Synod day three

Synod decamped to York Minster this morning for Holy Communion presided over by the Archbishop of York with Jim Wallis preaching, with some great hymns, including we have a gospel to proclaim and And Can It Be?

The afternoon we began with a report from the body which looks after redundant historic church buildings.

Next up was a first consideration of a new simplified baptism service for use in inner city areas. When the press got wind off it they said we had abolished the devil and sin. The former had quite a few supporters this afternoon. Overall verdict: good first try but we would like to hear from you again.

Now Synod members can send in suggestions for amendments to the revision committee.

Next up was the Southwark supper, which turned into an impromptu mini theological seminar between a few of us with the result that your blogger missed altogether the evening session of synod. We were due to receive the annual report of the Church Commissioners and agree national church expenditure of £30m. Given that the synod can often make heavy weather of minor matters, it is ironic that we can usually agree this expenditure in 15 minutes flat.

Tomorrow we come to the final debate on women bishops and the TV cameras are already in place outside Central Hall. Watch this space..