Members of the Derby Diocesan Synod met in Darley Dale on Saturday (9 November) to discuss the governance, mission and financing of the Church of England in Derbyshire.
It was the first time the members have met under the new governance structure as the Diocesan Board of Finance. The meeting was also the first for new Diocesan Secretary, Maureen Cole.
In his presidential address, The Bishop of Derby, Rt Revd Dr Alastair Redfern described how the diocese was experiencing a new chapter, with a real sense of new thinking combined with shifts in the organisation. He shared his reflection on some research into the decline in church growth in the early 20th century. He challenged synod to look at the reasons and question whether the church today could use the lessons of the past to influence how we lead today.
Mark Titterton, Chairman of the Board of Finance then led a discussion on the budget for 2014. He described the budget as ‘a mission led budget for a year of transition’ and said that despite a deficit of nearly half a million pounds Derby diocese was not alone and many dioceses are in the same position. He described how the board intended to pay for the deficit by using reserves and a reduction to the parsonages grant. He added that despite a deficit the budget included £145,000 of growth projects to allow the diocese to continue to be a living, growing body. He underlined the importance of this investment to be able to do new things in order to grow.
The Synod then voted and passed the 2014 budget. The Archdeacon of Chesterfield then updated the group on governance. The synod then voted and passed the “Memorandum and Articles of Association of the DBF as amended by the special resolution of the DBF on 4 July 2013.”
Carole Lloyd, stewardship officer, then led an update and discussion on stewardship and gift aid.
Synod were then asked to vote on the formula used to calculate the number of lay representatives on each deanery synod for the elections held in 2014. After synod closed there was a short meeting of the Derby Diocesan Board of Finance. The Registrar, Nadine Waldron, led an introduction and described the legal entity and responsibilities of the new structure.
Mark Titterton then asked for an open and honest conversation about finance. He indicated that a top priority will be to make the figures more accessible and to put systems and procedures in place to be able to give monthly updates of where the Diocese really is. He added that the message to take away from the meeting is one of opportunity.
“Derby is average in terms of diocesan finances, we are neither the richest nor the poorest, but given the plans we have described and investment opportunities we have a real chance to grow.”
The meeting closed at 1.15pm
