General Synod. July 2022
University of York
Friday 8th July
Travelled by car and held up with many people, stuck on the A1M, for an hour.
Opening Worship with Rev Andrew Hammond, the G.S. Chaplain.
Ecumenical guests including the Archbishop of Congo, Most Rev Mark Strange the Primate of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Archbishop Angaelous, Fr Stephen Maxfield Greek Orthodox.
Address by the Archbishop of Congo, Titre, from the Anglican Communion,
Presidential Address given by Archbishop Stephen, welcoming us back to York after three years away, plus the new five co-opted GMH members. He spoke about 'The Dream of Gerontius' and the way it inspires him, more time for meditation and contemplation; 'accomplishing more by attempting less'; discussions on safeguarding, racism; persevering.
Business Committee Report We will be meeting in London from 6-9th {?} February 2023 and York 7-11{?} July 2023. No November meeting. Comments were raised about the Code of Conduct, eco churches, the environment, diocesan motions.
Petitions Sam Margrave had found a standing order which allowed presentation of petitions and presented one on lack of vocations and training for traditional ordinands with orthodox views and one asking for an investigation on Calvin Robinson's situation.
Route Map to Net Zero by 2030 Comments about the timing, eco churches, divesting in fossil fuels, general concern about the environment, from those not believing it is a climate crisis. All parishes, cathedrals, schools to use the Route Map.
War in Ukraine Concerns about the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church, UN Charter of 1946, the need for peace, authoritarianism, political liberalism, nuclear weapons. Rev Shaun Morris spoke of a Ukranian mother and two teenagers' difficulties. Motion to lament Russia's actions, pray, 'call on Govt to work for negotiated peace', call on Govt to support refugees was carried.
[the debate was adjourned for the first session of 180 Questions].
Questions Again the atmosphere was challenging and the written answers often barely adequate.
Saturday 9th July
Morning Worship
See of Canterbury Crown Nominations Commission. The continuing process to decide how to appoint the Archbishop of Canterbury and the See of Dover in the future, first started 20 years ago. Canterbury Diocese had decided that they were willing to reduce the number of members on the CNC for Canterbury to enable more members of the Anglian Communion to appoint the Archbishop. This would enable the See of Dover to have a separate CNC. There were anxieties expressed about the discussions that had taken place. New members were not aware of the length of time that this has taken. Some members expressed worries that the Archbishop would not be as involved in the See of Canterbury. Some were concerned that the person might not be an English person but would be involved in the C of E. Others were worried that the person chosen would not be involved enough in England dioceses. Some were concerned that the global view might be lost but we were reminded that the average Anglican is a woman in Africa under 40years old. A number of amendments were proposed to change the number of members on the CCNC. These were lost and the number of AC members will be 5 with a gender balance introduced by another amendment. [Debate was adjourned] Final numbers for Canterbury CCNC -6 Central Church members, 1Independent, 2 Bishops, 5 Anglican Communion [one from each region].
Review of Strategic Development Funding and Lowest Income Communities Funding. A paper was produced that detailed the amount of SDF money distributed to each diocese. Some of the money was still unspent. Monitoring and evaluation of the projects had not been detailed enough. 40% of the funding has gone to HTB plants. The Innovation Fund was under-subscribed which was a disappointment. Rev Matt Beer spoke about the problems for clergy in understanding Pioneer projects and the need for more communication about them. I asked for a complete report on SDF funding for the next GS [Current spending details in GS Misc 1327] also more funding to develop the digital discipleship work as we need to engage more with those online. The Daily Hope phone line receives 20,000 calls each month. Millions are watching services. The SDF paperwork is being condensed to 4 pages. Ros Clarke asked for GS involvement on Vision and Strategy.
The extension of time for LICF will be over 9 years to enable dioceses to plan ahead. LICF funding needs more monitoring to see it was spent in the poorest parishes and not on general funds. Questions were also raised about closing churches and expanding work in church schools.
Spending of the Archbishop's Council and Church Commissioners Comments were expressed about each budget heading. I asked whether the funding was excessive as we may be training more people than we need with the current cuts in posts. ++Justin spoke about the need to live in hope, not 'elegant decline'. The need for training for lay people was again highlighted by Ros Clarke and the necessary budget is not apparent. Clearer pathways and funding for ordinands' training are to be made. This was also questioned as those who become pregnant are left in uncertainty and have difficulties in negotiating the system.
There is a large increase in budget to allow for extensive refurbishment of Church House.
The richer dioceses were encouraged to give to the poorer as Oxford did. The 2020 Parish share was down 7%, 2021 down 3% on that.
There was an increase in numbers for central staff to cope with safeguarding.
Church Commissioners grant funding is up £6m at 19.5m.
The CHARM budget will be £5.8m but there are difficulties in releasing properties that are rented after purchase for retirees.
Concerns were expressed about diocesan finances not being passed to parishes instead, the need for admin support for priests, the disparity in parish reserves and investments. Also £190m over 9 years is not enough to get to Net Zero. Despite reservations the budget was approved.
Safeguarding and Independence.
Members of the Independent Safeguarding Panel were present. They met three times last year and are reviewing cases. Again 'deep regret' was expressed to survivors. they will regularly update GS.
C of E Pensions was passed to add capital expenditure. Legal Officers and Judges have increase in pay.
The second session of Questions was held.
Sunday 10th July
A service in York Minster with ++Stephen presiding and Archbishop Titre preaching on 'The Good Samaritan'. Some members were noticeably absent.
Living in Love and Faith group work was held.
Assisted Suicide the call for more and improved palliative care was heard. A critical care nurse spoke about the need to end suffering for some patients and doctors' dilemmas. Some disabled members felt disadvantaged if this happens, some expressed concern about pressure from relatives. The call for improved palliative care was passed 289 in favour, 25 ag, 33 abstentions.
Monday 11th July
Resumed debates on the war in Ukraine, AC Budget and then a new power for dioceses to have a safeguarding officer with the power to act independently were passed.
Clergy Discipline Measure Three amendments allowing disciplinary measures to continue if police investigations are continuing or tribunals were taking place, and publishing penalties proposed by Rev Mark Ireland were carried.
Affirming and Including Disabled People in the whole life of the Church was chaired by Rev Zoe Hemming and proposed in an emotional atmosphere by Canon Tim Goode, who became disabled shortly after his marriage and was told to think of himself as 'fearfully and wonderfully made' each day. Comments were made about diversity, inclusion, justice, the exclusion of those who could not stand for worship or access buildings, the necessity to change liturgy, the invisibility of some disabilities, only 32 of 42 dioceses having a named person, and the experience of a young priest with cerebral palsy. The expense of changing liturgy was pointed out. The motion to survey the barriers to participation and appoint a lead person for each diocese was carried unanimously.
Diocesan Stipends the motion to allow wealthy dioceses to support poorer ones was carried as the disparity between dioceses was highlighted.
Resourcing Ministerial Formation was carried though recognising the need for lay training too.
Amending Canon 43 Various miscellaneous pieces of legislation. Firstly allowing churches to be closed in a benefice if no longer required. Secondly to reflect the change in the age for marriage to 18 and procedure after civil marriage. Thirdly to allow cathedrals to appoint Lay Residentiary Canons. Fourthly to allow rural deans or other person to act as deputy to archdeacons to inspect records or church buildings. Fifthly to require all registrars to be communicant persons. Lastly to update references in measures.
An evening extension- Qualifications for PCC membership and Entrance on Church Electoral Roll. This will review the position of Bishop's Mission Orders; the qualifications of those coming forward and disqualification of those not fit to hold office, including criminal records. Rev Matt Beer spoke about the difficulties of Fresh Expression Churches which do not have the eucharist. Amanda Robbie proposed two amendments to widen the scope of concerns and refer to safeguarding which were accepted. A code of conduct was suggested. Preb Pat Hawkins said that she was worried by a comment in the supporting paper which seemed to suggest that some new congregations would be permanently non-Eucharistic and the implication that the celebration of the sacraments might be an impediment to mission. ++Stephen came to thank her for raising those points.
A diocesan motion on Age Verification for Pornography Websites from Guildford Diocese was carried recognising the harm to young people, asking the Govt to implement this [this was started in 2013], developing more social education. References were made to the use of unregulated material used in classrooms, the effect on people's marriages, the increase in prisoners convicted of sexual offences. Voting 263for/2ag/3abs.
Tuesday 12th July
Loyal Address was given by ++Justin. He spoke warmly about the Queen as an evangelist, a servant, a prayerful person, a moral leader. A Irish dissenter and republican spoke about the wealth, the behaviour and the status of some Royal Family members. ++Justin reminded us that the Queen went to Ireland, wore green, spoke in Irish, shook hands with those who had killed her relative and was greeted warmly and respectfully by everyone. Her Christmas broadcasts are watched around the world.
Report by the Clergy Conduct Measure Implementation Group was the final business item. This seeks to differentiate between the vexatious complaints, grievances, and conduct complaints. Comments were made about the damage done to priests by lengthy procedures. Amanda Robbie gave an example of the family problems created and lack of support. The role of bishops was commented on as variable and the penalties not understood. Jayne Ozanne detailed her own experience of rape by a cleric. Rev Mark Ireland spoke about lay officers using their positions to bully clergy. I asked the Review Group to look at the Teaching Regulation Agency as they have clear instructions and are also dealing with vulnerable people..
Farewells to Dr Jacqui Phillips, former Clerk to the Synod, the Bishop of Peterborough Donald Allister and the Bishop of Blackburn, Julian Henderson were given.
Open Synod Quiz was held late on Saturday evening and raised £545.88 for the DEC. Thank you to the 105 people who came.
Friday 8th July
Travelled by car and held up with many people, stuck on the A1M, for an hour.
Opening Worship with Rev Andrew Hammond, the G.S. Chaplain.
Ecumenical guests including the Archbishop of Congo, Most Rev Mark Strange the Primate of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Archbishop Angaelous, Fr Stephen Maxfield Greek Orthodox.
Address by the Archbishop of Congo, Titre, from the Anglican Communion,
Presidential Address given by Archbishop Stephen, welcoming us back to York after three years away, plus the new five co-opted GMH members. He spoke about 'The Dream of Gerontius' and the way it inspires him, more time for meditation and contemplation; 'accomplishing more by attempting less'; discussions on safeguarding, racism; persevering.
Business Committee Report We will be meeting in London from 6-9th {?} February 2023 and York 7-11{?} July 2023. No November meeting. Comments were raised about the Code of Conduct, eco churches, the environment, diocesan motions.
Petitions Sam Margrave had found a standing order which allowed presentation of petitions and presented one on lack of vocations and training for traditional ordinands with orthodox views and one asking for an investigation on Calvin Robinson's situation.
Route Map to Net Zero by 2030 Comments about the timing, eco churches, divesting in fossil fuels, general concern about the environment, from those not believing it is a climate crisis. All parishes, cathedrals, schools to use the Route Map.
War in Ukraine Concerns about the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church, UN Charter of 1946, the need for peace, authoritarianism, political liberalism, nuclear weapons. Rev Shaun Morris spoke of a Ukranian mother and two teenagers' difficulties. Motion to lament Russia's actions, pray, 'call on Govt to work for negotiated peace', call on Govt to support refugees was carried.
[the debate was adjourned for the first session of 180 Questions].
Questions Again the atmosphere was challenging and the written answers often barely adequate.
Saturday 9th July
Morning Worship
See of Canterbury Crown Nominations Commission. The continuing process to decide how to appoint the Archbishop of Canterbury and the See of Dover in the future, first started 20 years ago. Canterbury Diocese had decided that they were willing to reduce the number of members on the CNC for Canterbury to enable more members of the Anglian Communion to appoint the Archbishop. This would enable the See of Dover to have a separate CNC. There were anxieties expressed about the discussions that had taken place. New members were not aware of the length of time that this has taken. Some members expressed worries that the Archbishop would not be as involved in the See of Canterbury. Some were concerned that the person might not be an English person but would be involved in the C of E. Others were worried that the person chosen would not be involved enough in England dioceses. Some were concerned that the global view might be lost but we were reminded that the average Anglican is a woman in Africa under 40years old. A number of amendments were proposed to change the number of members on the CCNC. These were lost and the number of AC members will be 5 with a gender balance introduced by another amendment. [Debate was adjourned] Final numbers for Canterbury CCNC -6 Central Church members, 1Independent, 2 Bishops, 5 Anglican Communion [one from each region].
Review of Strategic Development Funding and Lowest Income Communities Funding. A paper was produced that detailed the amount of SDF money distributed to each diocese. Some of the money was still unspent. Monitoring and evaluation of the projects had not been detailed enough. 40% of the funding has gone to HTB plants. The Innovation Fund was under-subscribed which was a disappointment. Rev Matt Beer spoke about the problems for clergy in understanding Pioneer projects and the need for more communication about them. I asked for a complete report on SDF funding for the next GS [Current spending details in GS Misc 1327] also more funding to develop the digital discipleship work as we need to engage more with those online. The Daily Hope phone line receives 20,000 calls each month. Millions are watching services. The SDF paperwork is being condensed to 4 pages. Ros Clarke asked for GS involvement on Vision and Strategy.
The extension of time for LICF will be over 9 years to enable dioceses to plan ahead. LICF funding needs more monitoring to see it was spent in the poorest parishes and not on general funds. Questions were also raised about closing churches and expanding work in church schools.
Spending of the Archbishop's Council and Church Commissioners Comments were expressed about each budget heading. I asked whether the funding was excessive as we may be training more people than we need with the current cuts in posts. ++Justin spoke about the need to live in hope, not 'elegant decline'. The need for training for lay people was again highlighted by Ros Clarke and the necessary budget is not apparent. Clearer pathways and funding for ordinands' training are to be made. This was also questioned as those who become pregnant are left in uncertainty and have difficulties in negotiating the system.
There is a large increase in budget to allow for extensive refurbishment of Church House.
The richer dioceses were encouraged to give to the poorer as Oxford did. The 2020 Parish share was down 7%, 2021 down 3% on that.
There was an increase in numbers for central staff to cope with safeguarding.
Church Commissioners grant funding is up £6m at 19.5m.
The CHARM budget will be £5.8m but there are difficulties in releasing properties that are rented after purchase for retirees.
Concerns were expressed about diocesan finances not being passed to parishes instead, the need for admin support for priests, the disparity in parish reserves and investments. Also £190m over 9 years is not enough to get to Net Zero. Despite reservations the budget was approved.
Safeguarding and Independence.
Members of the Independent Safeguarding Panel were present. They met three times last year and are reviewing cases. Again 'deep regret' was expressed to survivors. they will regularly update GS.
C of E Pensions was passed to add capital expenditure. Legal Officers and Judges have increase in pay.
The second session of Questions was held.
Sunday 10th July
A service in York Minster with ++Stephen presiding and Archbishop Titre preaching on 'The Good Samaritan'. Some members were noticeably absent.
Living in Love and Faith group work was held.
Assisted Suicide the call for more and improved palliative care was heard. A critical care nurse spoke about the need to end suffering for some patients and doctors' dilemmas. Some disabled members felt disadvantaged if this happens, some expressed concern about pressure from relatives. The call for improved palliative care was passed 289 in favour, 25 ag, 33 abstentions.
Monday 11th July
Resumed debates on the war in Ukraine, AC Budget and then a new power for dioceses to have a safeguarding officer with the power to act independently were passed.
Clergy Discipline Measure Three amendments allowing disciplinary measures to continue if police investigations are continuing or tribunals were taking place, and publishing penalties proposed by Rev Mark Ireland were carried.
Affirming and Including Disabled People in the whole life of the Church was chaired by Rev Zoe Hemming and proposed in an emotional atmosphere by Canon Tim Goode, who became disabled shortly after his marriage and was told to think of himself as 'fearfully and wonderfully made' each day. Comments were made about diversity, inclusion, justice, the exclusion of those who could not stand for worship or access buildings, the necessity to change liturgy, the invisibility of some disabilities, only 32 of 42 dioceses having a named person, and the experience of a young priest with cerebral palsy. The expense of changing liturgy was pointed out. The motion to survey the barriers to participation and appoint a lead person for each diocese was carried unanimously.
Diocesan Stipends the motion to allow wealthy dioceses to support poorer ones was carried as the disparity between dioceses was highlighted.
Resourcing Ministerial Formation was carried though recognising the need for lay training too.
Amending Canon 43 Various miscellaneous pieces of legislation. Firstly allowing churches to be closed in a benefice if no longer required. Secondly to reflect the change in the age for marriage to 18 and procedure after civil marriage. Thirdly to allow cathedrals to appoint Lay Residentiary Canons. Fourthly to allow rural deans or other person to act as deputy to archdeacons to inspect records or church buildings. Fifthly to require all registrars to be communicant persons. Lastly to update references in measures.
An evening extension- Qualifications for PCC membership and Entrance on Church Electoral Roll. This will review the position of Bishop's Mission Orders; the qualifications of those coming forward and disqualification of those not fit to hold office, including criminal records. Rev Matt Beer spoke about the difficulties of Fresh Expression Churches which do not have the eucharist. Amanda Robbie proposed two amendments to widen the scope of concerns and refer to safeguarding which were accepted. A code of conduct was suggested. Preb Pat Hawkins said that she was worried by a comment in the supporting paper which seemed to suggest that some new congregations would be permanently non-Eucharistic and the implication that the celebration of the sacraments might be an impediment to mission. ++Stephen came to thank her for raising those points.
A diocesan motion on Age Verification for Pornography Websites from Guildford Diocese was carried recognising the harm to young people, asking the Govt to implement this [this was started in 2013], developing more social education. References were made to the use of unregulated material used in classrooms, the effect on people's marriages, the increase in prisoners convicted of sexual offences. Voting 263for/2ag/3abs.
Tuesday 12th July
Loyal Address was given by ++Justin. He spoke warmly about the Queen as an evangelist, a servant, a prayerful person, a moral leader. A Irish dissenter and republican spoke about the wealth, the behaviour and the status of some Royal Family members. ++Justin reminded us that the Queen went to Ireland, wore green, spoke in Irish, shook hands with those who had killed her relative and was greeted warmly and respectfully by everyone. Her Christmas broadcasts are watched around the world.
Report by the Clergy Conduct Measure Implementation Group was the final business item. This seeks to differentiate between the vexatious complaints, grievances, and conduct complaints. Comments were made about the damage done to priests by lengthy procedures. Amanda Robbie gave an example of the family problems created and lack of support. The role of bishops was commented on as variable and the penalties not understood. Jayne Ozanne detailed her own experience of rape by a cleric. Rev Mark Ireland spoke about lay officers using their positions to bully clergy. I asked the Review Group to look at the Teaching Regulation Agency as they have clear instructions and are also dealing with vulnerable people..
Farewells to Dr Jacqui Phillips, former Clerk to the Synod, the Bishop of Peterborough Donald Allister and the Bishop of Blackburn, Julian Henderson were given.
Open Synod Quiz was held late on Saturday evening and raised £545.88 for the DEC. Thank you to the 105 people who came.