Headlines and Highlights
No elections for the new Synod, which comes into being on the 1st August. The Area Deans and Lay Chairs have been given lists of the number of vacancies in each Deanery and if you have not stood, but would still like to be a part of this Synod, please contact them.
Professor Julian Rivers’ presentation on “The Secularisation of the British Constitution” was well received.
Governance Review Interim Report
- Revised Bishop’s Council Membership
- Revised Scheme under Repair of Benefice Buildings Measure
Motions:
a) notes that Bishop’s Council as the Standing Committee of Synod has approved the principles enshrined in this motion in accordance with the provisions of Standing Order 127;
b) resolves to replace with immediate effect Standing Order 79 with the Standing Order attached to this motion;
c) resolves to replace the Scheme made by this Synod on 11 November 2000 under the Repair of Benefice Buildings Measure 1972 with the attached Scheme subject to the approval of the Church Commissioners.
The Chairman introduced the changes to Standing orders and the revised Scheme under the Repair of Benefice Buildings Measure 1972, both of which were recommendations from the Governance Review group and were initial responses to comments about the size of the Council and the relationship between Finance Committee, Housing and Glebe Committee and the Board of Education. Unfortunately, as Synod was not quorate, and therefore a vote was not possible, consideration was given to the best way forward. It was agreed to consider motion ‘a’ and ‘b’ and refer ‘c’ to the December Synod. Members, whilst acknowledging that a vote was required by the full Synod and therefore would be taken electronically, voted on the changes to the Standing Order, as follows:
Motion ‘a’ – approved with one abstention;
Motion ‘b’ – approved nem. con.
Before closing Synod with the blessing, the Bishop bid a fond farewell to the Rev Canon David Harrex, Team Rector (Yate New Town), Priest in Charge (Iron Acton) and Chairman of the House of Clergy, who was moving to the Diocese of Bath & Wells, and Canon Professor Gordon Stirrat, as he was not seeking re-election as the Chairman of the House of Laity. As this was the last Synod of the current membership, Bishop also, expressed his gratitude for their time and commitment to the work of the Diocese over the past three years.
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