Synod observer

To the University of York (above) for the July meetings of General Synod, the Church of England's 'parliament'.

Synod began its five day session on Friday but I was only there from Sunday afternoon because of the ordinations on Saturday hosted by St James.

Before a convivial supper with the Southwark reps on Sunday night (left), there was a Southwark moment, when a motion that orginally came from Battersea Deanery on helping refugees, was brilliantly presented by our own Nicholas Lebey. The Southwark motion was amended, widening its scope, then passed by a large majority.

Synod began on Monday with Morning Prayer, followed by a first look at a new Measure (i.e. a law passed by General Synod) which will enable our cathedrals to be governed more effectively, and then the approval for new rules which will simplify the administration of faculties (a sort of ecclediastical planning permission).

After lunch we turned to matters financial, hearing of plans to use the Church's money for the best possible effect on its mission, agreeing the budget for the Archbishops Council, and authorising expenditure of £47millions for central church costs, including training of new clergy.

Next up was a presentation on the fifteenth anniversary of the Mission Shaped Church report and the many thousands of fresh expressions of church that have come into being during that time. Exciting stuff.

After all that excitement there was just time to consider the '55th Report of the Standing Order Committee' (ie all about the rules for governing synod) before Supper and the end of the synodical day. How we have enjoyed all their reports! The 56th report could be a classic.

Tuesday began with an uplifting act of worship led by the singers and musicians of St Michel-le-Belfrey in York.

First up, was a debate about the report 'Setting God's People' and its focus on 24/7 discipleship for all God's people. Many good contributions and positive things being said.

Next was a bit more legislative business including simplifying the procedures for filling a clergy vacancy, followed by a very moving debate about Anna Chaplaincy. It takes its name from the 84 year old prophetess who witnessed the presentation of the baby Jesus in the Temple. It is part of a movement to provide chaplaincy, care, love, and welcome to older people in general, and dementia sufferers, in particular. Very powerful and very moving.

Farewells followed, and, after a closing prayer from the Archbishop of York, we headed home.

Synod meets again in February - in London.