This is my swan song as Editor, a position that has given me much pleasure over a number of years. Helen who will succeed me will give you a good newsletter as she has much experience in these matters.

I will continue as a member of OSG and I trust that those who are not returning to G.S. for whatever reason will also keep up their membership as it is groups like ours that act as the grit in the oyster.

You will see on the back page a statement of faith based on the Five Marks of Mission. We do not have a party line to which members must subscribe but this statement contains what we trust all Anglicans believe in their heart of hearts whatever flavour or colour their churchmanship.

As we go into the new synod there will be many issues with which to grapple, not only that of women in the episcopate, that are pertinent to the position of Christians in our multi faceted society of today. We must keep mission as the paramount objective of our discipleship and continue to try to learn to live in peace with our fellow human beings. Schools, young people, financial accountability, care of our clergy, nurturing of volunteers, dignity of worship and respect for those traditions that make us, as Christians, a living and vibrant part of our society are what we must cherish and value.

I hope to see you at OSG and around the place as I am succeeding Shirley Dex as Editor of the Report of Proceedings which will keep me abreast of discussion although not part of it. My best wishes to the new synod and may God continue to bless you all.

Shirley-Ann Williams