Posted Saturday 28 May 2011
Representatives from Episcopal Churches across Scotland gathered in Palmerston Place Church, Edinburgh from 9-11 June for the annual meeting of the General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church. Throughout the three day gathering, matters ranging from social issues to church policy were debated.
Synod members were asked to vote on a Motion to encourage dioceses across Scotland to identify opportunities to reduce energy consumption and to help the Church become more environmentally sustainable.
The Anglican Communion Covenant, currently a topic of discussion in provinces across the world-wide Anglican Communion, was discussed with a view to a decision on whether or not to adopt it being made next year. The discussions on the Anglican Covenant was carried out using an Indaba process (a Zulu word meaning ‘gathering for purposeful discussion’) which was used during the 2008 Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops.
The Church’s review of its policy on mission and ministry was also discussed, to ensure priority is given to initiatives which encourage full engagement of the Church with Scotland’s diverse society. This review responds to the gradual diminishing financial resources of the Church and a renewed emphasis on the missional leadership of bishops in their dioceses.
Guests to General Synod included delegates from other Churches and Faiths and the offering taken during the opening Eucharist will go towards the work of the Anglican Church in Japan as it continues to support those affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami earlier this year.
The Agenda and Papers for the 2011 General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church are now available for download:
General Synod 2011 Agenda and Papers | 3.10Mb | PDF
Live audio feed - available 9 to 11 June 2011
Twitter stream - available 9 to 11 June 2011
Category: General Synod 2011
