DIOCESAN SYNOD
DIOCESAN SYNOD SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2014 To be held in ST JOHN’S CHURCH CENTRE SCHOOL LANE, HARTFORD NORTHWICH 9.15am : Act of Worship 9.30am : EGM Chester DBF 9.40am : Diocesan Synod 11am : Refreshments Contact details 01928 718834 www.chester.anglican.org CHESTER DIOCESAN SYNOD 2012-2015 THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS The Bishop of Chester (The Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster) The Suffragan Bishop of Birkenhead (The Rt Revd Keith Sinclair) The Suffragan Bishop of Stockport (Vacant) Honorary Assistant Bishop (The Rt Revd William Pwaisiho) Birkenhead 4/4 Chester 7/7 Frodsham 4/4 Great Budworth 5/5 Malpas 4/4 Middlewich 5/5 Wallasey 4/4 Wirral North 8/8 Wirral South 5/4 Bowdon 6/6 Chadkirk 5/5 Cheadle 6/5 Congleton 5/5 Knutsford 5/6 Macclesfield 4/6 Mottram 4/4 Nantwich 5/5 Stockport 4/4 Nominated by the Bishop THE HOUSE OF CLERGY THE HOUSE OF LAITY The Chair of the House of Clergy (Vacant) Ex officio The Dean of Chester (The Very Revd Dr Gordon McPhate) The Archdeacon of Chester (The Ven Michael Gilbertson) The Archdeacon of Macclesfield (The Ven Ian Bishop) The Chair of the House of Laity Dr John Mason Ex officio The Chancellor (HH Judge David Turner) The Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance (Canon Betty Renshaw) The Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (Prof. Robert Munn) Proctors in Convocation The Ven Ian Bishop Revd Alison Cox Revd Canon David Felix Revd Dr Rob Munro Revd Charles Razzall 1 vacancy Members of General Synod (Chester Electoral Area) (Macclesfield Electoral Area) Dr Graham Campbell Mr John Freeman Dr John Mason Canon Betty Renshaw Prof Tony Berry Mrs Jenny Dunlop Mr Peter Hart Mrs Lois Haslam Elected by Deanery Synods Revd Dr Joe Kennedy Revd Wayne Lautenbach Revd Adam Friend Revd Hennie Johnston Revd Dr David Lamb Revd Colin Randall Revd Tony Mitchell Revd Pete Rugen Revd Alec Brown Revd Dr John Harries Revd Jules Beauchamp Revd Canon Ian Davenport Revd George Crowder Revd Simon Drew Revd James Hughes Revd Canon Graham Cousins Revd Ken Hodgson Revd Andrew Greenhough Revd Dominic Newstead Revd Gillian Rossiter Revd Jane Stephenson 1 vacancy Revd Carol Seddon Revd Mike Smith Revd Cathy Helm Revd Stephen Southgate Revd Roger Clarke Revd Peter Geddes Revd Julian Heaton Revd Lynn Boyle Revd Ed McKenna Revd Janet Parker Revd James Ambrose Revd Derek Guest Revd Rob McLaren Revd Lynne Cullens Revd Pamela Soult Revd Angela Speedy Revd Nigel Atkinson Revd Simon Gales Revd Jane Parry Revd Veronica Hydon Revd Dr Gordon Welch 2 vacancies Revd Libby Lane Revd Steve Rankin Revd Barbara Sharp Revd Alex Sanders 1 vacancy Revd Alison Cox 3 vacancies Revd Canon Bill Baker Revd Peter Bradbrook Revd Ralph Powell Revd David Brewster Rev Canon Elaine Chegwin Hall Revd Michael Turnbull 1 vacancy Revd Canon Diane Cookson Revd Andrew Lythall Elected by Deanery Synods Miss Beryl Edkins Mr Tony Endean Mrs Rachel Barlow Canon Dr David Blackmore Dr Alan Dowen Dr Julie Reid Mr Ted Owen Mr Vincent Whitehead Mr Ian Buckley Mrs Joan Sears Mrs Jocelyn Squires Mrs Ruth Clarke Mr Peter Crump Dr Graham Campbell Mrs Rosalind Campbell Mr John Freeman Miss Ann Hughes Mr Geoffrey Prince Mr Ian Halliday Mr Brian Jones Mr Alan McGraa Mr Paul Nelson Mr Stephen Fletcher Mr Basil Keys Mrs Kirsty Allan Mr Robert Chilton Mr Paul Edwards Mrs Jenifer Kidd Mrs Julia Mann Mr John Roberts Dr David Beveridge Miss Fiona Goode Mr Graham Lowcock Mrs Kath Cliffe Mr Ralph Hands Mrs Joice Nixon Mrs Sue Broadbent Mr John Grainger Mrs Alison Walsh Mr David Marriott Mr Richard Raymond Mr Lawrence Robinson Mr Ian Johnson Mr Fran Marsden Mrs Isobel Burnley Mrs Janet Fraser-Smith Mr Roberts Howells Mr Mark Baxter Mr Michael Coupe Revd Canon Michael Walters Revd Canon Taffy Davies Mrs Angela Klabou Revd Glynnis Lautenbach Revd Chris Slater Revd Philip Sayle Revd Graham Shaw Revd Tina Upton 2 vacancies Revd Michael Ridley 2 vacancies Revd Alan Ward 1 vacancy Revd Jane Turner Revd Jacky Wise 3 vacancies Revd Dr Eddie Scrase-Field 2 vacancies Revd Canon David Taylor Revd Paul Withington Revd Canon Prof Roger Yates 1 vacancy 3 vacancies Mrs Barbara Molyneux Mr Richard Neale Mr John Scrivener Mr John Stockdale Miss June Willis 2 vacancies Mr Chris Taylor Mrs Christina Westwell Miss June Hargreaves Miss Elaine Hulton Mr Michael Noden 1 vacancy 2 vacancies Canon Betty Renshaw Mrs Christine Wetherell Mrs Lesley Young 1 vacancy Dr Elly Macbeath 1 vacancy Mr Alan Hewitt Mr John Legg Mr Andrew Turner Miss Judith Shiel 1 vacancy Mr Philip Wadsworth 1 vacancy Mr Douglas Wisener Mr George Wood Miss Deborah Woods Dr Wendy Yates 1 vacancy Dr Stephen Swinfin 2 vacancies 2 vacancies Mr Kevin Owen Dr Jim Shepherd Mr David Griffiths Mr Ian Roberts Mr Josh Owens 186. July 2014 DIOCESE OF CHESTER DIOCESAN SYNOD – 15 NOVEMBER 2014 ______________________________________________________________________________ NOTES 1. VENUE AND CAR PARKING St John’s Church Centre, Hartford is situated on School Lane, Hartford. The post code is CW8 1NP. (see map attached). There is parking for 30 cars at the church centre and also parking in the surrounding street area. 2. SEATING There will be reserved seats for the Suffragan Bishops, the Archdeacons, members of General Synod and the proposer and seconder of any motion on the Agenda paper. 3. TAPE-RECORDERS The unofficial use of tape-recorders or other devices to record all or part of the proceedings of the Synod is not permitted. 4. TIMETABLE (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) The meeting will start promptly at 9.15am with an Act of Worship. An Extraordinary General Meeting of the DBF will start at approximately 9.30am. The meeting of Diocesan Synod will start after the EGM of the DBF at approximately 9.40am. There will be a break at 11.00 am when coffee and tea will be served. The meeting should end at 1.00pm at the latest. 5. DEBATE AND VOTING Only members of Diocesan Synod may speak in debate and vote. Subject to Standing Order 58, and to the right of the Chairperson to vary the length of speeches, no speech shall exceed 10 minutes or, in the case of a member introducing a report, 15 minutes (s.o. 38). Subject to Standing Orders 64 and 68, every question shall be decided by the votes of all the members of the Synod (s.o. 62) present and voting. 6. AMENDMENTS Amendments to motions before Synod are required to be in writing and delivered to the Diocesan Secretary at least seven days before the meeting, although the chair may, in his or her discretion, allow an amendment to be moved when notice has not been given. An amendment which would have the effect of increasing expenditure (other than with the consent of or on behalf of Bishop’s Council) shall be out of order. 7. SYNOD AGENDA ITEM 3: QUESTIONS Members may ask questions of any officer of Diocesan Synod or of the Chair of any of its Committees. In accordance with standing orders, at least seven days notice of any such question must be given to the Diocesan Secretary in writing. 8. REGISTRATION Members are no longer requested to complete and sign an attendance slip, but will be asked to sign the register at the entrance to the hall. 9. FUTURE MEETINGS - Saturday 14 March 2015 Morning Saturday 13 June 2015 Morning Saturday 14 November 2015 Morning Maps for St. John’s Church Centre © Crown copyright and database rights 2014, Ordnance survey opendata. DS(14)A4 DIOCESE OF CHESTER DIOCESAN SYNOD – 15 NOVEMBER 2014 AGENDA Opening Worship The EGM will take place at this point. Following the EGM the business of the Diocesan Synod will proceed as follows 1 MINUTES Paper DS(14)P13 To confirm the minutes of the meetings of Diocesan Synod held on 21 June 2014. 2 MATTERS ARISING 3 QUESTIONS 4 BISHOP’S COUNCIL Paper DS(14)P14 The Chair will move: “That the minutes of the meeting of Bishop’s Council held on 22 September 2014 be received”. 5 BISHOP OF STOCKPORT 6 ELECTIONS Paper DS(14)P15 Chair of House of Clergy Vacancy-in-See Committee casual vacancy To consider the numbers to be elected to Diocesan Synod from Deaneries in 2015 7 PROMULGATION AND PROCLAMATION OF AMENDING CANON NO. 31 8 PROCLAMATION OF GENERAL SYNOD’S FINAL APPROVAL OF THE ACT OF SYNOD RESCINDING THE EPISCOPAL MINISTRY ACT OF SYNOD 1993 9 STANDING ORDERS Paper DS(14)P16 To make minor amendments to SO22 and SO26. 10 SAFEGUARDING POLICY Paper DS(14)P17 to be tabled The Chair will move: “That the draft policy be approved.” NB The paper will be sent by email next week. Those wishing for a paper copy to be brought to Synod for them should request the same from Joanne Ridley by responding to the email or ringing 01928 718834 x252. 11 FINAL 2015 BUDGET Paper DS(14)P18 The Chair will move: “That the final Budget for 2015 be approved.” 12 CATHEDRAL REPORT 13 STRATEGIC PAPER re. CENTRAL CHURCH FUNDING To receive an update on plans for strategic development funding. 14 MINISTRY DEBATE A presentation for discussion on, “Prioritising Scripture” Paper DS(14)P19 DS(14)P13 DIOCESE OF CHESTER DIOCESAN SYNOD – SATURDAY 21 JUNE 2014 Minutes of the meeting of Chester Diocesan Synod held on Saturday 21 June 2014 in St John’s Church Centre, Hartford, Cheshire, CW8 1NP, starting at 9.15am. PRESENT: The Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster (Bishop of Chester) (President) The Rt Revd Keith Sinclair (Bishop of Birkenhead) Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs (Vice-President) and 30 members of the House of Clergy 46 members of the House of Laity APOLOGIES were received from 26 clergy and a further 16 laity members IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs Helen McFall (Diocesan Registrar) Mr George Colville (Diocesan Secretary) Revd Canon Dr Christopher Burkett (Diocesan Director of Ministry) Mrs Liz Geddes (Diocesan Director of Human Resources) Mrs Janice Mason (Director of Social Responsibility) The meeting began at 9.15am with an act of worship, led by the Revd Canon Dr Christopher Burkett (Diocesan Director of Ministry) S12/48 MINUTES The minutes of Diocesan Synod held at St Peter’s Church Hall, School Lane, Elworth, on the 15 March 2014, and those of Diocesan Synod held at St Laurence’s Church, Frodsham on 21 May 2014 were received and signed by the Chair. S12/49 MATTERS ARISING From the March 2014 Minutes, Rev Cathy Helm publicised the “Serving Your Local Schools” Day on 11 October, advertised on the Diocesan website. From the May 2014 Minutes, it was noted that all Diocesan Synods voted to approve the proposed Women in the Episcopate legislation. S12/50 QUESTIONS There were no questions. S12/51 BISHOP’S COUNCIL The Synod received the unconfirmed minutes of the Bishop’s Council meeting on 21 May 2014. Revd Tony Mitchell (Frodsham) asked whether it would be possible to delay the appointment of the next Bishop of Stockport to allow women to be considered. The Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster (Bishop of Chester) responded that had it been clear at the beginning of the process that a November date for the passing of the legislation was likely it would have been a matter for discussion but as the process has now started he would be reluctant to interrupt the process. If, however, by September the advisory -1- DS(14)P13 group is not clear on the right person and the process has to recommence, it will be possible to reconsider. Revd Hennie Johnston (Chester) asked whether the new Vulnerability and Safeguarding Officer has yet been appointed. She has: Pauline Butterfield takes up her post in July, joining us from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury. Canon Dr David Blackmore (Chester) asked about the review of the See House. Canon Betty Renshaw (Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance & General Synod Member & Wirral North) explained the work of the Bishoprics and Cathedrals Committee which routinely assesses See houses prior to the retirement of Diocesan Bishops. Miss Elaine Hulton (Malpas) spoke in glowing terms about the Lay Conference and encouraged attendance at future events. Bishop Peter endorsed Elaine’s comments, and explained that it was intended that Bishop’s Council discuss what form the conference should take in the future. Mr John Scrivener (Chester) asked a question about the Compensation of Dispossessed clergy. Mrs Liz Geddes (Diocesan Director of Human Resources) explained the position. Mr Peter Hart (Nantwich) asked about the Restore Crewe project. The Ven Ian Bishop (Archdeacon of Chester) described the vision to work with a small group of people under the leadership of Revd Tim Watson to breathe new life into the redundant building of Christ Church in Crewe, creating a new worshipping community in a Fresh Expression of church. Rev Watson will be visiting Deanery Synod and Chapter soon to update them on the project. Bishop Peter commented that Revd Watson will be licensed to the Deanery but employed by the DBF on a short term contract using Mission development funding. S12/52 APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS The Synod received the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2013, as approved by the Diocesan Board of Finance. S12/53 INITIAL BUDGET DISCUSSIONS Canon Betty Renshaw (Chair of the DBF) updated the Synod on the 2015 budget process. Hopefully 2015 will see a breakeven budget – so far the 2014 budget is on course to break even. Parish Share collections are key: predictions depend on achieving at or over a 95% collection rate. The Pastoral Account looks healthier with a good safeguard. There will be further detailed work in the Finance and Scrutiny Committee and Bishop’s Council on the 2015 budget prior to November’s Synod. Archdeacon’s Visitations will be asking parishes about their reserves: we do not currently have enough information on these to build up a clear picture of the situation. Overall, the DBF’s finances are slowly improving but there is no margin for complacency. The following spoke: Rev Libby Lane (Bowden), Mr John Freeman (Middlewich), Rev Tina Upton (Chester), Rev Veronica Hydon (Macclesfield), Canon Dr David Blackmore (Chester), Dr Stephen Swinfin (Macclesfield) and Mr Paul Nelson (Wirral North). Topics covered included: - the need to check on the rate at which Parish reserves are drawn on as well as their current levels. verification that Parish Share will not rise by more than 3.5%. -2- DS(14)P13 S12/54 concerns about the use of the Mission and Development Fund for Diocesan rather than parish purposes the funding of curate posts in the Diocese whether the national financial situation has been factored into discussions. the importance of looking at the figures in real terms. The positive experience of a recent stewardship campaign in their parish CSR REPORT Revd Jenny Mayo-Lythall, the new Transforming Lives Together development worker, was introduced by The Ven Ian Bishop (Archdeacon of Macclesfield). (TLT is a joint project by the DBF and the Church Urban Fund.) Revd Mayo-Lythall presented the findings of the recent TLT poverty survey and concluded that everyone can pray for the work of TLT into helping those in poverty, and ask for a vision to work together, for insight into how each of us can tackle poverty and for dreams for the future of our communities. Contributions were received from Revd Dominic Newstead (Wirral North), Mrs Christine Wetherell (Wirral North), Revd Alison Cox (General Synod & Mottram) and Revd Alec Brown (Great Budworth). Contributions covered: - - the percentage of respondents, (at over 60% TLT felt that a good proportion had responded: not only UPAs: TLT is keen to reach non-respondents too.) There is a Wirral charity which recycles and redistributes furniture etc to those in need, an idea which could be shared and replicated elsewhere. Parishes which have received Church Urban Fund grants in the past might need guidance. There is still money available: the ‘mustard seed’ grant is now the ‘Together’ grant. TLT can offer help with raising money and will seek to share good practice and link parishes where the need in one place is complemented by a good scheme running elsewhere. A certain amount of scepticism about whether there is enough political engagement to make a real difference. CUF does have a voice on a political level. On a local level we are seeing the Kingdom grow in acts that look like mustard seeds but that will endure : very often projects that endure are church-run and something which seems inconsequential like a mums and toddlers group may be the only contact or support a single mother has all week. Bishop Peter thanked Revd Mayo-Lythall and commented that TLT’s work is core to the wider work of CSR. Before the meeting broke for coffee Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs (Vice-President) introduced EIG’s new Clergy Legal Protection Policy which provides cover against legal costs in an employment dispute and legal expenses protection for proceedings under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003 at a cost of £50 annually per member of the clergy. S12/55 COMMITTEE FOR MINISTRY Revd Canon Dr Christopher Burkett (Diocesan Director of Ministry) explained the statistics presented to Synod on ‘Mission imperatives in formation for ministry’. (See attached.) -3- DS(14)P13 He highlighted in particular - the large numbers of people who had completed a Foundations For Ministry course. About 65 percent had opted for University accreditation. - the shift away from more traditional training routes. More than 70 percent now trained at All Saints, St John’s, or St Mellitus - that younger women are underrepresented in the ordinands - the Diocese was bucking the trend in terms of numbers - that Pastoral workers overwhelming women He commended the work of Revd Ray Samuels as he retired from his work as Diocesan Director of Ordinands, and asked for Diocesan Synod to hold the future work of the committee in its prayers. Contributions were received from Revd Libby Lane (Bowdon), Mrs Rachel Barlow (Chester), Revd Charles Razzall (General Synod), Miss Fiona Goode (Cheadle), Prof Tony Berry (General Synod & Macclesfield), Canon Dr David Blackmore (Chester), Revd Canon Prof Roger Yates (Knutsford) and Mrs Kirsty Allan (Bowdon). Contributions included: - Vocations among younger women seem low (this is a national trend) and we must work to encourage a higher number, looking at modelling and mentoring especially. - Many female readers have completed their studies around having a family. Each ministry is always investigated in its own particularity, although sometimes people do move from non-ordained to ordained ministries. - Possibly the dip can be attributed to the career break many women take when raising a family and is therefore to be expected and not a problem. However, we shouldn’t communicate to women that childrearing is in itself a preventer to explore, train or be ordained. We are in danger of losing potential candidates if they hear from us that it’s not possible. - The meaning of the acronym ASCMM was queried (All Saints Committee for Mission and Ministry, a joint provider in Chester, Manchester and Liverpool Dioceses of nonresidential part time training with degrees awarded by Liverpool Hope and Chester Universities.) - A query about whether we put anyone forward to the religious life. At the Vocations Day Conferences there is always a religious present, and the DDO should have it on their agenda when speaking with candidates. - It is good to see an increase in younger people putting themselves forward for Reader training. Incumbents should be encouraged to offer ministerial experiences so that people can see what it’s like to ‘do worship’. If anyone has ideas that are working in their parish, please share them. - A query about how the Committee for Ministry meets the needs of individuals, the Diocese, and the churches in the light of the national policy of reimagining ministry? - Specific training is needed for sector ministries such as prison chaplaincies – is our training too generalist? Our model is ministry focussed in the local church – maybe this is not adequate but it is what we are doing. The accredited training is not all that we offer, however: other training with partner organisations across the Northwest exists. - Youth, Family and Children’s workers often go on to be ordained. - Self-Supporting Ministers and Ministers in Secular Employment are a group often forgotten but make a great contribution to the work of the Diocese. - The thoroughness of the process was commended by a Synod member who has undertaken Foundations for Ministry and Pastoral Worker training, and investigated calling with the Director of Ordinands. The Committee for Ministry and Diocese do think outside the box. - The Committee for Ministry provides training which is of a high standard. Owing to the partnership with the University the inclusion policy is rigorously assessed. A road to Higher Education is open to people who don’t have A-levels – one of only a -4- DS(14)P13 - few ways to obtain a degree without them as there is only a requirement to prove ability, not qualifications. We want missionaries for Christ’s Church – our training leads people towards that. Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs (Vice-President) thanked Revd Canon Dr Burkett for his presentation, and all involved in the work of Committee for Ministry. S12/56 PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS Each summer I give an address to the Diocesan Synod, which gives me an opportunity to take stock about the Diocese and the wider context in which we exist. This year I am visiting each of our 18 Deanery Chapters, to talk with our clergy about the challenges and opportunities which we face, and that is proving to be a helpful exercise. It is a useful background to this address. Let me begin with a slight expression of relief. As we have heard, the diocesan budget is expected to be broadly in balance this year, and, barring the unexpected, in the years beyond. We have completed the initial digestion of a new parish share system, against the background of a prolonged and unexpected economic and financial crisis. That’s no excuse or encouragement to relax or become complacent, and I certainly won’t be doing that, but I will be disappointed if, after 2015, we need to request rises in parish share contributions which are significantly greater than the increases in stipends and salaries which will track the national recommendations. As you will all know, our parish share system seeks to make a transparent and realistic assessment of the actual costs of ministry – our main cost, by far – and to fund this by equally transparent and realistic requests for parish share contributions, adjusted according to a rough assessment of the relative wealth of the parishioners. As such, it has illuminated situations where the income doesn’t cover the corresponding parish share, and this in turn has led to an increasing amount of pastoral reorganisation in some parts of the Diocese. This has happened largely by agreement, and not least because the system is designed to empower parishes to negotiate the best arrangements for themselves, rather than being caught up in some top-down diocesan plan which feels foisted upon them. The new Archbishop of Canterbury has begun a process of review and reform in some of the central areas of the Church of England, and as part of this we have been asked to indicate how many clergy we expect to have in post in 10 years’ time. Actually, we don’t know the answer. We can extrapolate current trends, but the actual number of stipendiary clergy in post in 10 years’ time will depend upon the outcome of numerous local discussions and decisions, as clergy retire or move on to new posts. Interestingly, the net effect of our approach in recent years has been to see the relative number of stipendiary clergy in the Diocese rise, as compared with neighbouring dioceses. This rather flexible approach to decisions about clergy deployment has gone hand-in-hand with a flexible approach to ministry itself. It has led to a relatively high proportion of our clergy who are neither full-time nor entirely non-stipendiary or self-supporting. In fact, we have the highest number of part-time stipendiary clergy in any Diocese in the Church of England – around 30, out of a total of stipendiary parochial clergy of around 250. I welcome this flexibility which has emerged in our understanding and deployment of ordained ministry in the Diocese. In addition to our stipendiary clergy, there is an excellent group of licensed self-supporting clergy (who used to be called NSMs), back up by a substantial number of active retired clergy (nearly 200), and a large number of Readers and Pastoral Workers whom I licence (nearly 400). -5- DS(14)P13 Overall, as I look round the Diocese, there is quite a sense of stability but that must not be a cause of complacency or inaction. It should provide a platform for that constant process of reappraisal and renewal to which God constantly calls the Church. Church life should be like the boat in which our Lord embarked with his disciples, and then told them to ‘put out into the deep’. What might this mean for us? Let me run through a few of the issues which we currently face, or should face. If all churches need to be in a dialogue with the culture in which they are set, this will apply with particular sharpness in the case of a Church which has that recognition by the state which we call establishment. This is a dialogue with a culture which, in our case, is increasingly plural by nature. We sometimes hear it said that modern society is more secular than used to be the case, and I believe that’s true, but even more fundamental, I think, is the plurality of modern culture. You see it between the generations in the role which social media like Facebook and Twitter (and other thing I probably haven’t even heard of yet) play. But it’s a phenomenon which exhibits itself in our society in all sorts of ways, including in relation to religious belief, and the forms that religious belief take. In many ways our culture is rather mixed up, and unsure of what, if anything, it believes. In this context, we need to be light on our feet, in all sorts of ways. I think every parish in the Diocese needs consciously to adopt a mixed economy of worship, for example, because ‘one size fits all’ just doesn’t apply any more. We need to balance the fact that our Faith is as old as the hills with the need for it to be new every morning too. We need to ask what we need to learn from the Fresh Expressions movement, with its Messy Church and much else besides, but not to be captive to just one style or form of Christian expression, and not to neglect the rich heritage of the past. We need also to recognise that the generation which learned the rudiments, and the language, of the Christian Faith in school assemblies, or in Sunday School, is progressively a thing of the past. One way or another, we all need to be Evangelists now. I welcome this fact. That we are having to commend the Gospel in the plural and increasingly secular context of modern Britain forces us to be transparent and honest, and clear, in our proclamation. So, overall, I do not complain about the sharp critique of Christianity which has emerged in recent years, the so-called New Atheism associated with Richard Dawkins and others. It puts us on our mettle, refines our preaching and our apologetics, and reminds us that the Church of God will always be in a fight, one way or another, if it knows what it is to take up its Cross and follow its Lord. Turning to another matter which I believe is important as we move forwards, I believe we need to be honest about our church buildings. I am struck by the fact that 17 years into my time as Bishop there are nearly as many church buildings in the Diocese as when I began. I want to honour the extraordinary local efforts which maintain our churches, and look after them – including, for example, the largely unsung army of people who provide and arrange the splendid flowers which I admire week by week. But it’s essential that we don’t just maintain our buildings as they are, but that we have the courage and energy to adapt and renew them for the 21st Century Church, as our Victorian forebears did in their day. Much of this work is happening, and I pay tribute to the many schemes to add toilets and kitchen facilities, and to make our Church buildings more adaptable for a range of services and activities. There have also been some imaginative schemes to add or refurbish major extensions and parish halls. But there is more to be done, and I can assure everyone that we now have a DAC and Chancellor who will view any proposals primarily in the light of the basic purpose of any church building, which is to further the mission of the Church. -6- DS(14)P13 If I may be permitted to voice a personal view – or call it a prejudice if you prefer – I tend to think that 90% of our churches would benefit from the removal of the pews and their replacement with suitable chairs. Certainly, I have never come across a church which has removed its pews, and which has expressed regret later. Let me conclude with some comments on the question which I have discussed before in these addresses, how the unity of the Church can be maintained in the face of the seemingly entrenched diversity of opinion, honestly held, within the Church. I shall say little more about the prospective advent of women as bishops, as we recently had a special Synod on the subject, except to emphasise that the proposals will make two contrasting, and demanding, calls upon different groups. Can those who do not wish to accept the ministry of women bishops nevertheless accept that, if the current legislation is passed, then women bishops will have exactly the same jurisdiction and legal authority as male bishops, while provision will be made for suitable male bishops to have spiritual and sacramental authority in those parishes that request this? On the other hand, and equally important – and, I think, equally demanding - can those who will warmly welcome the consecration of women to the episcopate graciously accept that the Church of England wishes to provide a structure in which those who are opposed to women bishops and priests can flourish? There are big demands here, on both sides – but it’s what the Church is in the process of agreeing, and we need to face that squarely. We are also about to embark on the next stage of discussion and debate over the difficult question of how the Church of England responds to the very different attitudes towards sexual relationships which have now firmly established themselves in our society. I hope the debate isn’t too narrowly focussed on same-sex relationships, but also addresses the wider, heterosexual aspects of the sexual revolution over the past 50 years. This impinges on all our lives, and the lives of our families, one way or another. The General Synod has agreed that there should be ‘facilitated conversations’ on this subject, between those of different views – paralleling somewhat the ‘facilitated conversations’ which followed the rejection in November 2012 of the previous proposals to admit women to the episcopate. My understanding is that these new conversations will be organised on a regional basis, with each Diocese asked to nominate a group of participants. We shall hear more in the autumn, I think, but I hope we can approach this process with a generosity of heart and mind. We need to talk to each other, and we need to listen to each other, praying that through this process we might all hear what God is saying to the Church today. At this point in the process, I would like to make just two points. The first is that patience is a fundamental biblical virtue. God is portrayed in the Bible as infinitely patient and long suffering. Patience is a key characteristic of love, as St Paul points out in his famous description of love. But patience is not particularly evident in our culture’s list of virtues. Ours is an instant, and instantaneous, culture, driven by information which is exchanged at the speed of light. That’s partly why such a fundamental conflict is emerging between the Church and modern culture. Even if you are someone who welcomes the introduction of same-sex marriage, could it have been right to introduce this without any electoral mandate – without the proposal even being in the Queen’s Speech at the beginning of the session of Parliament concerned? Ours is an impatient culture, which likes to take the waiting out of wanting. I don’t think the current disagreements and debates in the Church over human sexuality will be quickly resolved, and nor do I think that they should be quickly resolved. We need time, time to see -7- DS(14)P13 the wood for the trees, and time to listen to the Wisdom from above which is given to us in our Lord Jesus Christ. My second comment covers all matters of controversy in the Church, where sincere Christians, in good conscience, are drawn to take very different views. We see through a glass darkly in all our knowledge of God, however clearly and firmly held. We are told that on the Last Day the first shall be last and the last shall be first. We shall all be surprised by God’s judgement, as were those in the great parables of Matthew 25. We should not expect to resolve all issues of dispute here and now. In this life, this provisional life, everything is in some sense provisional, and looking towards the new heaven and new earth which is promised to us. Now, on our journey with God and to God, we have to live with difference and disagreement. That doesn’t mean that the life of the Church should be an ecclesiastical version of Cole Porter’s Anything Goes. We have to take decisions, to maintain appropriate disciplines and, in my view, adopt a cautious attitude if major changes in our Christian understanding are proposed, but let’s do so in a basic spirit of openness and generosity, and certainly not believing we individually have all the answers. Again, we have to be aware of the wider dangers in the culture around us. Successive governments in Western culture have had an exaggerated belief in their ability to solve all sorts of problems, at home and abroad. Current events in Iraq are a sharp reminder on the international front. The seemingly ingrained and endemic presence of poverty, in all its forms, in modern British society and further afield is a reminder nearer to home. Humility and patience belong together. But let me end on a positive note. There is a great deal in the life of our Diocese for which we can only be deeply grateful. Next week I shall ordain 21 new deacons, 11 for immediate stipendiary ministry, and others may well transfer to stipendiary ministry later. All have been sponsored for ordination from within the Diocese. Let’s face the future together in this Diocese, confident, and rejoicing in the Lord, who is our Peace. Peter Forster June 2014 S12/57 CLOSE OF MEETING Thanks were given to Hartford for hosting the meeting. Bishop Keith is about to go on a three month sabbatical and was invited to close the Synod. He thanked the Diocese for allowing his sabbatical, which would include visits to Aru and Boga in Congo, and Wales, and is looking forward to the invigoration that can come from our brothers and sisters in other Dioceses across the world. Bishop Keith closed the meeting with prayer. -8- DS(14)P14 DIOCESE OF CHESTER BISHOP’S COUNCIL – MONDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2014 The unconfirmed minutes of the meeting of the Bishop’s Council held on Monday 22 September 2014 at 2.15pm at Bishop’s House. PRESENT: The Bishop of Chester The Archdeacon of Chester The Archdeacon of Macclesfield The Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs The Revd Julian Heaton The Revd Libby Lane The Revd Wayne Lautenbach The Revd Michael Ridley The Revd Canon Prof Roger Yates APOLOGIES for absence were received from: The Bishop of Birkenhead The Dean of Chester The Revd Canon David Felix The Revd Simon Gales The Revd Andrew Greenhough The Revd Dr Rob Munro The Revd Michael Smith The Revd Canon Michael Walters IN ATTENDANCE: Revd Canon Dr Christopher Burkett Mrs Janice Mason Pauline Butterfield Dr Graham Campbell Mrs Rosalind Campbell Dr Alan Dowen Mr Paul Edwards Mr John Freeman Miss Fiona Goode Mr John Legg Mr David Marriott Canon Dr John Mason Mrs Melanie McCombe Mr Richard Neale Canon Betty Renshaw Mr Ian Roberts Mr George Colville (Diocesan Secretary) Mrs Liz Geddes The meeting opened with prayers and a reading from 2 Corinthians. Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs was thanked for his unparalleled contribution to the Diocese during his time as Chair of the House of Clergy, and congratulated on his forthcoming appointment as Bishop of Huddersfield. B14/31 Minutes The minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2014 were confirmed and signed by the Chair. B14/32 Bishop of Stockport The Bishop of Chester updated the Council on the process so far. Bishop Peter explained that it was important to have balance and diversity on the staff team. It was now expected that a new Bishop would not be in place until 2015. The possibility of having an “Acting Bishop” to provide cover was discussed. -1- B14/33 B14/34 DS(14)P14 See House Additional representatives were requested to attend a visit by the Church Commissioners’ Bishoprics and Cathedrals Committee to Chester on Thursday 25th September to review the suitability of the accommodation provided by the Commissioners for the Bishop, a standard preretirement review usually prompted by the current Bishop reaching the age of 62. Richard Neale offered to attend. Safeguarding The Council welcomed Pauline Butterfield, newly appointed Vulnerability and Safeguarding Officer, who presented the draft Safeguarding Policy and spoke briefly about her work. Compulsory training will be provided to clergy, lay workers in relevant areas and Parish Safeguarding Officers, and PCCs could adopt the policy which would be updated as necessary. The policy would now be finalised and then taken to Diocesan Synod for approval. B14/35 Strategic Paper re. Central Church Funding The Council discussed a paper presented by Ian Bishop. He explained that Archbishops’ Council and the Church Commissioners were asking dioceses to bid for funding. The aim was to enable projects to be scaled and accelerated and therefore it was important to show diocesan commitment to go ahead with the projects. It would be important that any bid was in accordance with the strategy adopted by the Diocesan Board of Finance and had demonstrable outcomes. The Council asked whether parishes and deaneries should be asked to submit ideas. It was explained that this process was much more about enabling strategic decisions at a Diocesan level and it was important not to raise expectations. The Budget process had allocated a limited amount of money from the Mission and Development fund for parish projects. It was explained that the initial thinking was around several projects in strategic locations around the diocese, building on existing experience of successful projects. It was agreed to seek views from Diocesan Synod. B14/36 Lay Conference The Council agreed that the conference was a good occasion despite numbers being down at around 120. In future it was felt we should consider it being much more of a Diocesan event with an investment in and appeal to all lay people not just those in lay ministry roles. It would be appropriate to consider additional financial support from the Diocesan Board of Finance and greater involvement by Diocesan staff. There had been limited funding available this time but even so it was difficult to encourage take-up of the free places. Questions regarding the perception of the event, the timing and nature of marketing, whether there should be an aim to have a certain number of people from each Parish or Deanery, and Diocesan identity were raised. Ideas were requested for further discussion at the December meeting. B14/37 Human Resources Committee The Council received a verbal report on the HR Committee held earlier that day. B14/38 Replacement of Worship Adviser The Council agreed that the Worship Adviser should be replaced on similar terms. -2- DS(14)P14 B14/39 Finance and Scrutiny Committee The Council received the minutes of the Finance and Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 7 July and 15 September 2014. The Council approved an extension project at Bidston as a project over £100k, see minute 1781. B14/40 Budget 2015 The Council approved the 2015 budget for submission to Diocesan Synod. B14/41 Diocesan Synod 15 November 2014 The Council determined the agenda for the 15 November 2014 meeting of Diocesan Synod. B14/42 Chair of the House of Clergy The Council agreed to proceed with an election for a new Chair of the House of Clergy, with a postal ballot conducted by the Single Transferable Vote method if there is more than one nomination. The cleric elected will be invited to join F&SC as well as the usual committees. B14/43 Casual Vacancy on General Synod The Clergy members of the Council agreed not to hold an election to fill the casual vacancy as there is less than a year before ordinary elections. B14/44 Vacancy-in-See Committee regulations and casual vacancy election The Council agreed to proceed with an election for a new member of the Vacancy-in-See committee, with a postal ballot conducted by the Single Transferable Vote method if there is more than one nomination. Adhering to the current regulations, the Council agreed that the electoral area should not be split between archdeaconries. B14/45 Memorandum and Articles The Council agreed a minor amendment to the Memorandum and Articles of Association recommended by the Charity Commission. An EGM will be held before the November Diocesan Synod so that synod members can pass the resolution. B14/46 Chester and Macclesfield AMPCs The Council received the minutes of the Chester and Macclesfield AMPCs held on 1 July 2014 and 30 June 2014 respectively. B14/47 Future meeting dates Council noted the following dates for meetings in 2014 and 2015. Tuesday 02 December 2014 9:30am (morning and afternoon at Church House) Monday 2 March 2015 evening at Church House Wednesday 20 May 2015 afternoon at Foxhill Monday 28 September 2015 afternoon at Bishop’s House Tuesday 1 December 2015 morning and afternoon at Foxhill -3- DS(14)P15 DIOCESE OF CHESTER DIOCESAN SYNOD – 15 NOVEMBER 2014 Arrangements for Diocesan Synod Elections in 2015 The next triennial elections to Diocesan Synod are due to take place in the summer of 2015, with the current period of office of elected members ending on 31 July 2015. The election process, which is set out fully in the Church Representation Rules (CRR)1, requires every deanery synod to elect representatives to each of the houses in accordance with procedures set by the existing Diocesan Synod. These procedures are described in CRR rule 31(6), so that, before 31 December 2014, Diocesan Synod must have2: determined the numbers of members to be elected by each deanery synod. This must be in relation to the numbers on the deanery synods (for clergy) and to the numbers on parish electoral rolls (for laity); ensured that in so doing the number of members will be between 100 and 270, and that the numbers of members of houses of clergy and laity are approximately equal; and determined which form of voting is to be used: the simple majority vote method or the single transferable vote. Bishop’s Council recommends to Diocesan Synod that it adopt the following procedures (which are similar to those used for the last elections held in 2012) which fulfil the requirements set out above, namely: For the House of Clergy one member should be elected for every four members (other than co-opted members) of the house of clergy of the respective deanery synods, and the number of representatives should be calculated to the nearest whole number subject to a minimum of four members per deanery. In the House of Laity one member should be elected for every 472 names on the electoral rolls of the parishes of the respective deaneries, and the number of representatives should be calculated to the nearest whole number subject to a minimum of four members per deanery. The elections shall be conducted by the simple majority vote method. If approved, these procedures will need be communicated to all deanery synods, together with full details of the timetable and procedure for the elections and for notification of the result. 1 There are separate provisions for the ex-officio and for co-opted and nominated members of Diocesan Synod, also set out in the CRR. 2 New members of synodical committees, including Bishop’s Council, will be elected in autumn 2015 in accordance with the Standing Orders of Diocesan Synod. DS(14)P15 DIOCESE OF CHESTER DIOCESAN SYNOD – 15 NOVEMBER 2014 Deanery Birkenhead Chester Frodsham Great Budworth Malpas Middlewich Wallasey Wirral North Wirral South Bowdon Chadkirk Cheadle Congleton Knutsford Macclesfield Mottram Nantwich Stockport Electoral Roll 1351 2866 1341 2255 1739 2143 782 3398 2128 3099 1722 2397 2594 2451 2331 1624 2447 1119 Number Clergy Number 4 6 4 5 4 5 4 7 5 7 4 5 5 5 5 4 5 4 18 33 15 16 12 25 10 25 17 23 19 18 18 16 15 15 17 16 5 8 4 4 4 6 4 6 4 6 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 37787 88 328 86 DS(14)P16 Proposed amendments to SO22 and SO26 of the Chester Diocesan Synod Functions, Constitution, Rules and Standing Orders Revised Edition, approved by Synod on 23 June 2012 It is proposed that the wording underlined in bold be added to each Standing Order: AGENDA Circulation 22. The Secretary shall email, post or deliver an agenda paper to every member 14 days at least before a meeting or, in the case of a special meeting called at less than 14 days' notice, at the same time as the notice. NOTICE OF BUSINESS Form of notice 26. Subject to standing order 17, notice of any business for a meeting of the Synod shall be in writing, signed and delivered to the Secretary by email, by hand, by post or by facsimile not later than the period before the meeting which is specified in standing order 27. A proposed motion from an individual member shall be supported by the signatures of a further eleven members of Synod. Paper DS(14)P18 DIOCESE OF CHESTER DIOCESAN SYNOD 2015 budget Introduction Diocesan Synod noted the inital budget proposals at its meeting in June 2014. Since then the Finance and Scrutiny committee has been working on the final details of the budget. Bishop’s Council now recommends the budget to Diocesan Synod for approval. Diocesan Synod is now invited to approve the 2015 Budget Main Features of the 2015 budget recommended by Bishop’s Council Parish shares to rise by 3.0% (a reduction from the 3.5% originally envisaged). Please note that due to a reduction in clergy numbers the actual rise in parish share across the diocese will be lower. At present the increases in Diocesan fee income seen in 2014 appear to be being sustained and have therefore been included in the budget for 2015. Clergy stipends and lay salaries should be based on a 2% rise in April 2015. Actuarial Review of the Clergy Pension Scheme. Additional payments to address the scheme deficit are expected from 1 January 2015 and will add about £80-90,000 per year to the budget in addition to the normal rises in pension costs. The lay pension scheme is in surplus and therefore deficit contributions will not be required. We should continue to budget for a parish share collection rate of 95% Clergy numbers included at 206 (2014 207). 12 Full time equivalent (FTE) Vacancies Curates budget to take account of the 11 stipendiary curates who started in 2014 and is based on a total of 24 FTE in post in 2015. Housing budget increased by 2.5% £50,000 of mission development funding will be made available for parish bids in 2015. A contingency has been included in the stipend budget following recent experience. New safeguarding arrangements have been included Most other budgets categories are similar to the 2014 budget figures. The level of free reserves is low but the situation has been helped by the Charity Commission giving permission given last year for an endowment fund to spent on stipends if required. Paper DS(14)P18 APPENDIX 1 – Draft budget 2015 Budget Income Expenditure £'000 £'000 Net £'000 Income £'000 11141 199 10870 226 Parish Share Investment income Central Allocations Other income Transfers other funds 11141 227 10 264 10 264 10 293 Stipends Clergy housing Vote 1 and Ordinands grants CFMM PDT Archdeacons, DAC, ecumenical Education Social Responsibility Foxhill F&CS National Church Clergy Conf 907 73 8253 (7346) 1311 (1238) 827 73 28 2014 Budget Expenditure £'000 Net £'000 23 10870 203 2013 Actual Income Expenditure £'000 £'000 Net £'000 10 293 10426 244 9 193 7975 1267 (7148) (1192) 964 92 7712 1274 (6747) (1182) 83 10426 161 9 193 606 466 174 (606) (446) (174) 36 603 456 163 (603) (420) (163) 55 583 496 142 (583) (440) (142) 61 208 30 258 343 216 75 767 409 (197) (135) (186) (75) (767) (409) 81 184 20 282 315 192 68 785 411 (200) (131) (172) (68) (785) (411) 74 215 41 227 356 213 228 759 413 61 (153) (141) (172) (228) (759) (413) (61) 12941 12906 35 12619 12537 82 12312 12546 (233) 20 DS(14)P19 Bishop’s Council to note and agree the direction outlined below:- Diocesan Strategy Document and Strategic Development Funding During the summer, George Colville, Ian Bishop, Mike Gilbertson and Ian Rumsey (referred to here as the working group) met to discuss the Strategic Development Funding that has been offered by the Archbishop’s Council. This funding has been given in three tranches. The first tranche went last year to the poorest Dioceses. Bids for the second tranche need to be submitted by the end of October 2014 and the third tranche by October 2015. The total amount available in each of the second and third tranches is £15m split equally over the remaining two years. You can apply only once and therefore the working group recommend the DBF apply only for funding from part of the 7.5m available in October 2015. The aims of the funding are:1. To advance the Quinquennium goals 2. To invest in areas of strong mission potential and/or tackle intractable areas of decline 3. To make a significant difference to Dioceses long term mission and financial strength by supporting major growth and change projects in line with their own strategies. Please note the stress that is placed on correlating any bid with the Diocesan Strategy Document and therefore the working group started with our own draft Diocesan Strategy noted in outline by Bishop’s Council in March 2014. Some adaptation of the draft Strategy Document will be suggested to Bishop’s Council at the next meeting. Please note that the DBF need to be specific about the projects it would like to encourage and establish the clear strategic outcomes required. This is now being developed. Initial ideas of where a bid should focus are to encourage mission within key urban centres that are geographically, sociologically and economically vital for the area covered by Chester Diocese and in line with the DBF stated aim to build strong parish communities. The DBF intends to seek to provide ministry that will re-imagine the Church’s ministry in each context. Each will have a different emphasis appropriate to the locality but each will be mission centred and evangelistically driven. Funding Note It is estimated that the annual budget for each Pioneer project will be a minimum of £50000 pa. It is hoped that funding can be found from the Archbishop’s Council Strategic Development Funding Initiative. However if the bid is unsuccessful it is recommended that the DBF should investigate how the chosen projects might be locally funded over a five year period, with each aiming to reach financial sustainability in five years from the start of their funding period. September 2014
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