Posted Thursday 11 June 2009 | 11:09am
The afternoon session was opened by Mr Ian Stewart, and started with the Primus introducing a presentation from the College of Bishops, and commenting on the work that has been accomplished by the College. He offered the Synod’s good wishes to the Rt Rev Martin Shaw, Bishop of Argyll & the Isles in his forthcoming retirement.
The College of Bishops session was presented by Rt Rev John Mantle, Bishop of Brechin who spoke about the Church and its ministry. He emphasised the necessity for increased numbers and training of priests, especially younger priests, and challenged Synod to “prepare for tomorrow’s Church”
The work of the Faith and Order Board was introduced by the Primus, and an overview of the International Anglican Women’s Network was presented by Dr Elaine Cameron. The Rev. Marion Chatterley then spoke about her visit as a delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women held recently in New York. Dr Gillian Todd, a guest from the Church in Wales was invited to speak about gender equality monitoring in the Church in Wales. Motion 3 asking Synod to confirm its commitment to engage with the work of the Inter-Anglican Women’s Network and Motion 4 calling for a gender audit in the SEC were commended, and the vote carried.
The afternoon continued with reports from the Standing Committee. Secretary General John Stuart spoke about his attendance at the 14th Meeting of the Anglican Consultative Council in Jamaica, and in particular discussions regarding the latest draft of the Anglican Communion Covenant. This latest draft - the Ridley Cambridge draft – will be sent to dioceses for comment, and Synod approved remittance to the Faith & Order Board for consideration of a response so that the deadline of 12 November can be met. Some clarification was sought from Rev Martin Robson of Edinburgh Diocese as to the process of responding to the latest draft.
This was then followed by a brief report from the Convener for the Committee for the protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults.
The Very Rev Clifford Piper, Convener of the Information & Communication (I&C) Board presented a report on the work of the Board, highlighting the key objectives and messages of the Church’s Communications Strategy. He spoke about the Church’s increased use of the internet and on-line social networking. This was Cliff’s last I&C Board presentation as he steps down as Convener, having served the board for a total of 13 years. Mr Ian Stewart, in the Chair, thanked Cliff for his contribution to the Church’s communications developments.
The afternoon grew to a close with a presentation from Standing Committee Convener, Professor Patricia Peattie, on the Standing Committee’s response to the General Synod Review Report. Motion 5 which asked Synod to receive this report was then carried. Synod then voted on Motion 6 - an amended text for Canon 37, sections 1 and 3 which refer to the communication of notices, intimations and citations and the proposal that such communication can include email. As this Motion was being read for the first time voting was in houses of Bishops, Clergy and Laity and was carried by all three houses.
Motion 7 regarding the practice note on Diocesan Synods was then proposed by Professor Peattie and seconded by Bishop Brian Smith and was carried.
The final motion of the day (Motion 8) was also proposed by Professor Peattie and seconded by Bishop Brian Smith and asked that Canon 52, section 3 regarding membership of Standing Committee be read for the first time - this Motion was carried.
The first day of Synod came to a close with Evening Office lead by Rev Jeremy Auld.
