I am both delighted and daunted to be succeeding the amazing Shirley-Ann Williams as editor of the Open Synod Group Newsletter. This, my first, edition has had to be prepared against tight deadlines between the November 2010 and February 2011 Groups of Sessions. My invitations to people to contribute were necessarily somewhat opportunistic, and I am grateful to all of the authors for being prompt in letting me have their items.

The articles are highly diverse, reflecting the wide horizons of the OSG, and I believe they are all timely in various ways for different reasons, being based on reflection, looking ahead and looking beyond.

Firstly, reflecting: it was wonderful to hear from S usan Cooper that an endeavour suggested by Archbishop Rowan at the start of the last Synod has been acted on and is bearing fruit. Also, I am grateful to Shirley-Ann for suggesting the inclusion of some first impressions of Synod by new members; their insights are interesting and informative.

Looking ahead, within the Church of England, we engage with Big Society, Religious Education, the Dioceses Commission report on Yorkshire dioceses and Ethical Investment; and looking beyond the confines of our local concerns we have a fascinating insight into the Anglican Church in Qatar. I hope OSG members might send me items that are relevant to Synod business without waiting to be asked. Three hundred words is a good size for a single page.

Helen Leathard, Editor