The Synod began by standing in silence (left) in commemoration of the first anniversary of the martyrdom of twenty-one Coptic Christians. It was a sobering moment at the beginning of our gathering to be reminded of, and to pray for, our suffering brothers and sisters throughout the world.
After opening worship we heard from the Archbishop of Canterbury in an extended Presidential Address of the recent meeting of the Anglican Primates in Canterbury.
The Primates are the leaders of the 38 autonomous churches spread over the globe which make up the Anglican Communion. 'Don't believe all the spin', was a key part of the Archbishop's message in which he told us what really happened, and, what by the amazing grace of God, was actually achieved where the primates, notwithstanding some strongly held divergent views, all agreed to 'walk together.'
Next up was some legislative business - part of the Reform and Renewal agenda, designed to produce a leaner and fitter church, better equipped for mission. The simplification group have the task of cutting out some unnecessarily complicated rules and regulations and today we had the first hearing of their proposals.
Next up was a presentation about the shared conversations on spirituality, scripture and mission that are to take place at the next meeting of the synod in York, before it was time for Question Time when synod members have the opportunity to ask bishops, archbishops, and the leaders of various church institutions, questions on just about anything, except their opinion.
The focus for question time has to be on facts, or it gets ruled out of order by the chairman.
Southwark Diocese, together with the Bishop of the diocese and the Dean of the Cathedral, has 7 lay representatives, and 7 clergy representatives on the General Synod. Bermondsey readers will be pleased to know that two of the 14 elected reps are local boys, both from St James & St Anne's.
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| Church House Westminister, home of the General Synod |
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