Posted Tuesday 05 June 2012
Representatives from Dioceses across Scotland will gather in Edinburgh (Palmerston Place Church) from 7-9 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 will be debated. The meeting of the General Synod is presided over by the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, The Most Rev David Chillingworth who says “General Synod 2012 is the point at which the Scottish Episcopal Church decides whether or not it is ready to adopt the Anglican Covenant. That debate and consideration of the accompanying Motion gives us an opportunity of discussing the life of the global Anglican Communion of which we are a part. In giving further consideration to the Whole Church Mission and Ministry Policy, we shall continue to develop our commitment to engage in mission with the changing character of Scotland today. This will be an important Synod. It will express the way in which we, with our ecumenical partners, feel called to make a positive contribution to our society.”
Key debates of this year’s Synod include:
• A Motion approving the adoption of the Anglican Covenant and consideration of ways of developing future relationships with the Anglican Communion (the Anglican Covenant is being discussed throughout the Anglican Communion and was recently rejected by more than half of the dioceses of the Church of England).
• A review of the Church’s policy on mission and ministry - to ensure priority is given to initiatives which encourage full engagement of the Church with Scotland’s diverse society.
• Motions regarding the Church’s Pension Fund to ensure its continued affordability and sustainability.
General Synod will also be invited to endorse the renewal of support for men and women across the world who are working to achieve the Millenium Development Goals, recognising that achieving universal primary education, and promoting gender equality and empowerment of women are identified for particular attention and support in the current year.
Synod will also be asked to urge that the Scottish Parliament take note of the report of the Anti-Human Trafficking Ecumenical Group of Action of Churches Together in Scotland, in devising any future legislation on the subject of sexual exploitation.
The proceedings of General Synod can be followed online through a live audio feed and regular updates on the Scottish Episcopal Church website and through Twitter (Follow @secsynod and use the #pisky hashtag).
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Category: General Synod 2012
