March 2005 Synod Report by Mark Goodman

Bishop Brian’s opening address was at the Cathedral Eucharist, which opened the Synod. He was looking forward to the three years leading up to the next Lambeth Conference. He wanted to use the time to ask what kind of church are we? The church is defined by what has happened in the past and what is happening now. Bishop Brian said that there was a danger of making the Anglican Communion into the image we favour. We would learn more of God by listening rather than seeing what we wanted to see. We needed to listen more. Listening, he said, is discernment taking place over time.

The next three years should be about mutual learning. In reminding us about repentance Bishop Brian said that we need to heed the call to repentance. Repentance means that we are ready to change our mind. We need time for this and the next three years could offer this. It is, he said, the worship of God that gives us unity. He reminded Synod of the words of Paul Tillich, that the whole concern of our life must be God and only God. We needed to remember the first three commandments, who God is, that he alone is our God and that we should not create any idols that take us away from him. This should help refresh our reflections over the next three years.

The main business of the day began with a discussion of the Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of the Clergy introduced by the Revd Professor John Richardson, St Columba’s by the Castle. (This is a report which comes from the Employment Rights Working Party of the Provincial Administration Board.) This work had become necessary since the Government passed legislation in 1999 on rights at work. John Richardson said that the problem for clergy was that legally it was difficult to work out who employed them. They were, in fact, office holders. However, clergy should not be disadvantaged by this. This report was to shape up what was the work of a clergy person. The Church of England had based their response to this issue on their ordinal and so the SEC had followed this route. Each Diocesan Synod had been asked for their responses.

The Revd Canon Mark Goodman, Dalkeith and Lasswade, commented that there was a danger with this work that the church was following the secular example of managing, assessing and evaluating everything and whether this paper would used as a guide or stick. He was worried about the use of bureaucratic language to describe the work done. It also did not deal sufficiently well with the interior life, of holy living, nor of sacrificial living. Its use of words like blasphemy were difficult when they went undefined.

The Revd Canon Tim Morris, The Good Shepherd, Murrayfield, was concerned about some of the broadness of the language. He also thought the methodology was dated, describing a church that existed forty years ago. 

The Revd Michael Fass, Rosslyn, reminded Synod that the secular world was dealing with reports, Hutton, Shipman, Chinook. We had to be aware of real issues of the day and that there was no real division between the secular world and us - in this respect we were all one world.

Other issues raised involved considering clergy who were already members of a Trade Union, and job descriptions where clergy might be employed in places other than the church.

The motion accepting the consideration of this report was accepted.

The Diocesan Finance and Management Committee Report was introduced by David Palmer, the committee convener. He said that the Diocesan accounts had not yet been finalised.  This was due in large measure to the appointment of new auditors who wanted to make sure that they understood everything that was going on.  Accounts, which would be distributed as soon as possible, were now to be accrual accounts rather than cash accounts previously used. The projected overspend for the year was actually £2000 as opposed to a projected £6000. Charges were again encouraged to pay their quota by standing order. 

A paper was presented for Assisting Churches in Financial Difficulty. There would be a escalating process of involvement by the Diocese. This was accepted by the Synod as was the Committee’s report.

For the Personnel Committee and the Information and Communication Committee, the Dean, The Very Revd Kevin Pearson said that there had been a lot of change in the Diocesan Centre after a long time when things had been static. Also the Bishop’s Secretary Christine Roy was due to retire at the end of April. Life had been further complicated by not knowing if the Diocesan Centre would stay at 21a Grosvenor Crescent. There were others who had become part of the core team at the Diocesan Centre, particularly David Treherne who had spent an enormous

amount of time working on the IT in the Diocesan Centre and had made himself available often and at short notice to solve problems. Grateful thanks were extended to him.

Alex Stuart for the Buildings Advisory Committee, said that his Committee was not to be feared as a policeman. It had not turned down a project yet (!) and it was to be seen as resource to all churches in the Diocese. Alex Stuart also wanted to thank John Gifford for his many years of dedicated service to the Diocese in the care of buildings as John was now leaving the Committee.

The Revd Dr John Armes, St John’s Princes Street, the Convener of the Diocesan Mission and Ministry Committee presented its work in two parts. The first was a introduction to the Peace, Justice and Creation Network (PJCN), whose convener in the Diocese is the Revd Donald Reid, St John’s Princes Street. Donald Reid spoke about the work of the PJCN. He said that it was not a committee or a structure but a place where ‘Christianly motivated’ people could be encouraged to ask questions on justice, peace and creation issues. Uppermost in the mind at the moment was the G8 conference, the making Poverty History Campaign and the Eco Congregation Scheme.

Donald Reid then introduced Mary Cullen who came to represent the work of the Making Poverty History Campaign (MPH). She spoke about the work of the campaign, how it was dealing with Trade, Aid and Debt. Mary Cullen spoke about the need for policy changes by rich countries. Forced liberalisation of markets was not just. Developing counties were facing unfair competition. More and better aid was needed but there was also the need for transparency and fair accounting. Rich countries needed to move to giving 0.7% of national income in aid. At present the UK level was 0.34%. She encouraged Synod members to get involved in the MPH campaign by checking its web site, wearing its wristband, attending supporting events and inviting speakers.

Later Eleanor Todd spoke of the work of the Eco Congregation Scheme. This is a scheme to help churches consider environmental issues with in a Christian context. Ecological issues were often the poor relation. Yet creation was not a backdrop to the other work that goes on. God is involved here and its part of our life in our liturgy and Scripture.

The second part of the Mission and Ministry Committee report was given by Elspeth Strachan, Christ Church Morningside, on Ministry Development and the courses it was now running. It was expected that there would be a new Diocesan Youth and Children’s Officer in place by July or August. Jamie Sutherland, of the Cathedral, said that Child Protection issues were still developing and it was hoped that child protection would become more of a practice than a process. Captain Andrew Chadwick (CA), Musselburgh and Prestonpans, the Retail Chaplain at Fort Kinnaird, updated Synod on his work, and the Revd David Durie, St David’s Pilton, kept the Synod up to date on developments in Granton.

There were four Canonical Amendments coming before the Synod for comment before going to the General Synod for their Second Reading. There was considerable comment and two failed amendments to Canon 25 Of Admitting to Holy Communion. The idea behind the change was to make the idea of Eucharistic hospitality within the SEC more clear. However it was strongly felt by some that the new Canon did away, effectively, with Confirmation and that there was an implication that Confirmation could not be considered any longer a Sacrament, others that now the Canons and the Catechism were in conflict. However, in the end, the Canon was passed unamended.

Other Canonical changes were basically tidying up operations; Canon 22 would now allow for amendments of Commemoration of Saints in the Scottish Calendar without recourse to General Synod; Canon 62 was amended to make clear an issue on retiral of clergy at 65; and Canon 28 was simply bringing Canons up to date in the issues of Christian Education and Nurture. These three were all overwhelmingly passed with little comment. 

Other business saw St. Columba’s by the Castle propose that it move into a Local Ecumenical Partnership with Augustine Bristo Church and Greyfriars Kirk. This was passed by the Synod and now the issue passes to the General Synod.

St. Mark’s Portobello was given permission to change its status from an Incumbency to an Independent Congregation, following the retiral of Eleanor Morson. This will give the Charge greater latitude in deciding on what kind of appointment it wishes to make in the future

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  February 2005 Special Synod Report by Mark Goodman

Held in February, this was an unusual evening, a non Canonical Synod to discuss the Windsor Report. This meant that it was a meeting of the constituent body of the Diocesan Synod but not formally constituted under Canon Law. It was a meeting to express views and take soundings which would not be binding. This was done in the presence of the Primus, the Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney, Bruce Cameron, who would shortly be attending the meeting of Anglican Primates in Newry, Ireland.

The issue was introduced to the Synod by the Bishop. After whom Area Council Conveners were invited to report the deliberations of Area Councils who had discussed the matter. This was followed by a general discussion on seven headings; the enhanced role of the Archbishop of Canterbury, a Council of Advice for the Archbishop of Canterbury, An Anglican Covenant, Election of Bishops, Concerning the consecration of the Bishop of New Hampshire, Concerning the Rites of Blessing of Same-Sex Unions, Concerning Alternative Pastoral Oversight.

The Bishop reminded the Synod that the issues before them were not straightforward and that the way they were viewed often reflected cultural as well theological differences. For example, in the West the issues are seen to do with justice and how scripture is interpreted. In Pakistan the issue hinges on the how Christian/Muslim relations might be affected and in Uganda it touches upon on how Heroes of the Faith are understood. It is too simplistic to say that it is a liberal versus conservative issue and we have to deal with it in relation to other influences such as inter-provincial relations and the SCIFU process.

Tim Morris for the South West Area Council said that there were a number of significant factors in dealing with the Windsor Report; of how congregations identified themselves, how the SEC was seen in relation to the C of E; how broken Communion might be restored after serious disagreement; and what kind of holding operation the Report actually was.

From the West Forth Area Council David Bunyan said that discussions there had seen the report not as one discussing sex but as a vehicle that might help the Anglican Communion. There was a need to find a way to communicate better the mind of the Anglican Communion. Increased Provincial autonomy may be a price worth paying.

The views of the Forth Area Council were represented by Fred Downie who said the report had been a bold attempt to hold things together, though there might just be the need to disagree. There was need also to acknowledge the relationships between the rich and poor countries in the Anglican Communion.

Edinburgh South’s report came from Nick Bowry who said that it was perceived that there was complexity and tension between the SEC and the Anglican Communion. There was no desire for an Anglican Covenant which might be a conservative instrument leading to stagnation. There was value in diversity.

Mary Moffett for Edinburgh East said that it was necessary to separate out sexuality and organisation. The Anglican Communion needed to be based on mutual respect. We had to be aware that science and civil law were changing. In Jesus the spirit of the law was more important than the letter of the law.

For the Borders Duncan McCosh said that views there had included that all should be done to safeguard the Anglican Communion. There was a case for enhancing the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury. This whole issue was, though, bad PR for the church. Others were just not that bothered about the issue. Still, others asked why do we need an Anglican Communion?

In the discussion which followed there were a wide variety of views expressed. There were questions about the nature of authority in the Anglican Communion. It was said that the Windsor Report was the wrong answer to the right question - that ethical decisions cannot be solved by organisation. Churches should have the ability to be different. Further comments suggested that diversity was a great strength and legacy of the Anglican Church. 

This issue is not like the ordination of women. Unity is something that we have to care about and there is a cost to this. The Synod was asked what autonomy really meant. It did not mean unlimited freedom and that scripture should be our governing feature.

The method of appointing of the Archbishop of Canterbury was questioned. Synod was reminded that often Provinces are divided within themselves on this issue and that we don’t deal with disagreement, we avoid it.

At the end of the evening the Primus thanked everybody who had taken part. He was aware of the divergence and difference that existed. He said that the Anglican Communion was not an organisation but a relationship across the world. And he expressed regret at any breach in the bonds of affection within the Anglican Communion.

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March 2004 Synod Report by Mark Goodman

The main work of the Synod was to hear about the work of the new Mission and Ministry Committee. After major reorganisation the Rev Dr John Armes (St. John’s, Princes Street) and other members of the committee explained the work being done.

John Armes laid out the priorities of the Mission and Ministry Committee for 2004. They were the future of the South East Wedge, Ministry Development, Support for Mission and International work.

The Diocese of Edinburgh, Synod was told, has been at the forefront of developing new Christian ministry in the South East Wedge. (The South East Wedge is a massive area of retail and housing development in area bounded by the A1 and City Bypass roads.) The Synod heard about the plans for planting of a new congregation (organised by St. Paul’s and St. George’s, Edinburgh); the redevelopment of St. Andrew’s, Newcraighall, which now lies at the heart of the retail development and is currently leased; and a retail chaplaincy for Fort Kinnard, which is described as the biggest retail development of its type in Europe.

John Armes made the point that in the past there had been no synodical provision for a role in ministry. This deficit could now be made up.

The Revd Roger Cooke (St. Peter’s, Musselburgh and St. Andrew’s, Prestonpans) spoke of the appointment that his charge were anticipating making. He told Synod that St. Margaret’s University were also relocating to the South East Wedge on the eastern side of the A1. A new appointment, based at St. Andrew’s, Prestonpans would also work as a part time chaplain at the University.

The Dean, the Very Revd Kevin Pearson reported on Mission Development. Too often, he said, the Diocese was seen as a reluctant cash machine which did not involve itself unless there was a crisis. The task now was to create partnerships between charges and the Diocese with the Diocese helping to identify work that could be done. Dean Pearson highlighted three aspects that helped this work. He said that the Diocese had confidence in what it was doing, it had vast resources in terms of expertise and finance, and a sense of pragmatism in the way it was setting about the task. As with the Urban Trust Fund some years before the Diocese will seek to identify places and tasks that need assistance.

There were comments from the floor of Synod highlighting concerns that the Episcopal Church was in danger of only ministering where there was middle class housing, and saying that the Diocese had opted out of Craigmillar. Comment was also made that what is done in terms of ministry here should be done in partnership with other denominations.

In reply John Armes said that the task of the committee was to see what was needed to be done and that the work could feed into work with the Church of Scotland. He said that the Diocese could not do everything and that we either take a lead or follow the lead from others.

The Revd Tony Bryer (City Centre Chaplain) spoke of how the discussions on the planned retail chaplaincy had been held with the Church of Scotland in Craigmillar. It was important that people work together in a multi-agency approach, rather than just putting another layer on top.

For the Ministry Development Committee, Mrs Elspeth Strachan (Bishop’s Officer for Ministry) said that the Diocesan response to the TISEC review was that there would be four distinct developmental areas of work, Congregational, Faith, Lay Ministry and Initial Ministry. Ministerial development was there to equip God’s people across the Diocese, helping them to respond to God’s baptismal call to mission. This was to be an adventure in faith. A small group has been at work since last summer putting the new plan into place. There was a need to provide a wide variety of training opportunities.

The Youth Committee had redefined its remit and had identified four strands of work. It would co-ordinate with the Provincial Youth Network, communicate on youth work with all Charges, support the Glenalmond Summer Camp and seek to communicate with, and support religion and faith for youth who experienced a culture hostile to these.

For the International Committee the Convenor, Mrs Anne Pankhurst, described the new relationship being forged with the Diocese of Connnor. So far there have been meetings of members of the two Dioceses which have exchanged information, built friendship and enabled the making of an agreement which will forge a link between two Celtic Anglican provinces with contrasting histories, settings and traditions. The Revd Margaret Raven introduced the four areas of the agreement, which concerned youth, hospitality, the Episcopal dimension and the Ethos of Mission. Concern was expressed from the floor as to how this was to be funded. However the agreement was passed overwhelmingly.

The Standing Committee reported that the new way of assessing quota seemed to be working, though discussions were still ongoing with the Province about the level of Provincial quota.

The Revd Dr John Armes also introduced the debate on SCIFU. He said that the Diocesan response to the SCIFU debate had not been overwhelming. Comments from the floor of Synod suggested strongly that the Diocese was not taking the issue as seriously as it should. Only one Area Council had sent in a response. The Synod passed a five fold resolution which (ctd over page) expressed a desire to work with the churches still supporting the issues at the heart of the SCIFU process, and also encouraging the Faith and Order Board to move swiftly for a formal covenant between the Methodist Church and the SEC.

The Canonical revisions to Canon 65 on Child Protection were challenged. The reasons for the changes were explained by the Revd Canon Tim Morris. The Revd Dr John Richardson questioned the reasons for the changes. He suggested that it was unnecessary to bring text from the Schedule in the Canon itself. John Richardson also suggested that other changes to the text would give the Provincial Child Protection Officer powers to investigate anybody who came in contact with children within the church. There was discontent in the Synod about the changes. Synod decided to vote on each change individually, though the changes were passed.

Other Synod Business.

At the beginning of the meeting of Synod it was proposed that the former Dean, Jim Mein, should be made Dean Emeritus and hold the title of Very Revd, as he had retired in post. This was agreed in Synod by general acclamation.

The Revd Canon Mark Goodman (Synod Clerk) told Synod that the Urban Trust Fund was in the process of being wound up. Any moneys remaining would be allocated to the work at St. Salvador’s, Stenhouse.

The Revd Fred Tomlinson (St. Peter’s, Lutton Place) was announced as the new Retreats Secretary, taking over from David and Pat Treherne. Fred and the Bishop thanked David and Pat for the work they had done over several years in running the Diocesan Retreats. Thanks was also conveyed to David for his work in creating the Diocesan Web Site and for his efforts in substantially upgrading all IT in the Diocesan Centre.

The Revd Canon Mark Goodman is Synod Clerk

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