The deanery service on July 13th : Deanery Synod reports : Praying for the Lambeth Conference : General Synod : Diocesan Synod
THE DEANERY SERVICE ON JULY 13th
Who is the Deanery? "We are!" came back the reply. Who is the Diocese? "We are!" and we all laughed in appreciation of the fact. It was a glorious day, and pictures follow.
What has happened at recent Deanery Synod meetings? Read all about it!
June 2007 October 2007 February 2008 June 2008
There is a
summary of the General Synod's decisions at www.cofe.anglican.org/about/gensynod/agendas/gsjul08summshort.rtf
and here is a personal account by Robin Lunn of the July Sessions:
The recently completed sessions of the General Synod was without doubt the most stimulating, challenging and eventful of the 2005-2010 thus far. It was of course dominated by the two debates on the issue of the ordination of Women to the Episcopacy and I would point out that the views expressed below on that and other issues are entirely my own and not the official view of the diocese of Worcester. I would be more then happy to visit any Deanary Synod Meetings to answer questions which people may have.
Women in the Episcopacy.
This most contentious of issues returned to Synod for the first time in 2 years following on from the report of the Manchester Group. Synod broke up into study groups on Saturday Morning which was extremely useful for studying its findings in some details and communicating with people who had different views in a less formal way. Once these had finished, we returned to the hall for a Take Note debate on the report itself. Opening up, the Bishop of Manchester stated that the report had been agreed by all 9 members and gave a warning to those who urged further delay. "The time for making final decisions has come."
He went onto set out what a code of practice might look like.
Many of the people such as Rev Angus Maclean of Rochester expressed concern at what a code of practice would look like. The Ven Norman Russell said that we needed to know if there was a Two Thirds majority for a code of practice. Other speakers said that they would not leave the church if the motion went through but urged delay.
The Bishop of Burnley urged further work and posed two questions;
A. What would proposed new diocese look like?
B. How would we remain in union?
The Bishop of Willesden set out two options for proceeding. One would be to annouce the changes would come into effect in 10 years time with anyone of a contrary view having the option to accept or leave, or accept a Code of Practice which would hopefully keep most people in.
Several Speakers spoke about the continuation of A & B parishes. One particularly salient point from Tim Allen of St Edmondsbury, was the damage caused by one of the above parishes in a much wider Team Ministry. It made the whole thing difficult to manage.
Dr Jane Cass from the Methodist Church said that the cultural context should not be used as an excuse for discrimination, and another speaker asked what the overall cost would be.
Again many people spoke movingly on either side of the argument and the whole debate was held in a good spirit. At the end the Bishop of Manchester looking forward to the main debate on Monday, urged Synod to agree the highest degree of communion with those that could not agree. "We must sail"
If the groups and debate on Saturday had been in a good spirit, the main debate on Monday was simply the most harrowing thing through which I have ever sat. Beginning at 14.15 and breaking only for dinner at 18.30 the final vote was announced at 22.18. However that cannot begin to tell the story of a debate which had 14 amendments, 12 votes by houses, 72 speakers and at one point close to the end, came dangerously close to being pushed into the long grass after a bid to adjourn to an unknown date in the future was defeated by 23 votes. The motion carried by a decent majority in all 3 houses, established the fact that the Synod reaffirmed its wish for women to be admitted to the episcopate, while affirming its view that special arrangements be available, within the existing structures of the COE, for those who as a matter of theological conviction will not be able to receive the Ministry of women as bishops or priests. It was also affirmed that there should be a national code of practice to which all concerned would be required to have regard, and instruct the legislative drafting group and the House of Bishops to bring forward draft legislation for the agenda of the Feb 2009 Synod.
The Bishop of Glouchester who had the unenviable task of stearing the motion through, commented that the church did not want to create fresh structures. Too much legislation or indeed too little would be a failure. He also said that Trust was key in a code of practice. Many speakers said that divorce was far from inevitable and there was a general view that most people wanted to keep everything together.
The Archbishop of Canterbury in a speech early in the debate, said that he was very unhappy that many of his priests were unable to go forward. Holding that tension between different types of Churchmanship had been very good for us in the past. He asked, "What type of Church do we want to be?" He was very unhappy with any plan that diminished women Bishops or discriminated against those who disagreed.
Sir Robert Key the MP for Salisbury said that as the established church we could not ignore the outside world.
The major amendments came from the Bishop of Winchester firstly, who made clear that he wanted Women Bishops but also strong safeguards. Several Bishops spoke against this amendment while the Bishop of Chichester spoke for it. It was lost in all 3 houses.
During the next couple of amendments, Synod was reminded by Dr Richard Burridge that the principle for Womens Ministry of any sort was established in 1975. We had gone far beyond the principle and into the practicalities of how we were going to do it.
The Bishop of Oxford set out the principle of elegance and said that the code needed to be tested.
A motion asking for a simple one clause measure was convincingly defeated after the Bishop of Lincoln declared that he wanted to give the code a chance before supporting this type of measure.
Canon Simon Killwick from the Anglo Catholic body on Synod said that they had moved from wanting a single province to a new diocese. This was because it would have a normal relationship with the GS. Thus it would have greater integrity. Reminded everyone that the last new diocese in the church had been created as recently as 1980. Speaking against and speaking in the synod for the first time in 3 years, the Bishop of Portsmouth enthused everyone by the way he spoke and many by calling for a Code of Practice without legislation which could be amended. Also lightened the mood by relating how many people and vicarge mice he had to communicate with to appoint an Archdeacon for the Isle of Wight.
Amendments from Canon Killwick and the Bishop of Exeter were lost as was an amendment from Bishop Packer of Ripon and Leeds which sought to look at Statutory Transfer, despite the aupport it received from the Archbishop of York.
Up until that point which coincided with Evening Meal the debate had been conducted in a good spirit. However the break changed things, and the mood noticeably hardened in the evening as people grew weary and the pressure seemed to grow and grow. Dr Baxter the Head of the House of Laity moved an amendment which I supported, saying that to commence a code and change it in the future would require a two/thirds majority in the future. This seemingly sensible idea supported by several speakers was lost in two houses. The final amendment led to a dreadful speech from a member from Rochester who was hissed when he suggested that he would seek episciopal oversight from a foreign bishop if the main motion was carried. He then proceeded to shout at the audience. This was followed by a very emotional sppech indeed from the Bishop of Dover who berated synod for not being inclusive and for turning down every attempt at compromise (which was a little unfair) He ended by declaring that this was not the church at its best and left much of the audience stunned.
At this point, the Bishop of Durham astounded many of us by trying to get the whole debate adjourned to 2009 which would have achieved nothing and would have wasted all the hard work the Manchester Group and the staff of Church House had put in. Thankfully the Bishop of Southwark in a powerful speech hoghlighted the progress which had been made and said that there was still time to debate the issues of debate. Thankfully the adjournment was defeated 203 to 180.
Then after a wonderfully crafted two minute speech from the Bishop of Liverpool who managed to calm everyone down, the final vote was taken and the House voted;
Bishops. 28 For 12 against.
Clergy. 124 For 44 against.
Laity. 111 For 68 against.
So the issue proceeds to legislation in February, but those that sat through this debate will surely never forget it. I certainly won't.
TO BE CONTINUED........
Diocesan Synod Summary St Mary's Kidderminster
June 16th 2008
Anna Morgan and Jenny Lobley of mass@barnabas, young people from St Barnabas Franche, together with the Revd. Fiona Haworth led the opening prayers including themes of fairness and persecution.
Bishop John gave his presidential address, see
http://www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/work_of_the_diocese/doc_lib/PresidentialAddressJune2008.pdf
Alastair Findlay, Chair of the Worcester Diocesan Board of Finance, presented the report and accounts for 2007. There was much to be thankful for in the overall position and we should rejoice in receiving a parish share of £4.6M. Nevertheless £440,000 of parish share was not received (a total of 91.3% was collected) which on a budget of over £7M had a deficit of £244,000.
( the Report & Accounts are at:
http://www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/work_of_the_diocese/Annualreportandaccounts.php
John Yelland & Co was reappointed as Diocesan Auditor.
Rachel Edwards, Acting Communications Officer, presented the 2007 annual review with the Revd. Mike Rogers and Pete Williams telling their own stories from around the diocese as shown on the poster at:
http://www.cofe-worcester.org.uk/work_of_the_diocese/doc_lib/AnnualReport2007Finalpdf.pdf
Alastair Findlay reported on the steps taken by the Bishop's Council in April to save some £250,000 on the 2008 budget. This was necessary because reserves planned for use in 2008 had been needed towards the 2007 deficit and at the current stage it was anticipated that less parish share would be received than budgeted. He outlined where some savings, including holding longer staff vacancies, and some additional income had been identified. Some parsonages quinquennial work to the value of £100,000 had been put on hold to make up the £250,000 needed, this would be reviewed as the year progressed.
The Revd. Garth Nathaniel reported on a national conference of the Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns which had covered issues such as involving black and ethnic minority people in the active life of the church (ministry and hierarchy), and its decision making processes.
The Revd. John Paxton, Social Responsibility Officer, introduced a review of the "Listening for the Truth in Love" commissioned by the Diocesan Synod meeting of November 2005 which set up a group to provide opportunities and materials to enable conversation about the homosexuality debate. The Revd. Duncan Ballard talked about how the information pack had been used in his deanery. Following discussion the resource pack was commended to deaneries and parishes for further use.
Bishop John thanked Canon Peter Middlemiss as he retired as Warden of Holland House for his work in the life of the diocese and synod.
The Next Lambeth Conference will be held in Canterbury from 16th July to 4th August. Praying for World Mission, with the help of the Mothers' Union, has produced material to help us pray. The content of their latest leaflet is reproduced below....
PRAYING
for WORLD MISSION – St Andrew’s Tide Leaflet 2007
INTRODUCTION
TO THE 2007 LEAFLET
The
next Lambeth Conference will be held in Canterbury from 16th July to 4th August
2008. Archbishop Rowan has described the focus of the Conference as "equipping
bishops for leadership in mission and teaching and... an opportunity for all of
us to strengthen our commitment to God’s mission and to our common life as a
Communion". This year’s St Andrew’s Tide leaflet seeks to encourage us
all to pray for the Conference and provides a range of prayers to be used in
both public worship and more informal prayer. We have tried to give the leaflet
a ‘shelf-life’ beyond St Andrew’s Tide so that it can be used throughout
the period leading up to the Conference next summer. On the back page we have
also listed websites where further resources and information are available.
THE LAMBETH CONFERENCE 2008
Archbishop
Rowan, in writing to all the bishops in the Anglican Communion outlined his
hopes for what the Conference could be. He said,
"The
Conference is a place where experience of our
living
out of God’s mission can be shared.
It
is a place where we may be renewed for effective ministry. It is a place where
we can try and get more clarity about the limits of our diversity and the means
of deepening our Communion, so we can speak together with conviction and clarity
to the world.
It
is an occasion in which the Archbishop of Canterbury exercises his privilege of
calling his colleagues together, not to legislate but to discover and define
something more about our common identity through prayer, listening to God’s
Word and shared reflection.
It
is an occasion to rediscover the reality of the Church itself as a worldwide
community united by the call and grace of Christ."
There
are two other aspects of the Conference that we are also asked to prayer for.
The first is the Spouses’ Conference that will take place in parallel at
Canterbury. Its theme will be "God’s People for God’s Mission" and
the sharing of stories from around the world will be a fundamental part of the
Conference, which will seek to equip bishops’ spouses in their varying
leadership roles and contexts. The second aspect we are asked to pray for is the
Hospitality Initiative - that time before the Conference when the bishops and
dioceses in Scotland, Wales and England will host most of the bishops and
spouses attending the gathering.
LAMBETH CONFERENCE PRAYER
Pour
down upon us, O God, the gifts of your Holy Spirit,
that
those who prepare for the Lambeth Conference may be filled with wisdom and
understanding.
May
they know at work within them
that
creative energy and vision which belong to our humanity,
made
in your Service and redeemed by your love,
through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
COLLECT FOR THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH
Almighty
God,
who
called your Church to witness
that
you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself:
help
us to proclaim the good news of your love,
that
all who hear it may be drawn to you;
through
him who was lifted up on the cross,
and
reigns with you
in
the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one
God, now and for ever.
FURTHER PRAYERS FOR THE LAMBETH
CONFERENCE
Practical Arrangements
Gracious
and Loving God, we thank you for all your gifts to the great family of the
Anglican Communion.
We
ask for your blessing on the Lambeth Conference.
Grant
wisdom and understanding to the Design Group, Conference Manager Sue Parks,
staff and committees who have the task of organising the gathering. We pray
especially for Archbishop Rowan as he prepares to lead the Conference.
In
times of difficulty and tension within the Communion we pray for a spirit of
unity. In our great diversity we pray that we may be faithful to your son Jesus
who prayed that his disciples may be one, as you and he are one.
We
pray for all the bishops as they prepare to journey to Canterbury, and for
spouses who will accompany them. Be with them as they travel, leaving behind
families and diocesan responsibilities. May the time together be an enriching
experience for all who participate, encouraging them in their ministry.
We
pray that the Conference may be governed by your will and led by your grace. May
all those who attend be courteous in discussion and considerate of others’
views. Grant to all the bishops the vision to see the way forward and the
courage to follow the leading of your Holy Spirit.
In
Jesus’ name, Amen
Elizabeth Appleby, Mothers’ Union
(Australia)
O
Risen Christ,
you
breathe your Holy Spirit on us and you tell us: ‘Peace be yours’.
Opening
ourselves to your peace -
letting
it penetrate the harsh and rocky ground of our hearts -
means
preparing ourselves to be bearers of reconciliation
wherever
you may place us.
But
you know that at times we are at a loss.
So
come and lead us to wait in silence,
to
let a ray of hope shine forth in our world.
Brother Roger, Taizé
Open
Your Way
and
show its absolute Good.
Open
Your Word
and
spread out pure Truth;
pour
Your Spirit
and
send down His sheer Delight.
Please
take
this
heart, soul and power.
Let
them make
parts
of Your glorious Throne.
Malomo, Nigeria, in ‘Even Angels
Tread Softly’
(MU Enterprises LTD 2003)
Building
Relationships with God and One Another
Make
Lambeth a place of Spiritual Oasis
for
all those in need of refreshment, O God.
May
their inner vision be transformed
so
that they can see more clearly
their
own journey with all humankind
as
a journey of peace, bonded with hope. Amen
Mothers’ Union
Lord,
We
are communities in communion
with
You,
Our
rainbow-loving,
Promise-keeping,
Creating
Father God.
We
are communities in communion
With
Your Son,
Our
companioning Brother,
Faithful
Friend,
God-with-us.
We
are communities in communion
With
Your Spirit,
Our
holy Guide,
Inspiring
Peace,
Indwelling
Joy of God.
Bring
us together
In
trust and hope,
Remembering
the marginalised we must represent,
The
needy for whom we can speak,
The
poor with whom we are included.
Bless
our coming together
Open
to see You,
Listening
for Love’s whisper
Ready
to be changed by You,
As
You did yesterday and will do tomorrow,
For
Your Glory and Your Kingdom, Amen
Helen Van Koevering, USPG &
Mothers’ Union (Mozambique)
O
God, we pray to you amid the perplexities of a changing order.
Help
us to learn new ways that You would teach us,
and
in every unknown path give us boldness to follow Him
who
is the same Saviour yesterday, today and forever.
Adapted from prayer used in Mengo
Hospital, Uganda
Used with permission from CMS from
‘Morning, Noon and Night’, John Carden.
Addressing Conflict
To
hear - really hear - amid the noise
to
risk being open to another perspective
amid
the impacted certainties
to
be able to listen to impassioned pleas
while
owning the cries that come from our own hearts.
To
hear an argument that does not resonate
disagree,
if that be our call,
without
demeaning the bearer of the words.
Amid
the colliding words
injured
by the words
injuring
with our words:
help
us to hear
Your
Words.
Amen
Ms. Helen Barron in ‘Women’s
Uncommon Prayers’
(Morehouse Publishing, 2000)
You
are the Way
Help
us to find new ways of Walking
You
are the Truth
Help
us to find new ways of Talking
You
are the Life
Help
us to find new ways of Living
You
are Love
Help
us to find new ways of Loving.
Michael Reiss, England
Serving Others
Thank
you God for the opportunities of life
even
though we live in a situation of war and conflict.
Help
us to know you
and
guide us in the right path of understanding
that
we may serve you
to
the best of our ability
through
your Son and Saviour Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen
Diocese of Rokon (Sudan), in ‘The
Prayers We Breathe’
(The Mothers’ Union 2003)
HOSPITALITY INITIATIVE
There
are further resources for prayer and reflection in the 2007 leaflet (available
on the PWM website, details below) and in "Entertaining Angels - A worship
anthology on sharing Christ’s hospitality". Compiled by Geoffrey Duncan
and published by Canterbury Press. Price £14.99.
It
was just a simple meal,
Time together,
But
more
-
Warmth,
An
invitation
Conversation,
To
share in
life
About nothing,
And
love.
And everything...
It
was a simple
meal,
It was just a simple meal,
But
more it was more
-
But more -
Your
wanting and caring,
It was enough -
Your
sharing.
A feast.
Claire
Smith, Guyana
©
Claire Smith from ‘Entertaining Angels’ compiled by Geoffrey Duncan and
published by Canterbury Press
FURTHER RESOURCES FOR ST ANDREW’S
TIDE
Further
information and resources concerning the Lambeth Conference can be found online
at:
www.lambethconference.org
www.themothersunion.org
This
leaflet was produced with the help of the Mothers’ Union who have a collection
of prayers for the Lambeth Conference on their website gathered from different
parts of the Communion.
PARTNERSHIP
FOR WORLD MISSION (PWM)
St
Andrew’s House, 16 Tavistock Crescent, London, W11 1AP
Telephone:
020 7313 3929