Living with diversity and focussing on vocation
Last Updated on Thursday, 09 February 2012 14:02
The issue of how Anglicans in different parts of the world work together topped the agenda of the Diocesan Synod in Matlock this weekend.
http://www.anglicancommunion.org/index.cfm
Along with all other Church of England dioceses, the Diocese was asked by the General Synod [which meets this week in London] to “approve the draft Act of Synod adopting the Anglican Communion Covenant.”
The Covenant seeks to provide a framework in which relationships between Provinces can be worked out within the Communion. Synod members voted against the current draft and seemed to agree with the Archdeacon of Derby, Dr Christopher Cunliffe, who observed: “It seems the Covenant is trying to solve a problem rather than handle a dilemma creatively. We are all called to struggle with dilemmas and use this to listen respectfully and learn.”
His colleague, the Archdeacon of Chesterfield, Christine Wilson, one of a diocesan delegation taking part in what is known as the Indaba process http://www.anglicancommunion.org/ministry/continuingindaba/
told Synod members: “I have changed my position since taking part in the Indaba process. I’ve always loved the Anglican Communion and have experience it in Kenya, the USA and recently in Mumbai.
She added: “I believe I now have a better understanding of what the Anglican Communion is and what holds us together. Having walked respectfully and listened to others in India and the USA, I believe what we need is not a covenant but Indaba.”
Indaba is a Zulu word for a gathering for purposeful discussion. It is both a process and a method of engagement enabling Anglicans to listen to one another concerning challenges that face communities and by extension the Anglican Communion.
Earlier in the day, in his Presidential Address, Bishop Alastair told his Diocese that Vocation was the chosen theme for 2012 because it encompassed the whole life of the church: “We find salvation in working together,” the Bishop told the Synod before adding: “We need to remember that the glory of the church is robust and generous and we need to be generous like God and work with others and welcome them into the vineyard.”
The Synod also had the chance to reflect on the theme of stewardship and to consider how it can use its resources into the future.
The focus switches this week to Westminster where elected representatives from across the region gather for a meeting of the Church of England’s General Synod.
