GENERAL SYNOD DIARY 19-21 NOVEMBER, LONDON
Monday 19th Nov
Might have known it was going to be a strange three days when Maureen and I sat on the train at Wolverhampton and we started to accelerate backwards
towards Stafford. A vehicle had hit a bridge on the south line. We found ourselves rushing straight from Stafford, where no-one else got on the train, to
Watford, passing the three spires. Quite the strangest and most straightforward journey we have ever had, arriving in Euston on time. Lunch then off to Church
House.
Business Committee reported. Members commented on new fees orders- some disquiet over raised fees; principles involved in shelving diocesan synod motions; living with diversity.
A report was given on the Anglican Consultative Council meeting and another on the Anglican Communion Covenant, which some dioceses had signed but most dioceses had not due to concern over section 4, what happens when someone is out-of-line.
Nothing can be progressed with this currently.
Questions
Many and varied again- what funding will be available to PCCs who ask for legal assistance to keep women bishops at bay- none; wages for clergy- held down in
line with the rest of the country; Gift Aid on the plate- should be able to reclaim G Aid on cash soon; what money had been spent on campaigning for women
bishops- Lambeth staff had done it; Hillsborough- applause for Bishop who had chaired report; clerk of GS leaving to take up post with Forward In Faith!;
pastoral resources for those with mental health problems; minor repairs to clergy housing- they have to pay; Youth Council reps- cannot vote at present;
relationships with Jewish communities; reviewing process for appointing archbishop- lots of jokes about blind children choosing; sale of jam in reused
jars- is it a business venture? no; bullying of young gay people in schools- need for pastoral care; progress with training institutions- becoming clearer;
chairs of debates calling more people to speak- report on how many have been called and how many times- some people monopolising debates; liturgy for those
mourning loss of pet; ethical investment in Veolia, providing services to illegal Jewish settlements on west bank and others..
Tuesday 20th Nov
A fateful day!
The Eucharist to begin, led by Rowan Williams, and a female priest.
Pleased to see our CEO, Julie Jones, in the public gallery.
The whole day devoted to the measure for women bishops.
We were told by the Chair, John Sentamu, that a vote needed to be taken by 5.30pm. 170+ people had asked to speak. The debate was busy, mostly speakers called with alternate views for and against. Lots of bishops were called, equal numbers of clergy and laity. Predominantly a balanced debate until close to the end, when we were asked to remain seated unless we had anything else to add. Those against seized the opportunity to give very brief statements.
The main points against were those of law, despite 20 years of discussion with the opposing groups, with many speakers saying there was not enough protection for Conservative Evangelicals and traditionalists to have men bishops only. The Chair of the House of Laity used his position to speak against the measure, the Vice Chair using his speech to support the dioceses.
Almost all bishops used their speeches to support the measure, notably the bishops of Chichester and Gibraltar speaking against.
Archbishop Rowan made a strong plea in favour, as did Archbishop Designate Justin Welby, making his first speech to GS since the news of his appointment.
Some of the points made were by women, including Rowan's female priest, who spoke about male headship, but did not want to support the existing male
headship of the Church. What irony!
Some other comments, 7 hours of debate:
some of the women sobbed audibly, but there was silence, stunned silence from those of us in favour. Broad smiles from those against.
At the closing service I just sat and prayed for the women in ministry, a devastating blow to their morale and another generation of women lost to the
church unless we can reverse this decision. To lose by six votes only the bitterest blow of all.
When we went outside it was raining, it felt like tears.
Those of us staying in the UJ club did have dinner together afterwards, despite some opposing views among the clergy, we did have an evening of
fellowship, with some laughter. My grateful thanks to them for that. I would not have wanted to face the evening alone.
Wednesday 21stNov
No-one had slept well and we were subdued. Rowan gave a presidential statement to spell out the consequences of the damage the House of Laity had
done to the church and the difficulties of explaining this to our dioceses and the nation. He spoke about scorn and ridicule, lost mission, the irrelevance of
Church in the eyes of the nation, the folly of believing there would be a quick answer in negotiations.
Southwell and Nottingham diocese resolution to allow children to assist in serving communion.
Comments:
There were several hostile amendments which were defeated.
Motion carried.
Private member's motion- Pay the Living Wage
John Freeman moved this- first time I have seen him wearing a suit! [He has a dry sense of humour and usually assists the chairs of debates by moving motions for
closure.]
We were asked to affirm the Christian values in paying the Living Wage and to ensure Christian institutions do so.
People spoke about poverty in families with two parents working, giving examples; taking this to deanery synods and diocesan synods; increasing taxes for the
rich; cleaning and agency contracts; one lay person spoke about the bringing in of gin to this country by evangelicals and the buying of cigarettes!
Motion was carried.
Dates for GS in 2013
These will be July and November, to allow Justin Welby to settle in. Earlier dates were asked for by some, in view of the women bishops' controversy. Some wanted
time between to plan and consider. July and Nov it is.
Youth Unemployment- report by Mission and Public Affairs Committee
Members were encouraged to do whatever they can to listen to young people [report 'I am One in a Million'] and encourage initiatives to provide training and
support.
Comments:
There
were several hostile amendments which were defeated.
Motion carried.
The report was commended and received.
Farewells
Bishop of Manchester
Bishop of Bath and Wells
Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop John Sentamu lead the tributes, thanking Rowan for his courage, commitment and sense of humour, his willingness to see the good in everyone, his relationship as a brother in Christ, 'God's apostle for our time'.
Jane, Rowan's wife, was also warmly thanked.
Ven Christine Hardman thanked Rowan for this thoughtful holiness, truth and honesty, love for the church and young people, patience with family
fractiousness, service, dedication and sacrifice.
Dr Philip Giddings spoke of his servant leadership to the church and the world, his perseverance and commitment to mission. Also his membership of the eyebrow
club!
Rowan left us with one picture about how connections are made in the modern world- a ball of wool which was passed around a circle of speakers as each one spoke,
resulting in a criss-cross pattern at the centre. The ball was then wound back to recall speakers' comments. This was a reminder of how connections are made.
His final message was 'where there is no trust, put trust and you will find trust'.
Penny Allen
GS327
Personal statement
I voted in favour of the women bishops' measure in line with Lichfield diocesan views. I am very disappointed that others did not follow the diocesan thinking on this important issue and that we face more divisive discussion.
Lichfield diocesan voting was as follows:
In favour
+ Jonathan
Rev Chris Sims
Preb Maureen Hobbs
Rev Pat Hawkins
John Wilson
John Shand
David Beswick
Penny Allen
Against
Rev Paul Farthing
Rev Stephen Pratt
Joanna Monckton
Dr Chik Tan
Christopher Corbet
Personal statement by Rev Pat Hawkins to The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/21/female-bishops-supporter
Those reading this from other dioceses may wish to find out how their representatives voted. That information is available on this link:
http://churchofengland.org/media/1588752/item%20501.pdf
There are also two ipetitions that are related, firstly to allow member of the laity to have their say:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/cofelaymembersinfavourofwomenbishops/
Secondly to ask for reform of General Synod:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/no-confidence-in-general-synod/
Monday 19th Nov
Might have known it was going to be a strange three days when Maureen and I sat on the train at Wolverhampton and we started to accelerate backwards
towards Stafford. A vehicle had hit a bridge on the south line. We found ourselves rushing straight from Stafford, where no-one else got on the train, to
Watford, passing the three spires. Quite the strangest and most straightforward journey we have ever had, arriving in Euston on time. Lunch then off to Church
House.
Business Committee reported. Members commented on new fees orders- some disquiet over raised fees; principles involved in shelving diocesan synod motions; living with diversity.
A report was given on the Anglican Consultative Council meeting and another on the Anglican Communion Covenant, which some dioceses had signed but most dioceses had not due to concern over section 4, what happens when someone is out-of-line.
Nothing can be progressed with this currently.
Questions
Many and varied again- what funding will be available to PCCs who ask for legal assistance to keep women bishops at bay- none; wages for clergy- held down in
line with the rest of the country; Gift Aid on the plate- should be able to reclaim G Aid on cash soon; what money had been spent on campaigning for women
bishops- Lambeth staff had done it; Hillsborough- applause for Bishop who had chaired report; clerk of GS leaving to take up post with Forward In Faith!;
pastoral resources for those with mental health problems; minor repairs to clergy housing- they have to pay; Youth Council reps- cannot vote at present;
relationships with Jewish communities; reviewing process for appointing archbishop- lots of jokes about blind children choosing; sale of jam in reused
jars- is it a business venture? no; bullying of young gay people in schools- need for pastoral care; progress with training institutions- becoming clearer;
chairs of debates calling more people to speak- report on how many have been called and how many times- some people monopolising debates; liturgy for those
mourning loss of pet; ethical investment in Veolia, providing services to illegal Jewish settlements on west bank and others..
Tuesday 20th Nov
A fateful day!
The Eucharist to begin, led by Rowan Williams, and a female priest.
Pleased to see our CEO, Julie Jones, in the public gallery.
The whole day devoted to the measure for women bishops.
We were told by the Chair, John Sentamu, that a vote needed to be taken by 5.30pm. 170+ people had asked to speak. The debate was busy, mostly speakers called with alternate views for and against. Lots of bishops were called, equal numbers of clergy and laity. Predominantly a balanced debate until close to the end, when we were asked to remain seated unless we had anything else to add. Those against seized the opportunity to give very brief statements.
The main points against were those of law, despite 20 years of discussion with the opposing groups, with many speakers saying there was not enough protection for Conservative Evangelicals and traditionalists to have men bishops only. The Chair of the House of Laity used his position to speak against the measure, the Vice Chair using his speech to support the dioceses.
Almost all bishops used their speeches to support the measure, notably the bishops of Chichester and Gibraltar speaking against.
Archbishop Rowan made a strong plea in favour, as did Archbishop Designate Justin Welby, making his first speech to GS since the news of his appointment.
Some of the points made were by women, including Rowan's female priest, who spoke about male headship, but did not want to support the existing male
headship of the Church. What irony!
Some other comments, 7 hours of debate:
no sacramental assurance
third province better answer
new society needed
must be inclusive
mission will be compromised
theological problems
no need to be in line with contemporary culture
male headship needed!!
need law not code of practice
legislation is flawed
must move forward
Oakhill College worried [cons ev]
cons evangelicals fastest growing group
must trust each other
those opposed should abstain
need to manage diversity in amity, not enmity
'respect' has legal connotations
need for goodwill
speak up for laity in dioceses
do not bow to secular pressure
impact on ecumenical agreements
men and women should have complementary roles [this is the new coded language for those who oppose women in ministry]
armed forces in favour of women bishops
secure place for minority
Rev Mark Ireland spoke in favour, about mission, compromise, Acts 12
and the need to harness all gifts
John Shand spoke of the woman who came to Jesus at the death of
Lazarus. He welcomed her ministrations.
missional suicide if not approved
some of the women sobbed audibly, but there was silence, stunned silence from those of us in favour. Broad smiles from those against.
At the closing service I just sat and prayed for the women in ministry, a devastating blow to their morale and another generation of women lost to the
church unless we can reverse this decision. To lose by six votes only the bitterest blow of all.
When we went outside it was raining, it felt like tears.
Those of us staying in the UJ club did have dinner together afterwards, despite some opposing views among the clergy, we did have an evening of
fellowship, with some laughter. My grateful thanks to them for that. I would not have wanted to face the evening alone.
Wednesday 21stNov
No-one had slept well and we were subdued. Rowan gave a presidential statement to spell out the consequences of the damage the House of Laity had
done to the church and the difficulties of explaining this to our dioceses and the nation. He spoke about scorn and ridicule, lost mission, the irrelevance of
Church in the eyes of the nation, the folly of believing there would be a quick answer in negotiations.
Southwell and Nottingham diocese resolution to allow children to assist in serving communion.
Comments:
children
need confirmation first
should
be normal part of service
children
can lead the way in some services
Messy
Church makes this necessary
children
should not be allowed before age 11
children
cannot cope with chalice
older
priests tottering about cannot cope with chalice!
we
need capacity to model service
dangers
of congregationalism
rivalry
amongst children
delegating
to priests is best answer- they know the children
delegating
to Heads in school situations is best answer
There were several hostile amendments which were defeated.
Motion carried.
Private member's motion- Pay the Living Wage
John Freeman moved this- first time I have seen him wearing a suit! [He has a dry sense of humour and usually assists the chairs of debates by moving motions for
closure.]
We were asked to affirm the Christian values in paying the Living Wage and to ensure Christian institutions do so.
People spoke about poverty in families with two parents working, giving examples; taking this to deanery synods and diocesan synods; increasing taxes for the
rich; cleaning and agency contracts; one lay person spoke about the bringing in of gin to this country by evangelicals and the buying of cigarettes!
Motion was carried.
Dates for GS in 2013
These will be July and November, to allow Justin Welby to settle in. Earlier dates were asked for by some, in view of the women bishops' controversy. Some wanted
time between to plan and consider. July and Nov it is.
Youth Unemployment- report by Mission and Public Affairs Committee
Members were encouraged to do whatever they can to listen to young people [report 'I am One in a Million'] and encourage initiatives to provide training and
support.
Comments:
children
need confirmation first
should
be normal part of service
children
can lead the way in some services
Messy
Church makes this necessary
children
should not be allowed before age 11
children
cannot cope with chalice
older
priests tottering about cannot cope with chalice!
we
need capacity to model service
dangers
of congregationalism
rivalry
amongst children
delegating
to priests is best answer- they know the children
delegating
to Heads in school situations is best answer
There
were several hostile amendments which were defeated.
Motion carried.
The report was commended and received.
Farewells
Bishop of Manchester
Bishop of Bath and Wells
Archbishop of Canterbury
Archbishop John Sentamu lead the tributes, thanking Rowan for his courage, commitment and sense of humour, his willingness to see the good in everyone, his relationship as a brother in Christ, 'God's apostle for our time'.
Jane, Rowan's wife, was also warmly thanked.
Ven Christine Hardman thanked Rowan for this thoughtful holiness, truth and honesty, love for the church and young people, patience with family
fractiousness, service, dedication and sacrifice.
Dr Philip Giddings spoke of his servant leadership to the church and the world, his perseverance and commitment to mission. Also his membership of the eyebrow
club!
Rowan left us with one picture about how connections are made in the modern world- a ball of wool which was passed around a circle of speakers as each one spoke,
resulting in a criss-cross pattern at the centre. The ball was then wound back to recall speakers' comments. This was a reminder of how connections are made.
His final message was 'where there is no trust, put trust and you will find trust'.
Penny Allen
GS327
Personal statement
I voted in favour of the women bishops' measure in line with Lichfield diocesan views. I am very disappointed that others did not follow the diocesan thinking on this important issue and that we face more divisive discussion.
Lichfield diocesan voting was as follows:
In favour
+ Jonathan
Rev Chris Sims
Preb Maureen Hobbs
Rev Pat Hawkins
John Wilson
John Shand
David Beswick
Penny Allen
Against
Rev Paul Farthing
Rev Stephen Pratt
Joanna Monckton
Dr Chik Tan
Christopher Corbet
Personal statement by Rev Pat Hawkins to The Guardian
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/nov/21/female-bishops-supporter
Those reading this from other dioceses may wish to find out how their representatives voted. That information is available on this link:
http://churchofengland.org/media/1588752/item%20501.pdf
There are also two ipetitions that are related, firstly to allow member of the laity to have their say:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/cofelaymembersinfavourofwomenbishops/
Secondly to ask for reform of General Synod:
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/no-confidence-in-general-synod/