The induction day for new members of General Synod was held on Monday November 22nd. We all congregated in the main hall like students on their first day at school with our new folders all neatly ordered, to receive instructions and advice on the workings of Synod and also how to use the hand held voting gizmos.
Tuesday saw us all processing in our Diocesan groups into Westminster Abbey ready for the inauguration of the ninth General Synod with a service of Holy Communion presided over by Archbishop Rowan Williams in the presence of the Queen and Prince Philip. Dame Mary Tanner of the World Council of Churches addressed the congregation at the service, and she reminded us that the word synod means 'together on the way', and it should be a place of listening. Now at this point, it is fair to say, I was beginning to feel the weight of responsibility of being a Synod member. Maybe that's the intention of days like this: to make you 'wide awake' to the job we have been elected to do.
We processed from the Abbey to Church House when, in her address to Synod, Her Majesty described the opening of a new Synod as 'A moment both for giving thanks for the witness of those who had gone before, and for praying for wisdom in seeking to balance change and continuity in the decisions lying ahead'. We then had lunch and time to breathe a little before getting down to the business of the day.
The afternoon main session was a debate on a paper on The Big Society. This is the title given to the government's proposals to involve voluntary organisations in building local communities. This was our first opportunity as new members to speak in a debate and, bravely, some of them did; although it was clear to see those with previous experience. The report was welcomed by Synod. The Big Society presents an opportunity for the Church of England at every level to be involved although, as someone stated, it is something we have been doing for over 2000 years! After taking note of the report, a decision was made to conduct a feasibility study and report back during 2012.
On Wednesday morning we began with Morning Prayer and then the Synod debated the proposed Anglican Covenant. It was interesting to hear the different presentations each carefully considered and reasoned. There was no anger or raised voices which I have to admit I had expected. There was a note of caution in the debate, a view that this should be supported but there are some problems with what is being proposed. In the end it was passed and will now be referred to Dioceses before returning to General Synod early 2012.
Amazing! When I've been asked how it went, that?s what I say. Amazing! Yet also overwhelming at times, as I juggled papers trying to keep up, but, bring on the next session of General Synod in February when everything will be a bit more familiar. Thank goodness for the Holy Spirit who was with me throughout and with all of us in the Synod, guiding all we said and did. Amen.
Susan Witts, Blackburn
