Diocesan Synod
Since the period covered by my last report to the APCM, the Diocesan Synod has met three times – July and September, 2007, and March, 2008.
Synod discussed and received presentations on:
(July)
- A question was raised – and answered in a fashion – concerning the teaching in Church schools of subjects other than RE, and whether this had an appropriate ‘Christian’ orientation. The answer, from the Chairman of the Board of Education, maintained that appropriate Christian leadership was demonstrated in the approaches to the curriculum, with pupils offered Christian attitudes to the subjects studied but also informed about other attitudes and beliefs which inform those topics.
- ‘Holy places’ was the theme for discussion in groups about the meaning of sacred and holy places and the rôle they could play in the healing and inspiration of many. Practical suggestions were made as to how access to these places could be facilitated and how the use of them could be encouraged and enhanced in many ways by the use of various physical, artistic and ‘sense–using’ means.
- The 2008 budget was presented, discussed and approved. There was discussion about the regular and prompt payment of share which was to prove a continuing theme throughout the year at both Diocesan and Deanery level.
- The ‘Toolkit for Mission’ was commended for use in parishes throughout the Diocese
Much of this meeting was given over to a review of different issues of environmental and conservation concern
- How could parishes contribute to a better effect on the environment? Care for our environment was a central Christian tenet.
- A question was raised about the ‘greenness’ of the Diocese’s own housing ‘estate’ and we learned that steps were being taken on a constant basis to improve such things as insulation and energy conservation in vicarages and other premises.
- We discussed progress towards ordination of women to the episcopate. A motion was put and passed calling for legislation to be brought forward so that decisions could be made and the situation clarified sooner rather than later.
- We had a very clear presentation of both the Diocesan and Cathedral accounts (they ARE different!) – the former for the calendar year ended December 31st, 2007 and the latter a year earlier (the Cathedral are behind in issuing their accounts). Following discussion (short) of the Diocesan figures, they were formally adopted by Synod.
- There followed a debate, on a motion moved by the vicar of St Peters, Harrogate, in an attempt to persuade Synod, on the grounds of moral and social responsibility, to urge parishes not to avail themselves of funds provided through the National Lottery – and in particular its Heritage Fund. This motion was overwhelmingly, though reluctantly, defeated.
- The third piece of major business was a presentation, accompanied by an extract from the recently produced advisory video, concerning the work of the Diocesan Advisory Committee in helping parishes identify, assess and gain formal, ‘faculty’ approval for works intended to preserve or enhance the built facilities of a church to enable continuation and growth of ministry. The presentation, along with its video case study were well received.
- Synod was updated on the progress of the Diocese towards ‘Fair Trade’ status.
- The Diocesan Budgets for the forthcoming year (2008), resulting in a total share of fractionally over £5.1m, were endorsed.
- A motion was passed calling for legislation on the question of women in the episcopate.
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