General Synod July 2016
York University
Friday 8th July
Drove to York with Canon Pat Hawkins, straightforward journey. Apprehensive about Shared Conversations but looking forward to some time together. The legislation was mostly a tidying exercise.
House of Laity meeting
An opportunity to meet all the new appointees to committees and an encouragement to all to fill in paperwork with relevant experience so that appropriate appts can be made.
Two members from the Lay Training Group came to give an update, encouraging experimentation with the agreement of the clergy and asking how we thought laity should be equipped for the workplace, community and church.
They are looking at 10 areas:
Theology, Vision, Voice, Practice, Learning and Resourcing, Liturgy, Clergy formation, Structures, Communication, Implementation.
We should know the proposals by Feb 2017 as they need to go to Archbishop's Council first in Sept 2016. I raised a question about parallel clergy training as some clergy may feel vulnerable with laity teams. I also raised an matter of AOB concerning the Shared Conversations as two members of our group from the diocese had been asked by email to absent themselves from the Conversations as they were not able to stay beyond Monday lunchtime [the ending was Tuesday lunchtime]. This was referred to the Standing Committee of the H of L for response. They have since written to David Porter.
Business
Ecumenical guests were welcomed and the Co-Chair of the Meissen Commission, Bishop Ralf Meister from Germany gave the address, expressing surprise and disappointment at Brexit, reminding us of the shared values of justice and peace, the recent reminders of WW1, music and the poems of Wilfrid Owen, the fragile European situation, our worldwide responsibilities as Christians, ecumenical relationships and finished with a quote from Bonhoeffer, 'chose and do what is right'.
Emergency Debate on the E U Referendum This was called by the Archbishops following Brexit.
The motion was as follows:
That this Synod, recognising the result of the recent referendum on the United kingdom's membership of the EU, commend the work already carried out by the Church in bringing communities together and recommend that as a minimum every bishop identify a champion in their diocese to assess what more he Church could do and to make recommendations for creating stronger and more constructive links between local communities as a basis for achieving this common task, welcomes the Archbishops' call for all to unite in the common task of building a generous and forward-looking country, contributing to human flourishing around the world, and encourage all members of the Church of England to play their part actively in partnership with everyone in Civil Society in pursuit of this task.'
++Justin opened the debate, speaking of integration, members in the EU, 2m expats who are 'fearful and rejected' and the 'latent rise in racism and zenophobia'. It is important not to accept fear, focus on child poverty, education, health, housing and foreign policy and the danger for cohesion and need for managing disagreement.
The Bishop of Europe, who lives in Belgium, spoke of the need for reconciliation, the shame, anger and deep sadness of expats, anxieties about healthcare and pensions, 'squandering the birth-right of young people'. Others spoke of a sense of despair, the need for compassion and reconciliation and that it is too soon for healing.
The motion was passed overwhelmingly.
Archbishop Sentamu's pilgrimage round his diocese
++ Sentamu met 25000 people on his 6 month pilgrimage. Rosaries with prayer cards were distributed. We sang and prayed with him.
Anglican Consultative Council report
It is notable that we have 85m people in 165 countries in the Ang. Comm. UK reps had been to Botswana, Malawi, Zambia.
Business Committee Report
As the Archbishops had requested an emergency debate info was requested about how to do this if not an Archbishop- see Standing Orders. The parking of Dio Synod motions and PMMs was explained. Info was requested on Martin Bell to improve transparency with safeguarding.
Church Commissioners' Annual Report
This was moved by Andreas Whittam Smith and went through with no discussion due to time constraints. He spoke about the effect of Brexit on the assets- small as 45% assets held abroad have grown in value due to devaluation of the £. Some properties in UK had been sold prior to Brexit. Commissioners are second largest holders of forestry in UK after Forestry Commission. Distributions will be affected if we have -5% value for 5 years.
Nurturing and Discerning Senior Leaders Report was delayed for later discussion.
Questions
Most answered in writing.
Several draft measures involving inspection of churches, ecclesiastical property, clergy and churchwardens' discipline, consolidating pensions, BMOs, legal officers' fees went through quickly.
Debate on clergy dress and the service and funeral rights for suicide cases was held together, for some inexplicable reason [short of time]. Most comments were on clergy dress and what was 'seemly' if not robed, it descended into laughter when one member clearly did not want mankinis [did not know what they are]. The change in rights for suicide cases was clearly carried, as was the not robing of priests depending on custom and practice.
Renewal and Reform
An update on this was given, restating what is already known- declining clergy, congregations etc. The only outstanding contribution was a comment that the harvest has been missed, workers are currently locked in a barn, arguing over what colour to paint the combine harvester...
A Church of England Vision for Education- Report from the Education Division
This document will be tailored for different audiences and is a resounding call for Christian values, increased focus on wellbeing of pupils, not just academic rigour; each school has its own ethos; upholding Christianity where diversity is increasing; founding of new schools and meeting challenges; an aim for life in all its fullness. Main commitments- to educate for community and living well together; worship in schools [a later document]; social and individual flourishing. Recognition that there is a unique opportunity to have C of E free schools, leadership needs developing, all round education should be the priority. The C of E has its first special needs school. Little to disagree about..
Archbishops' Council Report
This has been revised to take away the 'Vote' titles and make them more meaningful. Canon John Spence has at last been able to give a budget that balances. Quite coincidentally three diocesan members were called to speak, myself on the work of the online pastor and the success of the facebook initiative TGI Monday, which was commended by John Spence. Rev Zoe Heming gave a resounding call to include more diverse people, 1 in 10 has some impairment [see below], and Rev Sarah Schofield spoke about the need to support those in impoverished inner city areas and her project to help sex workers.
Other concerns were claiming more Gift Aid, expansion of digital resources [£700k], the resourcing of the Ministerial Experience work, Parish Buying Scheme to save money, Credit Unions.
Nurturing and Discerning Future Leaders
Those taking part have endorsed this initiative and it has given much food for thought. A new group is about to start. Although someone referred to this as the 'Eton of the C of E 'the candidates are not all privately educated.
Concerns were expressed for those not chosen after selection processes were completed, choosing those with disabilities, the role of Continuing Ministerial Development, laity reps on panels, more BME candidates.
We then closed for business.
Sunday 10th July
A service of Holy Communion in York Minster. A powerful sermon by ++Sentamu on the call to action not words.
Shared Conversations
Under St Michael's protocols. Official statement follows:
Over the last 2 days members of General Synod have met in an informal setting in which they have listened and been heard as they have reflected together on scripture and a changing culture in relation to their understanding of human sexuality.
Throughout these conversations, deep convictions have been shared and profound differences better understood. The Shared Conversations over the last two years now come to a conclusion with over 1300 members of the church directly involved. It is our hope that what has been learned through the relationships developed will inform the way the church conducts whatever further formal discussions may be necessary in the future. It is our prayer that the manner in which we express our different views and deep disagreements will bear witness to Jesus who calls us to love as he has loved us.
In comments to members of Synod at the end of the Shared Conversations the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said:
"At the heart of it is to come back to the fact that together we seek to serve the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead and in whom there is never despair, there is never defeat; there is always hope, there is always overcoming; there is always eventual triumph, holiness, goodness and grace.
That is for me what I always come back to when it all seems overwhelming.
Thank you so much for your participation. Let us go in confidence. Confident in the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead."
Rev Zoe Heming's speech:
Zoe Heming - Lichfield 145
Thank you Chair.
I will never forget the day when my, very able-bodied, cleaner cried as she told me how the words of Archbishop Justin on Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine’s “Being Human” series affected her. He said, “To be human is to be limited”. She was moved, freed and changed by the power of this radical truth. It’s OK to have weaknesses, and a blessed relief to be told that no-one should be trying to be all things to all people. She began her journey of faith that day. Her hidden anxieties & mental health struggles were no longer this impossible shame to carry.
So what does that look like to take that seriously - “To be human is to be limited” - in the challenging reality of leading and shaping the Church of England?
The missed opportunities of this important & necessary project, to nurture and develop the vocations of tangibly limited (so called disabled) people, is disabling our church.
Whilst I wholehearted welcome the creativity that is expressed in this report, and the desire to do things differently and better, I wish to express the immense frustration that the Church, Christ’s Bride will continue to look so very different to her Groom - the one who rode into Jerusalem on a ridiculous, baby donkey, yet eclipsed the Roman horses and chariots and their victory parades.
The essential characteristic of our church must be of unlikely people living, serving and leading in counter-cultural ways, where the weakest are not tolerated, pitied or accommodated but prized, cherished & followed. This needs to be deliberate & visible for all to see - and maybe even mock as some undoubtedly will have done did that day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on his donkey.
This project’s desire for diversity expressed in paragraph 7 is a great start - but is not particular to church, Diversity is an aspiration of all administrative layers of our society & dare I say, often a token.
What this report resoundingly demonstrates is that disabled people are assumed to play no part in this important work of encouraging the vocations to lead our church. What they are “able” to do is left hidden under the label of their disability.
1 in 10 people in this country are considered to have some kind of impairment or disability. ((Although I agree with Archbishop Justin and that figure is in fact 10 in 10. )) Who are they in the Body of Christ - if indeed they can get in the building, but that’s for another debate?!
This isn’t about campaigning for equal access because it’s the right thing to do, it’s much deeper than that if the church it to be truly herself:
1 Corinthians 1: 27 - Paul writes
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
Stategic Leadership Development Program - Yes!
Skilled, professional, capable & vision creating leadership - Yes!
Prophet witness to the King on the Donkey - Nowhere near!
This isn’t about giving people a go. It’s about truly, courageous church that is willing and committed to looking like that fool on a donkey, whilst everyone else is polishing their chariots in a display of strength and power.
An explicit and determined call, to those the world may consider fools, to fulfill their vocation in the church is the only way for the church to true to her calling to be truly whole. This cannot be notional, it’s too important.
My own training experience was similar to that of other disabled people with our colleges being utterly unprepared. The good news is that those creative changes made to welcome, nurture & lift our heads as disabled followers of Christ, don’t have to lay new tracks each time, the work has begun. Yes it takes effort and will (and money) to address access issues but the benefits are limitless. No-one has to reinvent the wheel either - the expertise are available - the newly elected CMDDP of this Synod are rolling up our sleeves and ready to get involved - sharing what’s already been learned. Not to encumber, derail or complicate, but help this important work to be on the right track for the healthiest possible church for everyone. At least 1 in 10 of citizens in this country is likely to be wasting their gifts - we need them.
This cannot be an afterthought, or based on a politically correct diversity medley - this is about our Bride being fit to meet her King. We need not just to behave radically differently to secular government and businesses, we need to go out of our way to look like it, to show it too.
Disabled people have a prophetic voice in the church & it remains unheard.
I urge those involved in this project to think again & be braver - now, not as an afterthought, expressed in Paragraph 39, in a couple of years time, once the main business is done. Ask again, who are the “brightest and the best” in this extraordinary body of ours. The health of our church depends on it.
.
Friday 8th July
Drove to York with Canon Pat Hawkins, straightforward journey. Apprehensive about Shared Conversations but looking forward to some time together. The legislation was mostly a tidying exercise.
House of Laity meeting
An opportunity to meet all the new appointees to committees and an encouragement to all to fill in paperwork with relevant experience so that appropriate appts can be made.
Two members from the Lay Training Group came to give an update, encouraging experimentation with the agreement of the clergy and asking how we thought laity should be equipped for the workplace, community and church.
They are looking at 10 areas:
Theology, Vision, Voice, Practice, Learning and Resourcing, Liturgy, Clergy formation, Structures, Communication, Implementation.
We should know the proposals by Feb 2017 as they need to go to Archbishop's Council first in Sept 2016. I raised a question about parallel clergy training as some clergy may feel vulnerable with laity teams. I also raised an matter of AOB concerning the Shared Conversations as two members of our group from the diocese had been asked by email to absent themselves from the Conversations as they were not able to stay beyond Monday lunchtime [the ending was Tuesday lunchtime]. This was referred to the Standing Committee of the H of L for response. They have since written to David Porter.
Business
Ecumenical guests were welcomed and the Co-Chair of the Meissen Commission, Bishop Ralf Meister from Germany gave the address, expressing surprise and disappointment at Brexit, reminding us of the shared values of justice and peace, the recent reminders of WW1, music and the poems of Wilfrid Owen, the fragile European situation, our worldwide responsibilities as Christians, ecumenical relationships and finished with a quote from Bonhoeffer, 'chose and do what is right'.
Emergency Debate on the E U Referendum This was called by the Archbishops following Brexit.
The motion was as follows:
That this Synod, recognising the result of the recent referendum on the United kingdom's membership of the EU, commend the work already carried out by the Church in bringing communities together and recommend that as a minimum every bishop identify a champion in their diocese to assess what more he Church could do and to make recommendations for creating stronger and more constructive links between local communities as a basis for achieving this common task, welcomes the Archbishops' call for all to unite in the common task of building a generous and forward-looking country, contributing to human flourishing around the world, and encourage all members of the Church of England to play their part actively in partnership with everyone in Civil Society in pursuit of this task.'
++Justin opened the debate, speaking of integration, members in the EU, 2m expats who are 'fearful and rejected' and the 'latent rise in racism and zenophobia'. It is important not to accept fear, focus on child poverty, education, health, housing and foreign policy and the danger for cohesion and need for managing disagreement.
The Bishop of Europe, who lives in Belgium, spoke of the need for reconciliation, the shame, anger and deep sadness of expats, anxieties about healthcare and pensions, 'squandering the birth-right of young people'. Others spoke of a sense of despair, the need for compassion and reconciliation and that it is too soon for healing.
The motion was passed overwhelmingly.
Archbishop Sentamu's pilgrimage round his diocese
++ Sentamu met 25000 people on his 6 month pilgrimage. Rosaries with prayer cards were distributed. We sang and prayed with him.
Anglican Consultative Council report
It is notable that we have 85m people in 165 countries in the Ang. Comm. UK reps had been to Botswana, Malawi, Zambia.
Business Committee Report
As the Archbishops had requested an emergency debate info was requested about how to do this if not an Archbishop- see Standing Orders. The parking of Dio Synod motions and PMMs was explained. Info was requested on Martin Bell to improve transparency with safeguarding.
Church Commissioners' Annual Report
This was moved by Andreas Whittam Smith and went through with no discussion due to time constraints. He spoke about the effect of Brexit on the assets- small as 45% assets held abroad have grown in value due to devaluation of the £. Some properties in UK had been sold prior to Brexit. Commissioners are second largest holders of forestry in UK after Forestry Commission. Distributions will be affected if we have -5% value for 5 years.
Nurturing and Discerning Senior Leaders Report was delayed for later discussion.
Questions
Most answered in writing.
- EU Referendum impacts- call for National Day of Prayer, neighbourliness, importance of affirming right to stay for immigrants and EU migrants.
- Syria- pressure on Govt by House of Bishops for political resolution.
- Crown Nominations Committee- handling of public disagreements on homosexuality, calling of candidates and voting are being reviewed.
- Improving Ecumenical Relationships by signing joint declaration with Porvoo, Methodist and Roman Catholic Church may be possible.
- Green Guide for new parsonages- inclusion of guidance on solar panels- not in Green Guide.
- George Bell settlement? Cost £16800 damages, Legal costs £15000, Diocese's costs £18000, balance paid by private individual. Bishop Inwood legal costs against Jeremy Pemberton £1m. Shared Conversations costs ££300,000. Suspicion was expressed through questions that Episcopal Church had funded Shared Conversations through Coventry- this was not true.
- Investment Group will be looking at climate change proposals for oil, gas, mining and auto groups.
- Pension top up arrangements- clergy must make own arrangements.
- Lay Ministries- hoped to propose national framework by end 2016. Looking at licensed lay ecclesial ministry.
- Shared Conversations- St Michael's House protocols apply. LGBTI presenters have same protocols.
- Bishop Bell- independent reviewer.
- Refused PTOs taking funerals- to be raised in parliament. Safeguarding to be checked through audits of dioceses.
- Development of Senior Leadership- Catholic clergy in partnership with St Hilda and St Wilfrid, Cons Ev if requested.
- How to foster clergy well-being- being discussed.
- Same sex relationships- informal prayer OK, blessings not OK.
- More central admin, less for dioceses- discussing with Boards of Finance.
- New free schools- looking at increasing number of secondaries. Dioceses must use own funds.
Several draft measures involving inspection of churches, ecclesiastical property, clergy and churchwardens' discipline, consolidating pensions, BMOs, legal officers' fees went through quickly.
Debate on clergy dress and the service and funeral rights for suicide cases was held together, for some inexplicable reason [short of time]. Most comments were on clergy dress and what was 'seemly' if not robed, it descended into laughter when one member clearly did not want mankinis [did not know what they are]. The change in rights for suicide cases was clearly carried, as was the not robing of priests depending on custom and practice.
Renewal and Reform
An update on this was given, restating what is already known- declining clergy, congregations etc. The only outstanding contribution was a comment that the harvest has been missed, workers are currently locked in a barn, arguing over what colour to paint the combine harvester...
A Church of England Vision for Education- Report from the Education Division
This document will be tailored for different audiences and is a resounding call for Christian values, increased focus on wellbeing of pupils, not just academic rigour; each school has its own ethos; upholding Christianity where diversity is increasing; founding of new schools and meeting challenges; an aim for life in all its fullness. Main commitments- to educate for community and living well together; worship in schools [a later document]; social and individual flourishing. Recognition that there is a unique opportunity to have C of E free schools, leadership needs developing, all round education should be the priority. The C of E has its first special needs school. Little to disagree about..
Archbishops' Council Report
This has been revised to take away the 'Vote' titles and make them more meaningful. Canon John Spence has at last been able to give a budget that balances. Quite coincidentally three diocesan members were called to speak, myself on the work of the online pastor and the success of the facebook initiative TGI Monday, which was commended by John Spence. Rev Zoe Heming gave a resounding call to include more diverse people, 1 in 10 has some impairment [see below], and Rev Sarah Schofield spoke about the need to support those in impoverished inner city areas and her project to help sex workers.
Other concerns were claiming more Gift Aid, expansion of digital resources [£700k], the resourcing of the Ministerial Experience work, Parish Buying Scheme to save money, Credit Unions.
Nurturing and Discerning Future Leaders
Those taking part have endorsed this initiative and it has given much food for thought. A new group is about to start. Although someone referred to this as the 'Eton of the C of E 'the candidates are not all privately educated.
Concerns were expressed for those not chosen after selection processes were completed, choosing those with disabilities, the role of Continuing Ministerial Development, laity reps on panels, more BME candidates.
We then closed for business.
Sunday 10th July
A service of Holy Communion in York Minster. A powerful sermon by ++Sentamu on the call to action not words.
Shared Conversations
Under St Michael's protocols. Official statement follows:
Over the last 2 days members of General Synod have met in an informal setting in which they have listened and been heard as they have reflected together on scripture and a changing culture in relation to their understanding of human sexuality.
Throughout these conversations, deep convictions have been shared and profound differences better understood. The Shared Conversations over the last two years now come to a conclusion with over 1300 members of the church directly involved. It is our hope that what has been learned through the relationships developed will inform the way the church conducts whatever further formal discussions may be necessary in the future. It is our prayer that the manner in which we express our different views and deep disagreements will bear witness to Jesus who calls us to love as he has loved us.
In comments to members of Synod at the end of the Shared Conversations the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said:
"At the heart of it is to come back to the fact that together we seek to serve the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead and in whom there is never despair, there is never defeat; there is always hope, there is always overcoming; there is always eventual triumph, holiness, goodness and grace.
That is for me what I always come back to when it all seems overwhelming.
Thank you so much for your participation. Let us go in confidence. Confident in the God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead."
Rev Zoe Heming's speech:
Zoe Heming - Lichfield 145
Thank you Chair.
I will never forget the day when my, very able-bodied, cleaner cried as she told me how the words of Archbishop Justin on Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine’s “Being Human” series affected her. He said, “To be human is to be limited”. She was moved, freed and changed by the power of this radical truth. It’s OK to have weaknesses, and a blessed relief to be told that no-one should be trying to be all things to all people. She began her journey of faith that day. Her hidden anxieties & mental health struggles were no longer this impossible shame to carry.
So what does that look like to take that seriously - “To be human is to be limited” - in the challenging reality of leading and shaping the Church of England?
The missed opportunities of this important & necessary project, to nurture and develop the vocations of tangibly limited (so called disabled) people, is disabling our church.
Whilst I wholehearted welcome the creativity that is expressed in this report, and the desire to do things differently and better, I wish to express the immense frustration that the Church, Christ’s Bride will continue to look so very different to her Groom - the one who rode into Jerusalem on a ridiculous, baby donkey, yet eclipsed the Roman horses and chariots and their victory parades.
The essential characteristic of our church must be of unlikely people living, serving and leading in counter-cultural ways, where the weakest are not tolerated, pitied or accommodated but prized, cherished & followed. This needs to be deliberate & visible for all to see - and maybe even mock as some undoubtedly will have done did that day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on his donkey.
This project’s desire for diversity expressed in paragraph 7 is a great start - but is not particular to church, Diversity is an aspiration of all administrative layers of our society & dare I say, often a token.
What this report resoundingly demonstrates is that disabled people are assumed to play no part in this important work of encouraging the vocations to lead our church. What they are “able” to do is left hidden under the label of their disability.
1 in 10 people in this country are considered to have some kind of impairment or disability. ((Although I agree with Archbishop Justin and that figure is in fact 10 in 10. )) Who are they in the Body of Christ - if indeed they can get in the building, but that’s for another debate?!
This isn’t about campaigning for equal access because it’s the right thing to do, it’s much deeper than that if the church it to be truly herself:
1 Corinthians 1: 27 - Paul writes
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong;
Stategic Leadership Development Program - Yes!
Skilled, professional, capable & vision creating leadership - Yes!
Prophet witness to the King on the Donkey - Nowhere near!
This isn’t about giving people a go. It’s about truly, courageous church that is willing and committed to looking like that fool on a donkey, whilst everyone else is polishing their chariots in a display of strength and power.
An explicit and determined call, to those the world may consider fools, to fulfill their vocation in the church is the only way for the church to true to her calling to be truly whole. This cannot be notional, it’s too important.
My own training experience was similar to that of other disabled people with our colleges being utterly unprepared. The good news is that those creative changes made to welcome, nurture & lift our heads as disabled followers of Christ, don’t have to lay new tracks each time, the work has begun. Yes it takes effort and will (and money) to address access issues but the benefits are limitless. No-one has to reinvent the wheel either - the expertise are available - the newly elected CMDDP of this Synod are rolling up our sleeves and ready to get involved - sharing what’s already been learned. Not to encumber, derail or complicate, but help this important work to be on the right track for the healthiest possible church for everyone. At least 1 in 10 of citizens in this country is likely to be wasting their gifts - we need them.
This cannot be an afterthought, or based on a politically correct diversity medley - this is about our Bride being fit to meet her King. We need not just to behave radically differently to secular government and businesses, we need to go out of our way to look like it, to show it too.
Disabled people have a prophetic voice in the church & it remains unheard.
I urge those involved in this project to think again & be braver - now, not as an afterthought, expressed in Paragraph 39, in a couple of years time, once the main business is done. Ask again, who are the “brightest and the best” in this extraordinary body of ours. The health of our church depends on it.
.