring have behaviour issues
There are 190 community covenants already in existence
Some dioceses have a large military presence.
A few reservations were expressed about war and fighting. These were balanced by the acknowledged need for pastoral care.
In a vote of the whole synod the voting was:
393 for, 2 against, 3 abstentions. {you will note the large numbers attending- some members of GS only attend when there are issues that concern them].
11.15am - 1.30pm
WOMEN BISHOPS- draft measure for final approval, amending canon, petition to Her Majesty
Archbishop John Sentamu took the chair. To our surprise 85 people has asked to speak. We were asked not to speak if the points we wanted to raise had already been voiced. [We had already said at our group meeting prior to GS that we had only the diocese's votes to speak about as we had spoken in the previous debate]. It was obvious that some people wanted to make their voices heard.
The dioceses' voting was referred to at the beginning of the debate. The debate took place with a much calmer atmosphere and much grace from the traditionalists who had clearly decided to support the measure. Apologies were made for the confrontational language that had been used, 'respecting' and 'flourishing' were the words most commonly used. The role of the independent reviewer was referred to, The Bishop of Burnley spoke about unity in diversity.
The Conservative Evangelicals were clearly not in favour of the measure and spoke about:
Dr Chik Tan gave an impassioned speech again, as a Conservative Evangelical who does not approve of women in ministry at any level, accusing the church of abandoning the bible, giving in to modern culture and redefining marriage.
One bishop had re-read Romans 16 and changed his mind.
The debate continued after lunch. We were urged to live joyfully and celebrate, trust, think about Mary Magdelene [with biblically incorrect references], think of the RCs, Methodists and Orthodox churches, think about the role of women in the world and how we recognise that, the arrangements that need to be made for parishes. [ All these issues had been debated before last year].
Archbishop Justin Welby talked of perseverance, integrity, costly and painful decisions, gratitude, theological arguments and the five guiding principles.
Rev John Spence gave an inspiring address as a blind man who had learnt to rely and trust in people who gave him the opportunity to flourish.
Finally we came to the vote on the measure:
Bishops 37 for, 2 against, 1 abstention
Clergy 162 for, 25 against, 4 abstentions
Laity 152 for, 45 against, 5 abstentions
[These votes can be checked against the electronic voting record on the GS website].
Rev Nigel Irons spoke briefly before the amending canon, saying that now the door should be open to women and he thought it should be thrown away permanently.
Voting on the amending canon was:
Bishops 37 for, 2 against, 1 abstention
Clergy 164 for, 24 against, 3 abstentions
Laity 153 for, 40 against, 8 abstentions
The petition was moved by the whole house.
We had been asked not to show any emotion at the end of the debate so the only cheering came from the public gallery.
[At this point I went outside to see Rev Jane Tillier, one of seven women temporarily sitting in the House of Bishops and the new Pastoral Officer for the diocese. Champagne bottle was being popped, film cameras were everywhere and many of the women were feeling very emotional with the relief. We were rounded up and asked to go back inside] as business was continuing as usual..
Our diocesan voting was as follows:
In favour: Bishop Jonathan, Rev Chris Sims, Rev Pat Hawkins, Preb Maureen Hobbs, Rev Nigel Irons, Rev Mark Ireland, Penny Allen, John Wilson, David Beswick, John Shand, Christopher Corbet.
Against: Dr Chik Tan [Cons Ev], Joanna Monckton [Trad]
Abstention: Rev Stephen Pratt [Cons Ev]
Magna Carta
This diocesan motion from Guilford asked us to mark the 800th anniversary of its signing in 2015..
Some churches are already preparing displays and exhibitions, celebrating civic rights. Bishop Alan Smith moved an amendment to encourage people to engage with local and national politics, to host hustings for the national elections. Some members thought the church should not interfere in politics. I spoke about my church's role in seeking to hold hustings, the role of local councillors, giving an example of being involved in affordable housing decisions, helping a distressed family find a new house and the opportunities for exercising the common good. The amendments were carried.
The legacy of the Magn Carta should be recognised was the recurring theme and the motion was carried. Some churches are holding exhibitions etc.
8.30pm-10.00pm
Clergy Housing Rental Scheme for Retired Ministers- CHARM
A presentation on the new scheme for providing housing for retiring clergy as the old scheme was not cost effective [the clergy found a house, the C of E improved it as necessary and rented it to the clergy.]
The new scheme will offer clergy a choice from a portfolio of properties up to 5 years before retirement. The property will be rented out and then rented to the clergy person at a declared rent from the outset. This will be more cost effective than continuously improving properties then selling them. £50 million of commercial loan from Santander is funding the purchases.
Audit Committee's Annual Report
The accounts had no items raised for concern.
TUESDAY TH JULY
Church Representation Rules
A number of rules about representation at GS needed attention.
Concerns were raised that Oxford and Cambridge deaneries may be swamped by clergy with the change in rules. Currently Richard Burridge is a biblical scholar, Judith Maltby is a professor in ecclesiastical history. With the new emphasis on teaching and research without the requirement to publish Richard Burridge is anxious that too many people will be eligible for election. Am amendment to allow part-time lecturers working not less than half time to be on the electoral role for universities was passed.
The current size of the House of Clergy was retained rather than altered to numbers reflecting the difference between Canterbury and York [2 places proportionately in York's favour].
Religious community reps stay at one for each province.
2 additional seats will be available from the diocesan reorganisation. New seats will be allocated proportionately, one to London.
Ecclesiastical Property
Currently land titles are held by Diocesan Boards of Finance. This proposal would give more power to parishes to own land and be able to dispose of assets. Some members wanted PCCs to have greater powers. Complex issues about ownership, rents,and parish assets were raised. I spoke about the difficulties that parishes face when undertaking projects and the need for diocesan help, also the extra work that diocesan offices would have to undertake if the ownership was changed to parishes. It was resolved that parishes could deal with property within a low threshold, which is to be determined.
Children to serve Communion
In special circumstances it was agreed that children could be licensed to serve communion eg. in church schools, Fresh Expressions. Safeguarding issues would have to be regarded and parents informed.
Representation Rules
These had to be approved by a majority.
Voting was:
Bishops 13 for, 3 against, 0 abs.
Clergy 65 for, 35 against, 9 abs
Laity 57 for, 54 against, 6 abs.
Farewells
Bishop of Burnley, John Goddard, is retiring and was thanked by J Sentamu.
Bishop of Oxford, John Pritchard, is retiring and was thanked by J Welby.
This was the General Synod we had all been waiting for. We were both tired and emotional after this moment in Church history, which was greeted quietly as no-one wished to offend those voting against.
Justin Welby said to me the next morning, 'The challenge now is to make it work' and we will.
Penny Allen
GS 327
Arrived in sunshine for what we hoped would be an historic time. Bishops and clergy were already meeting about the clergy discipline recommendations.
2.30p.m.
Met for opening worship. Large attendance as expected [not everyone attends all the sessions]. New backdrop to make us look less dreary, which some complained looked like the flight deck of US Enterprise. As my husband is a Trekkie I couldn't agree, not even close.
We had arrived ready to tidy up several sets of legislation as this quinquenium draws to a close, as well as to decide the women bishops issue.
Address
Dr Irmgard Schwaetzer of the Evangelische Kirche in Germany was welcomed and addressed us all. She is co-chair of the Meissen Commission and has been a leading politician in Germany, a minister of state. They are having the same problems in attracting young people into church, describing them as ambivalent and rejecting. The Evangelische Church renews its partnership every 10 years and The Lutherans, URC and Protestants are co-operating closely. Their Synod will be in Dresden in November to commemorate the falling of the Wall.
Business Committee Report
This gives everyone an opportunity to complain about the order of business, the lack of reports, the number of presentations etc. There were new arrangements for daily communion which would not take place in the hall for the first time. People complained about stopping assemblies with faith content, lack of mission topics, electronic issues with papers, lack of ecumenical progress, the costs involved [each York Synod costs £100,000 per day I am told], lack of topical emergency debates on Iraq, persecution of Christians.
Appointments to the Archbishop's Council were confirmed.
Women Bishops Measure and Canon
The drafts of these two documents were approved, so that we could proceed to debate them. There was little debate but the results of the dioceses' voting were referred to, the diocese of Europe being the only one not to have voted. 90% of clergy in the dioceses and 92% of the laity were in favour of women bishops. Special arrangements passed these on for final drafting.
The clergy discipline measure was another measure for first drafting. It will give powers to apply discipline to church wardens, PCC members and those already found guilty of conduct which concerns safeguarding issues. It will also formally remove the limitation period for sexual misconduct cases. Clergy spoke about ecumenical visitors, funeral arrangers, those with PTOs. Bishop Jonathan spoke about the length of time it takes to process cases, in his experience about two years, and the affect on the person and families. There is a need for a national list of licensed priests.
8.30pm-10.00pm
Questions
- Future costs of housing retired clergy [CHARM]? £165 million last year. Subsidy will rise with inflation. New scheme to be proposed.
- Still investing in WONGA? No, sold at break- even.
- Any national church people on zero hrs contracts? Only hospitality staff, those employed by contractors.
- Gift Aid -Small donation scheme has become complex. Will go to Judicial Review or Appeal.
- Your ChurchWedding.org- has this been updated as consequence of same sex marriage? Yes- Questions and Answers pages updated.
- Shrinking the Footprint- group needs new lead bishop.
- What are the thresholds for ecclesiastical property owning by PCC? Not yet made.
- Is Sheffield formula still in use? Yes.
- Rev Stephen Pratt asked what progress has been made with Archbishop's Evangelism Task Group? J Welby answered it next meets 17th July, calling for a season of prayer. Materials for parishes should be available early 2015.
- Will House of Bishops endorse Pope Francis' Evangelii Gaudium? [evangelising in world today]. J Welby spoke about meeting the Pope, not agreeing all the text, need for broader less ecclesiastical project for laity.
- JW also spoke about meeting all primates, he has met 24. Will finish programme of meetings mid November.
- Facilitated conversations about same sex relationships- there has been a cultural change, we must learn to live with 'good disagreement', grace and charity. Looking at biblical scholars' material. College of Bishops will look at pilot materials for two days in September. Still call to celibacy? Yes.
- Pioneer ministry to have structure? Trialling in Winchester.
- Need to retain children in church? Half churches have fewer than 5 under 16s. Diocesan priority.
- Several questions on same sex relationships/ marriage. House of Bishops were consulted widely on guidance issued, following established teaching, not considered clergy or partners who may have been in same sex relationships, diocesan bishops have authority to dscipline clergy in same sex marriage cases in consultation with Registrar.
- Has Lord Fowler's book on AIDS in Africa which notes that attitudes of the church here to gay people has exacerbated problems been taken into account? No
- After Scottish referendum will the church be involved in constitutional reform?Expecting House of Lord reforms and new govt proposals.
- National conference on Penal Reform? 19 dioceses already taking part. Local initiatives to help prisoners.
- Conservative Evangelical bishop? Actively looking for one.
- 145 people teach and research in C of E colleges. 4 have been elected to General Synod.
- Bullying in schools, why homophobic bullying only emphasised? This was area commissioned. as it is difficult for schools. Data will be collected.
- How much training for clergy on issues of gender? 20%on pastoral care.
- Rev Stephen Pratt asked how much has move to Common Awards impacted theological colleges/courses? There has been additional year for transition. Ministry Division looking at e-learning.
- How many teachers in colleges hold Masters degrees? 118.
Time ran out before all questions could be answered.
SATURDAY 12TH JULY
9.30 am- 1pm
Archbishop Sentamu gave an address, which is available on the General Synod website,CALL TO LIFE.
The morning was devoted to legislation needing action.
Firstly the Pensions Board needed permission to extend the time to make extra contributions to the Pension Fund.to 2025, this was passed almost unanimously.
Church Representation
There were discussions about the weighting between Canterbury and York. York has two more seats than numbers would normally allow. It was decided to preserve this to give the North of England more of a voice in GS.
Representation for Europe will be increased from 2 to 3, suffragan bishops from 4-5.
Next item was contentious, representation for universities- they have a separate diocese. After some discussion the electorate will be widened to include those teaching and researching in theological educational institutions. This irritated Rev Prof Richard Burridge from Oxford.
Voting for the status quo was as follows:
Bishops 5 for, 17 against
Clergy 53 for, 69 against
Laity 67 for 65 against
Draft canon was carried to enlarge electorate.
2,30pm- 3.15, 3.15- 6.30pm
After lunch there was a presentation by Rev Jim Wallis, from USA on The Uncommon Good, a renowned speaker apparently.
It was very predictable, advocating people working together to help others. Group discussion then followed, with photo sheets which bore little relevance to the discussion, most of that also predictable. Disappointing.
5.05pm- 6.30pm
The Mission and Public Affairs committee then moved a motion in support of the idea of The Common Good.
People spoke about human trafficking, sexual violence, racism, youth work, the role of the arts, the increase in equality. Some spoke of disillusionment with politics.
The motion was passed: 299 for, 0 against, 2 abstentions.
8.30pm- 10.00pm
Clergy Dress- changing the legislation to allow clergy to not wear robes when not appropriate.
This was contentious- some clergy felt they already had permission to do so as the canon uses the word 'normally' about vestments. Others felt that a bishop could complain if they did not wear vestments while giving communion.
Some clergy spoke about the symbolism in the robes, clerical collar, others spoke about Fresh Expressions and younger congregations, cafe church. Bishop Jonathan asked for clarification of what was meant by 'distinctive dress'. A Reader spoke about his scarf giving authority.
SUNDAY 12TH JULY
Some walked, some bussed, some drove in bright sunshine to York Minster for Holy Communion.
Rev Jim Wallis gave the address and was significantly more inspiring than the previous day about the Common Good. He spoke about meeting Desmond Tutu and a service which was invaded by the security forces looking to arrest Tutu and how he rose to this challenge. He also spoke about the prevalent discontent in Washington with politics.
2.30pm- 6.15pm
Churches Conservation Trust payment- this issue needed to be resolved so that redundant and closed churches can be supported. 45% of closed churches are Grade 1 listed buildings. The closed church with the highest number of visitors is in York, Holy Trinity, which has 60,000 visitors per year. Membership of the Historic Churches Trust was encouraged, it costs £36 per year and allows free entrance to St Paul's and Canterbury cathedrals, free visits to other churches and 2 for 1 for Westminster Abbey and Cathedral. There are 1883 closed churches and 20 per year are added. The payment of £4 million form 2015-18 was passed.
Additional Texts for Holy Baptism
At long last additional simplified texts especially suitable for children were ready and have been trialled. Much to my consternation people were still trying to alter the wording, particularly about referring to the Devil. I spoke about the need for the liturgy from my experience as a teacher trying to explain the service to young people in state schools, when we started with a dictionary. The pupils said, 'If it means that why doesn't it say so?' , also that clergy needed to use their own discretion about which people to use the liturgy for and how to introduce the idea of baptism. The texts were passed to the next stage.
Churches' Mutual Credit Union presentation
This new credit union is being set up for clergy only initially. Volunteers were invited to encourage people to save, especially school children eventually when it is rolled out. Questions were invited. I asked whether there would be a link with William and Glynns, the new bank set up by the C of E. The reply was that it had not been considered but it may be possible to share premises/ have advice centres. Special facilities for the deaf and disabled were requested. Deaneries may be able to use it to pay the employees in the future.
8.30pm- 10.00pm
Archbishop's Council's Budget and proposals for Apportionment [how it is spent]
Rev John Spence, a former business exec and now Chair of the Finance Committee, spoke to introduce the proposals. He has 3 priorities:
- subsidiarity
- efficiency
- effectiveness
Training for Ministry will require more money when more ordinands come forward, we are short of priests. Only 2.7% increase this year.
Retirement housing will receive a 5% increase this year which will be needed.
Church House has made a profit and needs no subsidy , the rent has been waived so this money has been made available for grants.
Questions were asked about the need to put money aside for compensation claims.
Church Commissioners' Annual Report
Profits on investments have been good this year- 11%. when the rate of growth of income is 1%. Forecast of giving is 1- 1.5% increase.
I asked again about the Williams and Glynn Bank, now trading profitably above its forecast. People are looking for another ethical bank. It has attractive low cost loans for communities.
The Church owns land appropriate for social housing which it hopes to make a profit on in 3-5 years. It has forestry in the USA.
Questions were asked about the pay for the investment fund director, which is high but equivalent to the investment industry pay. The answer was he is worth it.
Is money being set aside for reorganisation of dioceses? Yes, particularly Ripon and Leeds this year.
Have we still an investment in Wonga? No it has been sold at break-even.
Rev Mark Ireland asked about money for growth and mission as people are looking for spirituality. £8 million is being spent on research and development to find effective ways to evangelise. The answer was that the first round of diocesan funding has been allocated, there will be two further rounds. The criteria for funding has been revised to target it effectively.
Other questions were asked about investment in fossil fuels, fracking and renewables. The answer was a report is being awaited.
The report was passed.
Monday 14th
THE DAY WE HAD ALL BEEN WAITING FOR.!
9.30- 11.15am
The Armed Forces Covenant
This covenant will require the C of E to take pastoral care of and support the armed forces and their families. This is becoming more important as they are no longer confined in to barracks but living more in community as reservists. GS members of the armed forces spoke of the difficulties faced in church membership, memorably a young female lieutenant who was asked to take on duties and responsibilities she could not perform by her local church eg; baking cakes, stewarding.
Difficulties in identifying families due to the data protection act were discussed, housing issues for those leaving the services, relationship issues, role of chaplains [Rev Stephen Pratt wished to speak as an army chaplain but was not called] .
Statistics:
1 in 12 people- veterans
1 in 6 retiring have behaviour issues
There are 190 community covenants already in existence
Some dioceses have a large military presence.
A few reservations were expressed about war and fighting. These were balanced by the acknowledged need for pastoral care.
In a vote of the whole synod the voting was:
393 for, 2 against, 3 abstentions. {you will note the large numbers attending- some members of GS only attend when there are issues that concern them].
11.15am - 1.30pm
WOMEN BISHOPS- draft measure for final approval, amending canon, petition to Her Majesty
Archbishop John Sentamu took the chair. To our surprise 85 people has asked to speak. We were asked not to speak if the points we wanted to raise had already been voiced. [We had already said at our group meeting prior to GS that we had only the diocese's votes to speak about as we had spoken in the previous debate]. It was obvious that some people wanted to make their voices heard.
The dioceses' voting was referred to at the beginning of the debate. The debate took place with a much calmer atmosphere and much grace from the traditionalists who had clearly decided to support the measure. Apologies were made for the confrontational language that had been used, 'respecting' and 'flourishing' were the words most commonly used. The role of the independent reviewer was referred to, The Bishop of Burnley spoke about unity in diversity.
The Conservative Evangelicals were clearly not in favour of the measure and spoke about:
- the need for a Cons Ev bishop
- dioceses' difficulties in asking for a male
- the language used
- five guiding principles
- the complementary view- that women are not the heads of households, males and females have different roles
- Jesus chose males
- we are institutionalising division
- the discussions had been pre-empted
Dr Chik Tan gave an impassioned speech again, as a Conservative Evangelical who does not approve of women in ministry at any level, accusing the church of abandoning the bible, giving in to modern culture and redefining marriage.
One bishop had re-read Romans 16 and changed his mind.
The debate continued after lunch. We were urged to live joyfully and celebrate, trust, think about Mary Magdelene [with biblically incorrect references], think of the RCs, Methodists and Orthodox churches, think about the role of women in the world and how we recognise that, the arrangements that need to be made for parishes. [ All these issues had been debated before last year].
Archbishop Justin Welby talked of perseverance, integrity, costly and painful decisions, gratitude, theological arguments and the five guiding principles.
Rev John Spence gave an inspiring address as a blind man who had learnt to rely and trust in people who gave him the opportunity to flourish.
Finally we came to the vote on the measure:
Bishops 37 for, 2 against, 1 abstention
Clergy 162 for, 25 against, 4 abstentions
Laity 152 for, 45 against, 5 abstentions
[These votes can be checked against the electronic voting record on the GS website].
Rev Nigel Irons spoke briefly before the amending canon, saying that now the door should be open to women and he thought it should be thrown away permanently.
Voting on the amending canon was:
Bishops 37 for, 2 against, 1 abstention
Clergy 164 for, 24 against, 3 abstentions
Laity 153 for, 40 against, 8 abstentions
The petition was moved by the whole house.
We had been asked not to show any emotion at the end of the debate so the only cheering came from the public gallery.
[At this point I went outside to see Rev Jane Tillier, one of seven women temporarily sitting in the House of Bishops and the new Pastoral Officer for the diocese. Champagne bottle was being popped, film cameras were everywhere and many of the women were feeling very emotional with the relief. We were rounded up and asked to go back inside] as business was continuing as usual..
Our diocesan voting was as follows:
In favour: Bishop Jonathan, Rev Chris Sims, Rev Pat Hawkins, Preb Maureen Hobbs, Rev Nigel Irons, Rev Mark Ireland, Penny Allen, John Wilson, David Beswick, John Shand, Christopher Corbet.
Against: Dr Chik Tan [Cons Ev], Joanna Monckton [Trad]
Abstention: Rev Stephen Pratt [Cons Ev]
Magna Carta
This diocesan motion from Guilford asked us to mark the 800th anniversary of its signing in 2015..
Some churches are already preparing displays and exhibitions, celebrating civic rights. Bishop Alan Smith moved an amendment to encourage people to engage with local and national politics, to host hustings for the national elections. Some members thought the church should not interfere in politics. I spoke about my church's role in seeking to hold hustings, the role of local councillors, giving an example of being involved in affordable housing decisions, helping a distressed family find a new house and the opportunities for exercising the common good. The amendments were carried.
The legacy of the Magn Carta should be recognised was the recurring theme and the motion was carried. Some churches are holding exhibitions etc.
8.30pm-10.00pm
Clergy Housing Rental Scheme for Retired Ministers- CHARM
A presentation on the new scheme for providing housing for retiring clergy as the old scheme was not cost effective [the clergy found a house, the C of E improved it as necessary and rented it to the clergy.]
The new scheme will offer clergy a choice from a portfolio of properties up to 5 years before retirement. The property will be rented out and then rented to the clergy person at a declared rent from the outset. This will be more cost effective than continuously improving properties then selling them. £50 million of commercial loan from Santander is funding the purchases.
Audit Committee's Annual Report
The accounts had no items raised for concern.
TUESDAY TH JULY
Church Representation Rules
A number of rules about representation at GS needed attention.
Concerns were raised that Oxford and Cambridge deaneries may be swamped by clergy with the change in rules. Currently Richard Burridge is a biblical scholar, Judith Maltby is a professor in ecclesiastical history. With the new emphasis on teaching and research without the requirement to publish Richard Burridge is anxious that too many people will be eligible for election. Am amendment to allow part-time lecturers working not less than half time to be on the electoral role for universities was passed.
The current size of the House of Clergy was retained rather than altered to numbers reflecting the difference between Canterbury and York [2 places proportionately in York's favour].
Religious community reps stay at one for each province.
2 additional seats will be available from the diocesan reorganisation. New seats will be allocated proportionately, one to London.
Ecclesiastical Property
Currently land titles are held by Diocesan Boards of Finance. This proposal would give more power to parishes to own land and be able to dispose of assets. Some members wanted PCCs to have greater powers. Complex issues about ownership, rents,and parish assets were raised. I spoke about the difficulties that parishes face when undertaking projects and the need for diocesan help, also the extra work that diocesan offices would have to undertake if the ownership was changed to parishes. It was resolved that parishes could deal with property within a low threshold, which is to be determined.
Children to serve Communion
In special circumstances it was agreed that children could be licensed to serve communion eg. in church schools, Fresh Expressions. Safeguarding issues would have to be regarded and parents informed.
Representation Rules
These had to be approved by a majority.
Voting was:
Bishops 13 for, 3 against, 0 abs.
Clergy 65 for, 35 against, 9 abs
Laity 57 for, 54 against, 6 abs.
Farewells
Bishop of Burnley, John Goddard, is retiring and was thanked by J Sentamu.
Bishop of Oxford, John Pritchard, is retiring and was thanked by J Welby.
This was the General Synod we had all been waiting for. We were both tired and emotional after this moment in Church history, which was greeted quietly as no-one wished to offend those voting against.
Justin Welby said to me the next morning, 'The challenge now is to make it work' and we will.
Penny Allen
GS 327