GENERAL SYNOD DIARY
NOVEMBER 18- 20. 2013
Monday 18th November
Arrived at Euston at 11.32a.m. and rushed across to Church House in a taxi for 12 noon
for House of Laity meeting. This was to change the number people required to
call a special meeting of the House of Laity. The percentage required will be
one fifth in future. Also circulation of documents will be by email for those
requesting this in future.
Archbishop Justin Welby gave a presentation detailing his work- he has been to
Nairobi, wanted to visit Peshwar [but was not encouraged to go] and is concerned
about the attacks on Christians and churches; attended the World Council of
Churches; had meeting with RCs about evangelism; met the Porvoo Primates and will
meet the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch in January. He is meeting the GAFCON
Primates separately [has seen 10 so far, 27 to go] privately. He also continues
with the Parliamentary Commission into Banking Standards, 'I will be more than
delighted when it is buried, ideally with a stake in its heart and garlic in its
teeth'.
Business Committee report was presented by Rev. Sue Booys. Two members were disappointed,
one that her Private Member's motion on marriage was not tabled for discussion and the second that her
request for an urgent debate on Girl Guides' promises was not granted.
Challenges for the Quinquennium: Intentional Evangelism
Archbishop Sentamu introduced the motion to form an Archbishops' Task Group on Evangelism,
have a renewed call to prayer, and ask every diocese/deanery/church to spend a
meeting annually focusing on new initiatives to increase disciples. 'Every
Christian is a witness', he said and we talk about the weather readily, but not
Christianity. He had been inspired by the lives of the northern saints, Aidan,
Cuthbert, Hilda, Cedd and Chad.
Fresh Expressions, church planting, use of church agencies, Growth Funds and social
justice were spoken about. Rev Stephen Pratt moved an amendment to ask
every local church to try at least one appropriate new way in 2014 to make new
disciples. This was carried. A graph showing Religious Affiliation by Year of
Birth compiled by David Voas of the University of Essex was distributed for
members' information. This was alarming as far as young people are concerned.
Rev Mark Ireland asked about funding for the Task Group and the need for
staff time and energy. He received an unclear reply. Rev Catherine Nightingale
[Ministry for the Deaf] reminded us that other organisations also should be
involved in evangelism.
The motion was passed almost unanimously.
Miscellaneous Provisions Measure tidied up a number of items relating to dead bodies,
employment of people connected to members of PCCs, permission for overseas clergy to officiate in the UK,
disciplinary procedures, demolition of churches, land owned by diocesan boards of finance or PCCs,
shared buildings, closed churches and pensions.
House of Laity representation on GS for the new diocese of Leeds was kept the same.
Questions.
61 questions on a variety of subjects were tabled. Foodbanks/living wage/PCC property/ baptism supporters/ ministry
statistics/ Pilling report etc were asked. I asked two questions related to the Pilling report:
1. Is the Liturgical Commission working on blessings for civil partnerships?
No from Archbishop of Canterbury
2. What progress has been made on the Pilling report on Human Sexuality?
Finished, coming to future GS.
In the remaining time the Ripon and Bradford diocese was successfully renamed West Yorkshire and the
Dales.
Explanations about Tuesday's group conversations were then given.
Tuesday 19th November
More facilitated conversations on women bishops in the morning followed by
Draft Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction measure.
This will make it easier for Archdeacons to give permission for minor works and
repairs without the need for faculties. There will be two lists of works, one needing DAC approval,
one for Archdeacon's approval. Chancellors will be able to work until 71 if required
[although some can be eccentric apparently- one had to leave the room for a snuff break!]
Archbishop Sentamu gave an address- he has been to Canada and Nigeria, he spoke about
deprivation, food banks, social inequality, the effects of the Welfare Reform Act, volunteers and
recapturing the vision.
The Church School of the Future, Chadwick report
There are 10 marks of a high performing Diocesan Board of Education
1. statement of commitment
2. scrutiny of education by Bishop's staff and Synod
3. over 90% of schools to be rated Good or Outstanding
4. enough resources to deliver strategic plans and employ experienced staff
5. effective data analysis to support schools
6. high quality training for RE and worship
7. governance and leadership to be rated good or better, high quality foundation governor
8. all schools to be grouped collaboratively for challenge and support
9. high quality training of clergy, ministry teams and governors
10. DBE self review for continuous improvement
Clergy spend many hours in schools each week. Training needs improvement, RE teachers
need encouragement. I spoke to an amendment which would have appraised a
recent report by the Religious Education Council which would have given
information about all teaching, including state schools. This was defeated and
regrettably there seems to be interest in church schools only, despite a speech
from Rev Stephen Pratt detailing the community schools he visits.
The motion to give more school training to ordinands, develop school review
framework and promote the new Christianity project materials was passed.
Draft Ecclesiastical Property measure to allow
PCCs to hold property without having to involve the Diocesan Board of Finance was approved for review.
Vacancy in See committees are to be at least 21 people in future.
Orders to allow circulation of documents by email were approved.
Review of the Workings of General Synod, a London Diocesan motion.
This proposal had been brought forward by the London diocese after 65 members left
the room before a very important debate on safeguarding in York. The Parliamentary model is now
felt to be not appropriate. The debate was overwhelmingly in favour of the status quo.
Justin Welby voted in favour of the motion, Sentamu against.
Wednesday 20th November
Report of the Steering Committee for draft legislation on women bishops
A new report from 15 members of GS from a variety of views came for discussion.
50 people had asked to speak. The new legislation would be simpler, would allow
for traditional and Anglo Catholics to be served by male episcopal suffragan
bishops or flying bishops if needed. There would be an Independent Reviewer to look at complaints.
The chief concerns were from Conservative Evangelicals who want male headship
and will not accept male priests ordained by women. They want a Cons Ev bishop.
They are also concerned about the swearing of oaths. Rev Maureen Hobbs
spoke to this to explain that all clergy are under oath anyway, just as she
was bound by the Official Secret Act when working for GCHQ, although we are all
bound by it as British citizens. The Cons Evs also have numbers of young
ordinands who will not want a woman as their diocesan bishop.
It was refreshing and encouraging to hear the leaders of Forward in Faith, Anglo
Catholics and Women And The Church [WATCH] agreeing and there were no amendments
to the legislation at this stage. People spoke about the five principles
underlying the proposal, also mutual flourishing, the relationship between law and grace,
the importance of the right person to be the reviewer and the Equality Act, whether it is wise
to have bishops who do not hold 'public office'.
Voting was the whole of GS.
378 For
8 Against
25 abstentions.
Archbishop Sentamu cautioned against breaking open the champagne yet!
The process will continue In February.
GeneralSynod Elections Review Group
This report recommended
1. the establishment of an electoral college for the House of Laity
2. 2020 elections to be online
3. nominations to be made by email in 2015
There were several amendments:
a] continue with deanery voting- carried
b] have a new report to consider how to get better representation in the laity- defeated
c] to have one member, one vote [universal suffrage- defeated
Concern was expressed for those without internet access and the need for privacy when
voting.
It is obvious that General Synod, as a whole, will not bring forward a process of
reform at the present moment and wish to continue with the present system. This
will mean that the elections to Deanery Synod in 2014 and to General synod in
2015 should be properly considered and that more interest should be generated in
voting for the deanery and GS candidates [including those who attend
spasmodically], also that all GS candidates should detail their views in
election addresses, although a standard form for nominees was rejected, as Rev
Sue Booys pointed out the candidates cannot be forced to be transparent and
honest!
Fond farewells at the end to Bishop Christopher, former Bishop of Stafford, and John
Packer, Bishop of Bradford and Ripon [now a new diocese].
Left the hall to collect the luggage and again got stuck in the lift! Not lift 4 this time, lift 1,
with David Beswick, Rev Maureen and two others. Fortunately only 10 mins this time before they forced the
doors open and we did not miss our trains from Euston, although everyone had left by the time we
escaped....
Ah well, a much more harmonious atmosphere and even some laughter as Justin Welby
read a long piece of archaic legal language.
Lunched with friends in the Central Methodist Hall across the road from Church House
too, good for ecumenical relations. Back to help with the church's Christmas Fayre and on we go....
Penny Allen
GS327
23/11/13
NOVEMBER 18- 20. 2013
Monday 18th November
Arrived at Euston at 11.32a.m. and rushed across to Church House in a taxi for 12 noon
for House of Laity meeting. This was to change the number people required to
call a special meeting of the House of Laity. The percentage required will be
one fifth in future. Also circulation of documents will be by email for those
requesting this in future.
Archbishop Justin Welby gave a presentation detailing his work- he has been to
Nairobi, wanted to visit Peshwar [but was not encouraged to go] and is concerned
about the attacks on Christians and churches; attended the World Council of
Churches; had meeting with RCs about evangelism; met the Porvoo Primates and will
meet the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch in January. He is meeting the GAFCON
Primates separately [has seen 10 so far, 27 to go] privately. He also continues
with the Parliamentary Commission into Banking Standards, 'I will be more than
delighted when it is buried, ideally with a stake in its heart and garlic in its
teeth'.
Business Committee report was presented by Rev. Sue Booys. Two members were disappointed,
one that her Private Member's motion on marriage was not tabled for discussion and the second that her
request for an urgent debate on Girl Guides' promises was not granted.
Challenges for the Quinquennium: Intentional Evangelism
Archbishop Sentamu introduced the motion to form an Archbishops' Task Group on Evangelism,
have a renewed call to prayer, and ask every diocese/deanery/church to spend a
meeting annually focusing on new initiatives to increase disciples. 'Every
Christian is a witness', he said and we talk about the weather readily, but not
Christianity. He had been inspired by the lives of the northern saints, Aidan,
Cuthbert, Hilda, Cedd and Chad.
Fresh Expressions, church planting, use of church agencies, Growth Funds and social
justice were spoken about. Rev Stephen Pratt moved an amendment to ask
every local church to try at least one appropriate new way in 2014 to make new
disciples. This was carried. A graph showing Religious Affiliation by Year of
Birth compiled by David Voas of the University of Essex was distributed for
members' information. This was alarming as far as young people are concerned.
Rev Mark Ireland asked about funding for the Task Group and the need for
staff time and energy. He received an unclear reply. Rev Catherine Nightingale
[Ministry for the Deaf] reminded us that other organisations also should be
involved in evangelism.
The motion was passed almost unanimously.
Miscellaneous Provisions Measure tidied up a number of items relating to dead bodies,
employment of people connected to members of PCCs, permission for overseas clergy to officiate in the UK,
disciplinary procedures, demolition of churches, land owned by diocesan boards of finance or PCCs,
shared buildings, closed churches and pensions.
House of Laity representation on GS for the new diocese of Leeds was kept the same.
Questions.
61 questions on a variety of subjects were tabled. Foodbanks/living wage/PCC property/ baptism supporters/ ministry
statistics/ Pilling report etc were asked. I asked two questions related to the Pilling report:
1. Is the Liturgical Commission working on blessings for civil partnerships?
No from Archbishop of Canterbury
2. What progress has been made on the Pilling report on Human Sexuality?
Finished, coming to future GS.
In the remaining time the Ripon and Bradford diocese was successfully renamed West Yorkshire and the
Dales.
Explanations about Tuesday's group conversations were then given.
Tuesday 19th November
More facilitated conversations on women bishops in the morning followed by
Draft Care of Churches and Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction measure.
This will make it easier for Archdeacons to give permission for minor works and
repairs without the need for faculties. There will be two lists of works, one needing DAC approval,
one for Archdeacon's approval. Chancellors will be able to work until 71 if required
[although some can be eccentric apparently- one had to leave the room for a snuff break!]
Archbishop Sentamu gave an address- he has been to Canada and Nigeria, he spoke about
deprivation, food banks, social inequality, the effects of the Welfare Reform Act, volunteers and
recapturing the vision.
The Church School of the Future, Chadwick report
There are 10 marks of a high performing Diocesan Board of Education
1. statement of commitment
2. scrutiny of education by Bishop's staff and Synod
3. over 90% of schools to be rated Good or Outstanding
4. enough resources to deliver strategic plans and employ experienced staff
5. effective data analysis to support schools
6. high quality training for RE and worship
7. governance and leadership to be rated good or better, high quality foundation governor
8. all schools to be grouped collaboratively for challenge and support
9. high quality training of clergy, ministry teams and governors
10. DBE self review for continuous improvement
Clergy spend many hours in schools each week. Training needs improvement, RE teachers
need encouragement. I spoke to an amendment which would have appraised a
recent report by the Religious Education Council which would have given
information about all teaching, including state schools. This was defeated and
regrettably there seems to be interest in church schools only, despite a speech
from Rev Stephen Pratt detailing the community schools he visits.
The motion to give more school training to ordinands, develop school review
framework and promote the new Christianity project materials was passed.
Draft Ecclesiastical Property measure to allow
PCCs to hold property without having to involve the Diocesan Board of Finance was approved for review.
Vacancy in See committees are to be at least 21 people in future.
Orders to allow circulation of documents by email were approved.
Review of the Workings of General Synod, a London Diocesan motion.
This proposal had been brought forward by the London diocese after 65 members left
the room before a very important debate on safeguarding in York. The Parliamentary model is now
felt to be not appropriate. The debate was overwhelmingly in favour of the status quo.
Justin Welby voted in favour of the motion, Sentamu against.
Wednesday 20th November
Report of the Steering Committee for draft legislation on women bishops
A new report from 15 members of GS from a variety of views came for discussion.
50 people had asked to speak. The new legislation would be simpler, would allow
for traditional and Anglo Catholics to be served by male episcopal suffragan
bishops or flying bishops if needed. There would be an Independent Reviewer to look at complaints.
The chief concerns were from Conservative Evangelicals who want male headship
and will not accept male priests ordained by women. They want a Cons Ev bishop.
They are also concerned about the swearing of oaths. Rev Maureen Hobbs
spoke to this to explain that all clergy are under oath anyway, just as she
was bound by the Official Secret Act when working for GCHQ, although we are all
bound by it as British citizens. The Cons Evs also have numbers of young
ordinands who will not want a woman as their diocesan bishop.
It was refreshing and encouraging to hear the leaders of Forward in Faith, Anglo
Catholics and Women And The Church [WATCH] agreeing and there were no amendments
to the legislation at this stage. People spoke about the five principles
underlying the proposal, also mutual flourishing, the relationship between law and grace,
the importance of the right person to be the reviewer and the Equality Act, whether it is wise
to have bishops who do not hold 'public office'.
Voting was the whole of GS.
378 For
8 Against
25 abstentions.
Archbishop Sentamu cautioned against breaking open the champagne yet!
The process will continue In February.
GeneralSynod Elections Review Group
This report recommended
1. the establishment of an electoral college for the House of Laity
2. 2020 elections to be online
3. nominations to be made by email in 2015
There were several amendments:
a] continue with deanery voting- carried
b] have a new report to consider how to get better representation in the laity- defeated
c] to have one member, one vote [universal suffrage- defeated
Concern was expressed for those without internet access and the need for privacy when
voting.
It is obvious that General Synod, as a whole, will not bring forward a process of
reform at the present moment and wish to continue with the present system. This
will mean that the elections to Deanery Synod in 2014 and to General synod in
2015 should be properly considered and that more interest should be generated in
voting for the deanery and GS candidates [including those who attend
spasmodically], also that all GS candidates should detail their views in
election addresses, although a standard form for nominees was rejected, as Rev
Sue Booys pointed out the candidates cannot be forced to be transparent and
honest!
Fond farewells at the end to Bishop Christopher, former Bishop of Stafford, and John
Packer, Bishop of Bradford and Ripon [now a new diocese].
Left the hall to collect the luggage and again got stuck in the lift! Not lift 4 this time, lift 1,
with David Beswick, Rev Maureen and two others. Fortunately only 10 mins this time before they forced the
doors open and we did not miss our trains from Euston, although everyone had left by the time we
escaped....
Ah well, a much more harmonious atmosphere and even some laughter as Justin Welby
read a long piece of archaic legal language.
Lunched with friends in the Central Methodist Hall across the road from Church House
too, good for ecumenical relations. Back to help with the church's Christmas Fayre and on we go....
Penny Allen
GS327
23/11/13