Posted Friday 12 June 2009
The day started with Morning Office lead by the Rt Rev David Chillingworth. Before business got underway, The Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, The Rt Rev Martin Shaw replied to the Primus’ good wishes for him and his wife Elspeth on his forthcoming retirement. Bishop Martin spoke of the beauty of his diocese, but also highlighted the many social challenges the area faces. He asked members of synod to visit some of thethe small charges there and to use the retreat houses at Cumbrae and Iona.
The business of the day started with a brief report from Graeme Thom, Convener of the Investment Committee. He spoke of the challenges of investments in the current glocal financial climate. This was followed by a report on the Finance Committe from its Convener, the Rev David Bayne, who having highlighted the financial concerns advised Synod that the Finance Committee is proposing a two year moratorium (2010 & 2011) on grants for buildings. The Rev Annalu Waller raised concern about access to all - particularly the most vulnerable - to our buildings and to worship within them. Rev David Bayne agreed with this concern, however pointed out that disabled access regulations had been in place for 14 years and churches should have made necessary provisions by now.
The Provincial Buildings Advisory Committee Report was presented by the Very Rev Gregor Duncan. Disabled access was again addressed. Canon 35, 50 and 52 were presented for a first reading. These amendments referred to seeking permission to make changes to existing church buildings. Various points were raised by members of Synod, and responded to by Canon James Milne ( a member of the Committee on Canons). Motions 9, 10and 11 regarding Canons 35, 50 and 52 were then voted on and carried unanimously.
The Personnel Committee Report was presented by Graeme Hely. He stressed that clergy are not “employees” and therefore employment laws do not automatically apply. The Draft Grievance Procedure has been introduced to meet employment legislation. The Rev Jeremy Auld, Convener of the Committe on Canons, introduced the discussion on Motions 14, 15 and 16, relating to Canon 62 concerning the retiral age of clergy. Motion 16 asked that the amended text for Canon 62 be read for the second time. An amendment to this Motion had been made by the Edinburgh Diocese, but failed to achieve a two third majority so it fell and voting then went to the Motion iteself. A two third majority was required in each House of Bishops, Clergy and Laity. The House of clergy was the first to vote on Motion 16 and this failed to achieve a two thirds majority so Motion 16 fell.
The Pension Fund Triennial Valuation was introduced by Simon Mackintosh, Chairman of the Pension Fund Trustees. Professor Peattie, Convener of the Standing Committee, then outlined details of a Recovery Plan. The Motions proposed in the Scottish Episcopal Church Pension Fund paper which asked Synod to support (a) the obligation to ensure adequate funding (b) preparation of a Recovery Plan and contribution of a capital sum (c) change in contribution rate in relation to serving clerical and staff members of the Scottish Episcopal Church Pension Fund to 34.9% with possible later changes - were passed unanimously.
The morning continued with an in-depth discussion (lead by the Rt Rev David Chillingworth in his role as Convener of the Mission and Ministry Board) on what is the Mission of the Scottish Episcopal Church in 2009?
Category: General Synod 2009
