Derby Diocesan Synod met for its 148th session this month at St John’s Walton near Chesterfield.

Gathering together in unity

Peter Kelsey, Chair of the House of Laity, began by welcoming people to the meeting, giving particular acknowledgement to the fact that this was the final meeting that Rt Rev Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton, would be attending. Peter also mentioned that it was the last meeting that Amanda Shreeve would facilitate before she leaves her post at the DBF this April. He expressed thanks to both on behalf of Synod members.
After the customary housekeeping notices and the noting of apologies for absence (28 laity and 12 clergy), Peter invited representatives from Peak Deanery to lead us in morning prayer.
Rev Fiona Kouble, from St John the Baptist in Tideswell, led a reflective time of worship, drawing on the words of Psalm 31, inviting synod to join in the refrain ‘into your hands I commend my spirit’. We also joined in a sung version of the Lord’s prayer to the melody of Kum By Yah – setting the meeting in a context of prayer and the continued presence of God.

Presidential address – reasons to be thankful

After worship, Peter invited Bishop Malcolm to give the presidential address.

Malcolm began by commenting that it had been the first sunny day for some weeks after a period of unsettled weather during February and early March, set against the international context of uncertainty and turmoil brought about by the US-Israel led conflict in Iran. He commented that these divisions are sadly reflected in our communities and even in our church, and of the need for continued prayer into these situations.
While there is uncertainty, Malcolm reminded us that we have things to be thankful for, and that the following Sunday was Laetare Sunday, a moment part way through the season of lent where we can break fast and celebrate God’s provision.
Inviting synod members to write down what they are thankful for on pink paper appropriate for the Laetare moment, Malcolm shared what he was especially grateful for in our diocese. He referenced the life and enthusiasm of Messy Church in Repton, new growth in the congregation at St Edmund’s Shelton Lock and the continued expansion of the Monday evening football outreach led by St Francis’ Mackworth. He expressed gratitude for the clergy who have already been through the Launchpad series, and for those on the current cohort learning how to reach young people in contexts where this sort of ministry has not been done before. He mentioned the innovative work that is pending in our schools, following funding from the national church, around racial justice and encouraging greater connections and conversation between people from different backgrounds. He celebrated the fact that we have four times more licenced clergy from global majority backgrounds than we had five years ago. Malcolm also gave thanks for the recently renewed ambition for greater international links with partner dioceses in Burundi, India and Canada.

Malcolm shared some of his personal moments of gratitude, in particular the privilege he had of confirming many people. He recounted some of the testimonies that he had heard: ‘the church has become my refuge’, others describing the ‘joyous love of God’, and yet another sharing that they had ‘found healing’.

The Accessibility Symbols project led by the Disability Inclusion and Action Group (DIAG) was highlighted as work that Malcolm was proud of on behalf of our diocese, especially now that it has expanded to the national ‘A Church Near You’ portal.
He also referenced the work we do across the diocese to challenge injustice; the tragedy of the need for foodbanks but the beacons of light and hope that they provide for the most vulnerable people in our communities. He noted too the work that we have done towards lowering our carbon footprint.

Malcolm concluded his address by pointing to the coming conclusion of his own public ministry – that he was doing so with a mixture of joy and sadness, but also with an assuredness of God’s presence in the world amidst times of struggle and pain. His final challenge to us was simple: ‘be strong and let your hearts take courage’.

His address was met with applause.

Finance strategy update

The minutes of the 147th meeting of synod, also held at St John’s, were approved. This was followed by an update from Will Hagger, Diocesan Secretary, about the newly-formed Financial Strategy Group. Will shared the remit of the group and a little about the context in which we find ourselves as a diocese, in particular the run of deficit budgets over recent years, the falling trajectory of common fund contributions from parishes, and the challenges associated with accessing Diocesan Investment Programme (DIP) funding.

The group has only met once so far, but has clear objectives to work towards: to return the DBF to a balanced budget over five years, to increase church’s financial health (and thereby grow common fund capacity), and to look at sustainable efficiencies in clergy and DBF costs.

There were no questions.

Living in Love and Faith – any next steps

After noting and considering the written question and answers item on the agenda, Peter ceded the chair to Brain Parker, lay chair of South East Derbyshire Deanery, who hosted the discussion on Living in Love and Faith (LLF). This included an update on the consultation with separate Houses of Diocesan Synod on LLF, and follow up on the decisions of General Synod in February responding to the House of Bishops Statement on Living in Love and Faith.

The discussion began with group members with different points of view on LLF sharing their reflections on the format and tone of their discussions. These reflections were mainly positive: there was space to engage constructively with each other, a recognition of the nervousness and anxiety around being vulnerable in conversations of a sensitive topic, but also an appreciation of the respect shown and the desire to find common ground.

A positive challenge was shared by one of the speakers: ‘Don’t be scared to engage with others who may have different point of view.’

Rev Gary Weston, Priest in Charge of St Thomas and St Mark Brampton, then led synod in the discussion of a couple of questions, set in the context of feedback from both the House of Laity and House of Clergy. Gary shared two word clouds (from each house respectively) which highlighted peoples’ feelings about the conversations around LLF

Synod were asked to consider two questions in light of this discussion:

1. Would Synod like the Consultation Group to work through how we might have a facilitated conversation, as Synod, to share the hurt and distress we feel and to explore behaviours that we would want to exhibit as Synod members as we discuss this and other challenging matters?
2. Does Synod feel that the offer of a facilitated conversation would be helpful in other areas of Diocesan life, such as at Deanery level (Both Synods and Chapter) and at the Clergy Conference?
    

The results were captured via a digital Slido poll, indicating an affirmative answer to question one, but less enthusiasm for question two. Synod recognised that not everyone would have had the opportunity to take part in the digital poll and that these results were indicative only.

This part of the agenda concluded with some questions around process: were the pastoral principles of LLF considered during the consultation – to which the answer was yes; and also a question around clarity around the remit of LLF – to which synod was directed to the House of Bishop’s statement. Some specific resources for facilitating healthy yet challenging conversations in a church context were promoted, specifically the Difference course that has recently been released by the Church of England.

After this synod adjourned for a coffee break.

Social isolation – a motion to debate

The second half of Synod was chaired by Rev Nicola McNally, who invited Matt Barnes, Director of Mission, Evangelism and Parish Revitalisation, to introduce a debate on a motion from, Peter Kelsey of Carsington deanery, to combat social isolation.

The motion was welcomed almost universally by synod, with several comments from members to draw out specific themes and challenges. The need for objectivity in assessing the need, thinking long-term and seeing the big picture was raised by Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby. Others drew on examples of people who experience social isolation who may not immediately come to mind ranging from victims of domestic violence to refugees and asylum seekers. Synod was encouraged not to forget the missional outcome of contexts of social and economic deprivation, and not to divert funds away from equally important aspects of our work. There was also a plea to involve people who experience loneliness in the design of any projects or interventions; to ‘do with’ rather than ‘do to’ people who are isolated in their communities.

The motion was carried, with these comments noted.

Final business

Synod received and noted regular reports including notices and updates around elections and appointments to committees.

Bishop Libby shared an overview of the process for appointing a new Bishop of Repton once Bishop Malcom retires from office. She explained that filling the vacancy was not automatic and that a case needed to be made to the Dioceses Commission. Libby invited comments and feedback that might shape the role profile and job description for the see to be sent through to her office. Bishop Libby also sought the views in principle that recruitment to the vacancy for Bishop of Repton be sought. Most of synod indicated their support, with one person voting against.

The final piece of business was an amendment to Canon law which was shared verbally as per Church of England governance practice: ‘Amending Canon No. 44 amends Canon C 8 to include provision for the exercise of ministry by Armed Forces chaplains’
Synod adjourned earlier than the expected time of 1pm, but will meet again on Saturday 13 June at St Werburgh’s, Derby.