General Synod September 2020
DRAFT MEASURE TO ALLOW REMOTE MEETINGS GS2176A
Sadly Rev Sarah Schofield was unable to attend due to illness.
First class train to London, beautiful day, four in the carriage all facing away from each other.
Arrived at Church House by taxi, temperature taken, one way system explained and straight to meeting hall to designated chair. Tea room with 4 serving stations for tea and coffee, no chairs and everyone in a mask. Seemed very odd at first but soon identified people. Rooted to a chair all day, even for lunch, but managed to get up and chat at a respectful distance. Realised this is the first occasion in a large group of people since March.
The Measure had been emailed in draft form with the report of the Steering Committee, headed by Geoffrey Tattershall. All amendments were sent and helpfully the Committee had indicated which amendments they wished to support. Jonathan Alderton Ford moved David Lammy's amendments and Clive Scowen moved his own. Thankfully no long speeches were allowed.
The Measure was discussed first and after the fifth speaker Andrew Nunn chairing indicated he could see no women standing. Alison Coulter and I stood and were called. Alison spoke in favour of the Measure. I had no notes but spoke in favour of the Measure thanking Geoffrey and all involved in compiling it, thanked the clergy for all they had done in the pandemic, including the digital learning and pastoral care of congregations, explained that all public bodies are having to use digital means of communication, it is not a choice but a necessity. Jamie Harrison spoke of the long term affects of the Covid virus which may last much longer than we expect.
We moved to the amendments, speeches were commendably short thanks to Andrew's chairing and the main concern was for Article 7 business where liturgy can be changed and other changes made to the way we worship. Several people said they could not support the Measure if this went through. Mary Durlacher used her previous question on using individual cups to illustrate the changes that might be envisaged. She had no answer to this in February. Clive's amendments were lost.
The other concern was the Standing Orders and the length of time they are in force. Father Tom moved an amendment to make this one year and Andrea Williams spoke in support then headed off into the realms of abortion! This amendment was lost as everyone understood that the length of time the Measure is needed may have to be extended.
After lunch the amended Measure was brought back for final approval. Several people took the opportunity to make their concerns about the technology known and then we moved to an electronic vote. Bishops were all In Favour, as were the Clergy. The Laity vote was In Favour with two abstentions.
The meeting finished early and I arrived back at Euston at 17.15. Much to my surprise the concourse was entirely socially distanced with only about 150 people. The train was delayed 20 mins due to a trespasser on the line. Another first class journey back to Birmingham New Street with four in the carriage then a standard class journey to Wolverhampton with three in the carriage.
I should express my thanks to the staff at Church House who did everything possible to make us safe [including wiping the microphone and desk between speakers], to Andrew and Rachel for chairing us through the meeting and to colleagues who managed to make this feel welcoming despite the different procedures. It was good to be there and to help steer the Church forward.
Penny Allen
Lichfield 335
Sadly Rev Sarah Schofield was unable to attend due to illness.
First class train to London, beautiful day, four in the carriage all facing away from each other.
Arrived at Church House by taxi, temperature taken, one way system explained and straight to meeting hall to designated chair. Tea room with 4 serving stations for tea and coffee, no chairs and everyone in a mask. Seemed very odd at first but soon identified people. Rooted to a chair all day, even for lunch, but managed to get up and chat at a respectful distance. Realised this is the first occasion in a large group of people since March.
The Measure had been emailed in draft form with the report of the Steering Committee, headed by Geoffrey Tattershall. All amendments were sent and helpfully the Committee had indicated which amendments they wished to support. Jonathan Alderton Ford moved David Lammy's amendments and Clive Scowen moved his own. Thankfully no long speeches were allowed.
The Measure was discussed first and after the fifth speaker Andrew Nunn chairing indicated he could see no women standing. Alison Coulter and I stood and were called. Alison spoke in favour of the Measure. I had no notes but spoke in favour of the Measure thanking Geoffrey and all involved in compiling it, thanked the clergy for all they had done in the pandemic, including the digital learning and pastoral care of congregations, explained that all public bodies are having to use digital means of communication, it is not a choice but a necessity. Jamie Harrison spoke of the long term affects of the Covid virus which may last much longer than we expect.
We moved to the amendments, speeches were commendably short thanks to Andrew's chairing and the main concern was for Article 7 business where liturgy can be changed and other changes made to the way we worship. Several people said they could not support the Measure if this went through. Mary Durlacher used her previous question on using individual cups to illustrate the changes that might be envisaged. She had no answer to this in February. Clive's amendments were lost.
The other concern was the Standing Orders and the length of time they are in force. Father Tom moved an amendment to make this one year and Andrea Williams spoke in support then headed off into the realms of abortion! This amendment was lost as everyone understood that the length of time the Measure is needed may have to be extended.
After lunch the amended Measure was brought back for final approval. Several people took the opportunity to make their concerns about the technology known and then we moved to an electronic vote. Bishops were all In Favour, as were the Clergy. The Laity vote was In Favour with two abstentions.
The meeting finished early and I arrived back at Euston at 17.15. Much to my surprise the concourse was entirely socially distanced with only about 150 people. The train was delayed 20 mins due to a trespasser on the line. Another first class journey back to Birmingham New Street with four in the carriage then a standard class journey to Wolverhampton with three in the carriage.
I should express my thanks to the staff at Church House who did everything possible to make us safe [including wiping the microphone and desk between speakers], to Andrew and Rachel for chairing us through the meeting and to colleagues who managed to make this feel welcoming despite the different procedures. It was good to be there and to help steer the Church forward.
Penny Allen
Lichfield 335