The Diocesan Synod met on 21 September 2013 at Stoke Gifford and was encouraged in evangelism by Bishop Mike, passed a motion for the whole diocese to Carbon Fast in Lent 2014 and engaged in a planning conversation about what kind of ministry and leadership will energise a growing church.
Bishops Address
The Bishop, before giving his address, gave an update on Bishop Lees health and spoke of him as a great witness to the Christian Faith in this time of adversity. Support and love to him and his family was expressed.
Bishops Council & Board of Directors Report
The Archdeacon reported on both April and Septembers meeting, focusing on the areas that needed further unpacking, making particular mention of the discussions regarding Parish Pledges.
General Synod Report
Mr Ian Yemm reported on Julys General Synod and encouraged members to look at the content available online.
Scheme to vary membership of Deanery Synod under CRR 27a and 26
The Diocesan Secretary explained the need to bring Emmanuel, our only BMO, onto a Deanery Synod by means of the Scheme circulated, which needed to be approved with the assent of the House of Bishops and a two-thirds majority of the member of the House of Clergy and the House of Laity, present and voting, in order for it to be laid before the General Synod in February.
Voting by house therefore followed and was carried unanimously.
Lenten Carbon Fast 2014
The Rev James Wilson spoke to the Motion given on the agenda, as follows:
This Synod requires parishes to take steps to help members of the Church of England put into practice, throughout the Diocese of Bristol, dramatic steps to reduce our Carbon Footprint in line with the policy agreed by General Synod. Accordingly it urges all parishioners and their families, church schools and academies to take steps to cut their own carbon footprint by 40% during the 40 days of Lent 2014, starting on 5 March.
The phraseology and wording of the above was discussed in full and was amended to read:
This Synod urges all parishioners and their families, church schools and academies to take steps to cut their own carbon footprint by 40% during the 40 days of Lent 2014, starting on 5 March.
It therefore requires the DBF, the Diocese and its parishes to take steps to help members of the Church of England put into practice, throughout the Diocese of Bristol, dramatic steps to reduce our Carbon Footprint in line with the policy agreed by General Synod.
The above was carried with 1 abstention.
Ministry Development Departmental Report and Ministry & Leadership conversations
The Rev Canon Derek Chedzey reported on the work of his department, relating to the changing patterns and expectations of ministry, and set the scene for the conversations that followed, the outcome of which will be made available in due course.
The Bishop closed Synod with the blessing.