Posted Thursday 09 June 2011
The Primus welcomed guests and delegates from other denominations and faiths and then the business of Synod got underway with the approval of the Minutes of last year’s General Synod meeting. Mr David Palmer, Convener of the Standing Committee proposed Motion 2 to accept the Annual Report and Accounts of the General Synod for the financial year ended 31 December 2010.In doing so, Mr Palmer highlighted the wide range of issues considered by the Standing Committee during 2010, including financial planning issues, a review of Grants for Ministry Fund, carrying out a detailed review of the risk register and considering how to follow up the gender audit which was discussed at last year’s General Synod. In focussing on financial aspects of his report, Mr Palmer explained that Boards were again asked by the Standing Committee to review their budget proposals for the years 2011 - 13, and in considering Board proposals the Standing Committee had two main principles in mind: that budgets should be set with a view to achieving a break-even position on the General Fund and that large oneoff receipts (such as legacies) should be capitalised to provide future income rather than used to fund current operating costs.
The afternoon began with an overview and explanation of the Anglican Covenant process from the acting Convener of the Faith and Order Board, the Rt Rev Dr Gregor Duncan, Bishop of Glasgow & Galloway. The document explaining the process to which he referred can be downloaded below. Bishop Gregor explained that the Indaba process of discussions, which are to take place tomorrow, will allow all voices to be heard and will equip the Church for next year’s Synod when a decision on the Anglican Covenant will be made. Some comments were made from the floor of Synod regarding the process and then Synod voted on the Motion to approve the process as set out in the paper: Anglican Covenant: Paper from Faith and Order Board (PDF)
The Rt Rev Dr Gregor Duncan then introduced the Committee on Canons session; and the Very Rev Jeremy Auld, Convener of the Canons Committee, presented Canon 62 (of retiral of clergy) for second reading, which puts stipendiary and non-stipendiary office holders on the same footing regarding retirement process. There were also three Canons for first reading. All Canons were carried.
The Very Rev Kelvin Holdsworth,Convener of the Information and Communication Board, advised Synod that the Information and Communication Board hopes to develop templates for website use for congregations and will also produce guidelines on the use of powerpoint presentations.
This was followed by a presentation from Mrs Lexy Plumtree, Convener of the Committee for the Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults, and the passing by Synod of the two motions in relation to canonical changes affecting proection of children and vulnerable adults. The Primus thanked Mrs Plumtree for her committed service as the Convener of the Committee, and Mrs Plumtree announced that her successor will be Mr Hugh Donald, a solicitor and specialist in mediation.
The day closed with a presentation from Mr Simon McIntosh, Convener of the Pension Fund Trustees, who highlighted that future plans include a review of actuarial services in advance of the next valuation and the need to continue the stabilisation of the Pension scheme’s finances.
Category: General Synod 2011
