Each day this week Anglican Futures will give a short summary of what happened at Synod for those with little time to spare.
The 'elephants in the room' were marching through the chamber of General Synod today, which led to a much more 'charged' atmosphere and even public accusations of "dishonesty" and "power at play."
1) Synod voted unanimously to commit to listening to the voice of young people (18-25), with a view to becoming 'younger and more diverse.' A group of 200 young people will contribute directly to Synod’s discussions through surveys, reports, and presentations and by sending up to five representatives to each synod meeting. It is easy to vote for a motion like this, but what members would like to hear from these young people couldn't have been more different.
"If we want Net Zero, and care for the environment - let's have young people here because they are a powerful voice. If we want racial justice and justice in all kinds of areas - let's have young people here... if you want people who will tell others the gospel of good news, young people are the ones to do it. " Rev Andrew Dotchin
"I have devoted my who adult life to reaching children and young people, seeking to bring them under the sound of the Gospel of Jesus, and nurturing them and their families in the joy of discipleship...Why? Because Jesus is so, so worthy and wonderful. He is the saviour that every child needs." Mrs Anna de Castro
2) Next was the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) update, led by Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Revd Martyn Snow. He asked Synod to imagine a future together,
"One church, with all our differences, or are we resigned to going our separate ways, mirroring society, where each person chooses their own truth?"
This is an extraordinary claim - a total reversal of reality. Surely, it is because some are choosing their own truth, rather than remaining under God's truth, as revealed by the Apostles, that there is a need for separation?
He continued,
"What we are offering is a possible way forward which holds us together, and it starts in the imagination, not the detail... what we are offering is in parts about shared episcopacy, in parts about clergy and congregations remaining in relationship even when they cannot agree to disagree, it involves 'bespoke services with Prayers of Love and Faith'... it may be that this is enough to enable clergy to enter civil same-sex marriages."
This is revealing. What is on offer is 'shared episcopacy' rather than 'alternative episcopacy' - the bishops will 'share' episcopal oversight of clergy and congregations, and congregations of all theological convictions, will 'share' in the ministry of the bishops. While 'agreeing to disagree' is allowed, it is on the understanding that clergy and congregations 'remain in relationship' with those who they cannot agree to to disagree with. There can be no actual 'separation.'
No wonder this plan starts in the imagination!
The Bishop of Europe gave an overview of the theological work that has been done:
"...Unity is very, very important" (1:28:00)
"Our struggles with LLF lie partly that we disagree over the level of disagreement we are having..." (1:28:00)
"It expresses scepticism about a clear distinction between holy matrimony and civil marriage can survive scrutiny" (1:29:00)
"There is a theological reality to marriage that testifies to it being God's initiative and creation" (1:31:00)
The Prayers of Love and Faith themselves "do not impinge on the doctrine of marriage, however the context in which they are used could impinge upon this doctrine." (1:31:30)
"The real question is whether same-sex marriage is within the envelope of marriage, or whether that envelope would need to be stretched, or whether really needs a different shaped envelope from the one that we have at present."
So that's as clear as mud. (You can read more about doctrinal envelopes here)
If you have time to watch the first three questions (and answers) it will give a good indication of the mood of those leading the LLF/PLF process:
Q: The Alliance didn't request Delegated Episcopal Ministry, and it does not go far enough to reassure them ... so will the working groups sit down to listen to The Alliance and seriously consider their alternative proposals? (paraphrase)
Some have said it doesn't go far enough, others have said it goes too far, so "we are in that period of delicate negotiation." It will need to be put into practice before we know if it works. "We engage with the leaders of the groups" but recognise "that there are wide varieties within those groups."
Does this mean the leaders of The Aliance have been heard, but not necessarily been agreed with and they can't listen to everyone?
Q: Will working groups in the future include people who have said publicly that there is only one potential route is the one they'll support - to ensure everyone is working towards something we can all agree on? (paraphrase)
Future 'working groups' will welcome those who are, "willing to work constructively on the proposals... if people feel they cannot engage with the conversation constructively because of a position, then that would be their choice."
Is it constructive or destructive to reject the current proposals?
LLF was supposed to be about radical new Christian inclusion of queer people, it is now focused on people who want to keep me out of the institution of the sacrament of marriage - when will the communication change? (paraphrase)
The LLF comms team will be working "to be more proactive in our communications around the principles of what LLF was established for.. a church that values and takes inclusion seriously, so we will begin to focus on stories and seek to share what the church is doing through LGBTQI chaplaincies..."
The question/answers didn't get any more encouraging.
Finally, the timetable keeps moving - with Bishop Martyn hoping that General Synod will make formal decisions in Nov '25 or Feb'26 - but the process continues and he said he can't promise anything.
For further information about the current proposals for introducing the Prayers of Love and Faith, this blog may be helpful.
3) Despite some very close votes, the House of Laity rejected all of the controversial changes to the Standing Orders of the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC - the group that choose diocesan bishop), preventing their implementation. The CNC will therefore maintain the need for two-thirds of voting members to agree to a candidate, keep the secret ballot and not introduce an extra casting vote for the archbishop, or Chair.
The main concern was that the House of Bishops' proposals were, even in the view of one of the bishops, the Rt Revd Andrew Watson, a "power grab." Revd Esther Prior who has served on the CNC described her reaction to the proposals:
The debate was long and tetchy, with the motives of conservatives called into question on a number of occasions, including being described as introducing "dishonest amendments" and using the CNC for "absolutist politics." The Bishop of Dover attacked those claiming bishops and archbishops needed to be more aware of their power, saying, "You are right, there is power at play, alive and well within our church. It's seen in the signing of petitions, the naked threats of withdrawing money if we don't get what we want..."
4) Synod spent the rest of the day on revisions to the National Church Governance Measure, which they had to adjourn in order to make time for worship, meaning Synod missed out on a presentation from the Thy Kingdom Come team, and will have to approve the rules for electing the next General Synod at a later date.
Tomorrow is another day - with more legislative business and a motion calling for the redistribution of 'central' funds to the dioceses, and from the dioceses to the parishes.
Almighty and everlasting God, by your Holy Spirit you presided in the council of the blessed Apostles, and you promised, through your Son Jesus Christ, to be with your Church to the end of the world: Be with the council of your Church assembled in your Name and presence. Save us from all error, ignorance, prejudice, and pride; and of your great mercy direct, sanctify, and govern us in our work, by the mighty power of the Holy Spirit; that the order and discipline of your Church may be maintained, and that the Gospel of Christ may be truly preached, truly received, and truly followed in all places, breaking down the kingdom of sin, Satan, and death; till all your scattered sheep, being gathered into one fold, become partakers of everlasting life; through the merits and death of Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.
With thanks to Red Charlie from Unsplash for the image.
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Wow! This sounds like someone moved the deckchairs on the Titanic while the band played on. I am delighted that the Bishop of Guildford was honest enough to call his fellow bishops' proposals a "power grab".
Where is the humility among the bishops, notably when (if ever) did the current Bishop of Dover exhibit any humility? Her arrogance mirrors that of her former boss, the former unlamented Squeaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow.