Posted Tuesday 09 June 2009
The annual meeting of the General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church takes place from 11 to 13 June in Palmerston Place Church, Edinburgh. Representatives from Episcopal Churches across Scotland will attend the three day meeting where matters ranging from church policy to social issues will be debated.
Highlights of this year’s Synod agenda include:
- debate on what is the Mission of the Scottish Episcopal Church in 2009?
- approval of a partnership statement to work together with the Methodist and United Reformed Churches in Scotland.
- a report from the Church’s Rural Commission.
- affirmation of the Church’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goals and the initiation of a gender audit.
For the first time in the history of General Synod, members will witness the election of a new Primus. This will take place during an Episcopal Synod on Saturday morning (13 June) - where all seven bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church (known collectively as the College of Bishops) will elect a new Primus following the retirement of the Most Rev Dr Idris Jones (current Primus and Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway). The role of Primus, which is taken from the Latin ‘primus inter pares’ - meaning ‘first among equals’ is to preside over the College of Bishops and represent them and the wider Church at home and throughout the world-wide Anglican Communion.
The Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Most Rev Dr Idris Jones, will deliver his Charge during a Eucharist Service, marking the official opening of General Synod, and says ‘Although this Synod may not be described as ground-breaking it will certainly be ground-clearing - preparing the way for new and exciting developments for the next few years. This will be done within the context of significant financial pressures facing the Church at this time.’
Throughout General Synod, updates (text and audio) will be available on this website.
For further information about the Synod please contact Lorna Finley, Communications Officer,0131 225 6357 or 07872 000887 (mobile).
Category: General Synod 2009, Primus
