Diocese of Brechin Diocesan Synod Saturday 5th March 2016 Chalmers Ardler Church, Dundee
St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee The Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Brechin since 1905
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Membership of Synod pp 37 Rules of Order of Synod pp 41 Constitution of Synod pp 45
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Scottish Episcopal Church DIOCESE OF BRECHIN Scottish Charity No SC 016813
Agenda for Diocesan Synod – Saturday 5th March 2016
9.30am Synod Eucharist and Bishop’s Charge Refreshments hosted by St Luke’s, Downfield 10.30am The Bishop takes the Chair
1. Roll call of members – by attendance slips and apologies for absence. 2. Minutes of previous Diocesan Synod Paper A 3. Diocesan Statistics for 2015 Paper B 4. Diocesan Personnel Paper C 5. Report of the Election of Lay and Alternate Representatives for 2016 Paper D 6. Report of the Standing Committee Paper E 7. Report from the Diocesan Council Paper F 8. Report from Diocesan Mission Officer Paper G 9. Diocesan Buildings Committee Report for 2015 Paper H 10. Report from Information and Communications Paper I 11. PVG Report for 2015 Paper J Dean takes the Chair 12. Provincial Elections and Appointments Paper K 13. Diocesan Elections and Appointments Paper L 14. Canon 52,57, 60 and 63 Paper M 15. Dean’s Report 16. Call to Action – Mobilising for the Future Followed by Lunch Bishop takes the Chair 17. Companion Dioceses Report Paper N 18. Bishop Allan – New Structures for An Eternal Message 19. Annual Report and Accounts 2015: Budget and Quota 2016 Paper O (to follow) 20. Call to Action update. 21. Any Other Competent Business 22. Vote of Thanks: The Dean 23. Date of Next Meetings of Synod: Tuesday 4th October 2016 (provisional) Saturday 11th March 2017 24. Confirmation of the Acts of Synod, Final Prayers, the Blessing and Dismissal
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Item 2 Paper A Minutes of the Meeting of the Brechin Diocesan Synod Held on Saturday, 7 March 2015 at Chalmers Ardler Church, Turnberry Avenue, Dundee
Synod Eucharist
The Eucharist was celebrated at 9.30am. Bishop Nigel presided and preached assisted by Provost Jeremy Auld and the Reverend Samantha Ferguson. Bishop Nigel announced the opening of the Diocesan Synod.
Refreshments followed.
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Bishop Nigel welcomed everyone to Synod and thanked Provost Jeremy and Stuart Muir for the liturgy and music and All Souls’, Invergowrie for providing the coffee team.
1. Roll Call of Members The roll call of those present is represented by the completed attendance slips. 11 apologies had been received.
Bishop Nigel took the Chair
2. Bishop’s Appointment Bishop Nigel advised that Canon Joe Morrow had resigned as Diocesan Chancellor on 1st October 2014. Members expressed their thanks and requested the Diocesan Secretary to write to Canon Morrow to this effect.
Mrs Ann Greybe, Diocesan Secretary resigned in May and a letter of thanks will be sent by the Diocesan Secretary. Since that time, Jackie Milton fulfilled many of the functions and was thanked by Synod.
Under Canon 61, Mr Michael Duncan was the sole nominee for the role of Diocesan Secretary. Synod approved his appointment.
Under Canon 64.1, Bishop Nigel was delighted to confirm the appointment and present Mr Gregor Mitchell as Diocesan Chancellor to Synod.
The Dean took the Chair
3. Changes in the Diocesan Constitution Paper A The Very Reverend Dr Francis Bridger, the Dean, explained the procedure and invited Bishop Nigel as proposer of the Motion to speak for up to ten minutes. Mrs Pat Millar, seconder, would then be invited to speak for up to 5 minutes. Thereafter it would be open to the floor for discussion with each member being allowed up to five minutes. The discussion would then close and a vote would take place. If there were any amendments they would need to be indicated by the floor by way of a point of order and these could be considered. They would also need to be given straight away to the Diocesan Secretary in writing.
A submission had been made earlier in the morning. Following discussion with the Chancellor, he indicated that under Canon 50 the wording of the motion resulted in a new motion rather than an amendment and as such would need to have been presented 21 days before Diocesan Synod. The Motion was therefore not recognised and this had been explained to the Proposer and Seconder.
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The Dean invited Bishop Nigel to speak to the motion. Bishop Nigel, thanked the Chairman and members of Synod. The proposal which Bishop Nigel presented on behalf of the Administration Board was to create a single body for the strategic direction of the Diocese which would replace the Administration and Mission and Ministry Boards. He explained that doing nothing was not an option and that the proposed changes should be regarded as evolution and not revolution. The Bishop, the Dean and the Conveners of the Administration and Mission and Ministry Boards had been tasked to look at a new structure. Bishop Nigel proposed the Motion.
Mrs Patricia Millar seconded the proposal.
The debate was opened to the floor.
The Reverend Canon Michael Turner, Laurencekirk Group, proposed three amendments. a. 8b) Clause 2 – the Diocesan Synod shall consist of Bishop and all “instituted” and not “constituted”. The word was altered in 2006. A seconder was required. b. Clause 13 concerning quorum. To avoid any doubt it was suggested that the wording should be “rounded up to the nearest whole number”. c. Hitherto the Conveners of the Mission and Ministry and Administration Board had been appointed by and elected by Diocesan Synod. Under the proposed Diocesan Council a number of members would be appointed by the Bishop. It might be desirable that the Mission Officer and Ministry Officer appointed by the Bishop be endorsed by the Diocesan Synod.
The Dean explained the procedure of how these could become amendments. If seconded the amendments could be accepted by the Bishop and Patricia Millar or, if not, would be voted on by Synod.
Proposal A – Seconded by The Very Reverend Jeremy Auld. Proposal B – Seconded by The Very Reverend Jeremy Auld. Proposal C – Seconded by Mr Gordon Aitken.
Proposer and seconder accepted Proposal A and B. The Bishop was cautious about the third proposed amendment as it could result in key personnel not being elected. Synod agreed on amendments A and B. Amendment C was open to the floor for discussion. The only speaker from the floor was Mr Gordon Aitken, St Mary Magdalene’s, who felt that it was important that a safety net was in place and that the Diocese was seen to be of one mind.
The Diocesan Chancellor proposed that it was membership of the Mission Officer and Ministry Officer that was being ratified by Synod. He suggested the wording “the latter two being ratified by Synod”.
Amendment C as described by the Chancellor was put to the vote with: 21 in favour. 14 against. These amendments having been agreed by Synod, discussion of the proposed Diocesan Council followed.
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Judy Robinson, St Mary Magdalene, Dundee, was concerned that if voted on today and passed it would come into effect immediately. She felt that there should be further consideration of the proposal before a decision was made. Gordon Aitken, St Mary Magdalene, Dundee, whilst not against the idea of Diocesan Council, felt that the process should be slowed down so that the people represented by Synod Members could express their views. He wished to see discussion from the bottom up and not from the top down.
Jeremy Auld, Provost, St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee, endorsed the motion advising that at times there is a need to look at the bigger picture and that what was proposed is what the Province has done. He was of the view that vestries would not be interested in discussing this as they have enough to think about. At Church level the model is the vestry who has an overarching view. It was sensible for the Diocese to have one overarching body and we should proceed with the proposed changes.
Karen Willey, St Mary the Virgin, Arbroath, commented that Brechin Diocese is a small Diocese with limited volunteers and that under the present arrangements there remains a risk of duplication of effort. She was content that the plans had been well thought out and that as Synod Members are elected by their respective congregations it would be remiss for Synod not to proceed.
There were no further contributions.
Bishop Nigel summed up the debate by observing that it showed the maturity of the Diocese that such a discussion could be held. The remit of the proposed Council described in 8a followed the pattern of the previous Constitution.
The Dean read the Motion which covered the amendments. There voted:
33 in favour 14 against 1 abstention.
The Motion was passed and the Diocesan Council would come into effect immediately. All speakers were thanked for their contributions.
Membership of the Diocesan Council The Dean appointed by the Bishop. Synod confirmed the Bishop’s appointment of the Mission Officer and Ministry Officer.
Election of Two Clergy Members Three nominations were received:- The Very Reverend Jeremy Auld The Reverend Kerry Dixon The Reverend Samantha Ferguson
Following a secret ballot by the House of Clergy, it was declared that The Very Reverend Jeremy Auld and the Reverend Samantha Ferguson had been duly elected.
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Election of two Lay Members:- Two nominations were received:- Mrs Patricia Millar Mrs Karen Willey
As no nominations were received from the floor Mrs Patricia Millar and Mrs Karen Willey were duly elected.
Bishop resumed the chair
4. Minutes of Previous Meeting Paper B Minutes of Synod dated 1st March 2014 were presented. A number of changes had already been noted. Minutes were accepted.
Proposed: Provost Jeremy Auld Seconded: Mr Robert Pemble
5 Diocesan Statistics Paper C
A revised Paper C replaced Paper C on page 17.
Mrs Judy Robinson, St Mary Magdalene, Dundee, raised concern regarding the last column relating to total communions stating that she felt the instructions were not clear and would like to see a column relating to communions from the Reserved Sacrament in Church separate from communions at home or for the sick.
The Diocesan Synod asked that General Synod look at this and provide guidance for consistency across the Province.
Robert Pemble, St John the Baptist and St Martins, Dundee, felt that the instructions were clear and that this column confirmed total communions given throughout the year including home and hospital.
The Very Reverend Dr Francis Bridger, St Mary’s, Broughty Ferry and Interim Rector, St John the Baptist and St Martin, believed the instructions are susceptible to multiple interpretations and sought for greater clarity at Diocesan level even if there were no Provincial change.
The Very Reverend Jeremy Auld, St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee, felt that the record of attendance on the Sunday prior to Advent could give skewed numbers eg through the arrangement for a baptism on that day. A more balanced picture would be given if an average figure over a month or two was calculated.
Bishop Nigel advised that the College of Bishops was responsible for the statistics and was in favour of the Diocese making comment to the Secretary General.
Bishop Nigel reviewed the figures over last 10 years and the rate of decline had slowed down in recent years. Income of Charges was steadily growing.
Mary Bowker, Inverbervie, advised that during an interregnum period, there could be uncertainty regarding the reserved sacrament. She wished it noted that they had received excellent support throughout this period.
Statistics were received.
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6. Diocesan Personnel Paper D Synod was advised that The Reverend Kenneth Gibson’s Licensing had been omitted.
7. Report of the Election of Lay and Alternate Representatives for 2015 Paper E The information was confirmed as accurate and received by Synod.
8. Dean’s Report on the Inspection of Registers The Dean advised he had inspected the registers of St Mary and St Peter, Montrose, St David of Scotland, Inverbervie and St Martin’s, Dundee. This would be followed by St Margaret’s, Lochee, St Mary the Virgin, Arbroath, St Peter’s, Auchmithie, St James the Great, Stonehaven and St Ternan’s, Muchalls plus any others that might come into vacancy.
The Dean reported that Dr David Bertie, Diocesan Archivist, had sent his apologies. He was to explain the review of Registers within the Diocese. He wished to encourage Charges to deposit old Registers with the Diocese of Brechin archives at the University of Dundee. An Open Day is to be held at the University Archives some time during 2015/2016.
9 Report of Standing Committee No meeting was held in 2015.
10. Companion Dioceses Report Mrs Patricia Millar, Companion Diocesan Officer, provided an insight into the Companion Diocesan Links with Swaziland. An interactive report followed with Fiona McDade and Reverend Canon Fay Lamont. The Diocesan Secretary read a letter received from Bishop Allan, Iowa.
The Dean took the chair.
11. Election by Clergy Members of a Synod Clerk under Canon 44 The Reverend Kirrilee Reid was the sole nomination received. Since there were no nominations from the floor she was duly elected by the House of Clergy.
12 Provincial Elections and Appointments Paper H
Category 1 – Members of General Synod
House of Clergy (6)
Reverend Canon Fay Lamont 2013-2017 Very Reverend Jeremy Auld 2013-2017 Reverend Kirrilee Reid Invergowrie/Glencarse Very Reverend Dr Francis Bridger Broughty Ferry/St Salvador’s Vacant Arbroath Reverend Canon Michael Turner Laurencekirk Group
There were no additional nominations and the remaining 5 were happy to continue and were affirmed by the House of Clergy.
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House of Clergy Alternates
Reverend Samantha Ferguson was the sole nominee proposed by The Reverend Canon Fay and seconded by The Reverend Kirrilee Reid. There were no other nominations from the floor.
Agreed.
House of Laity (6)
Mrs Judith Robinson 2013-2017 Mrs Vina Strachan 2013-2017 Mrs Karen Willey 2013-2017 Dr Cathy Mitchell 2013-2017 Mr Steven Cassells St John the Baptist, St Margaret & St Martin Mr George Masson St Philips, Catterline & St Ternan’s, Muchalls
Mr Peter Nelson, representing St Andrew’s, Brechin and St Drostan’s, Tarfside wished to resign from his position. Synod thanked Peter for his service.
There were no additional nominations and the remaining 6 were happy to continue and were affirmed by the House of Laity
House of Laity Alternates Two nominations were received for three vacancies. Lorne Heriot-Maitland Gordon Aitken
Agreed.
Members of Board and Committees of General Synod
2.1 Mission and Ministry Board (now known as Mission Board) The Reverend Canon Fay Lamont nominated and appointed. The Very Reverend Francis Bridger alternate.
2.2 Administration Board Mr Allan Duffus 2012-2016 Professor Peter Sharp Alternate.
2.3 Finance Committee Mr Allan Duffus nominated and appointed. No Alternate.
2.4 Home Mission Committee No nominations were received.
2.5 Information and Communication Board Karen Willey 2012-2016. No Alternate. 2.6 Faith and Order Board No nominations were received.
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Members accepted by Synod.
3. Members of Provincial Panel for Episcopal Elections The Reverend Canon Fay Lamont was the sole nominee as a Clerical Member and was duly elected. It was noted that Mrs Judy Robinson is still in office until 2017 as Lay Member.
Bishop takes the chair
13 Diocesan Elections and Appointments Paper I
Diocesan Council Officials as set out in Paper I. Appointments agreed earlier.
Diocesan Buildings Committee. Professor Peter Sharp was nominated and agreed to continue as Convener and Mrs Judy Robinson was nominated and agreed as a member.
Melvyn Christie had been co-opted during the year and was now confirmed.
The Dean is ex officio member.
14. Provincial Presentation
Dr Michael Hull, Director of Studies, Scottish Episcopal Institute, reported on the early progress of the new provincial training body for Clergy and Readers.
Mrs Georgie Middleton reported on her training as a Lay Reader.
Amendment to Canon 52 Section 23 Bishop Nigel explained that under Canon 52 Section 23 the abolition of the Provincial Mission and Ministry Board required that the SEI would need a board to be called the Scottish Institute Council.
Proposed: Gordon Aitken Seconded: The Very Reverend Jeremy Auld Agreed.
15 Presentation by Mrs Elaine Kerr Mrs Elaine Kerr, Manager of St Margaret’s Residential Home provided an insight into 21st Century Care of the Elderly and the Work of St Margaret’s Residential Home, Dundee.
16 Administration Board Paper J
Mrs Patricia Millar, Convener of Administration Board, commended to Synod the work of this board. In particular she highlighted Quinquennial Review visits which are an important part of diocesan business. These are an opportunity to come together with clergy and vestries and have a focused discussion on how they think they are doing and where they would like to go next.
Particular thanks were offered to Jackie Milton for management, administration, organisation and for travelling to act as recorder.
Bishop Nigel invited those who had been visited to make comment.
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Peter Nelson, St Drostans, Tarfside, advised that he found the experience valuable.
Mary Bowker, St David’s, Inverbervie, advised that the Registers had been inspected but a Quinquennial Review had not been carried out.
Outstanding visits will be transferred to the Diocesan Council.
Members received and accepted the final Administration Board Report and expressed thanks to Mrs Patricia Millar.
Annual Accounts and Treasurer’s Report
Allan Duffus, Diocesan Treasurer, reported on the Diocesan accounts, budget and quota. The draft accounts previously sent have been replaced by the accounts provided today.
Dean Thom Memorial Trust and Bishop Forbes Convalescent Trust Funds have now been transferred to the Diocese and are being overseen by the Administration Board. The funds and income from the funds can be used by the Diocese under the conditions of the Trust. These amount to £189,258 and £83,636 respectively.
Diocese received rental income from Victoria Road, Dundee.
Deficit for the year was £11,599. Investments showed an increase of £96,111. The Funds balance was £1.9million. Details can be found within note 17.
Outstanding quota has been reduced by £15,000 and efforts continue to reduce the outstanding balance.
Bishop Nigel expressed thanks to St Paul’s Cathedral and Holy Rood, Carnoustie for progressing with historic quota share debt issues.
Accounts have been approved by the Administration Board. Approved by Synod
Proposed: The Reverend Clive Clapson Seconded: Mr Peter Nelson Agreed.
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Budget for 2015
This information is provided in the pink paper and shows Bishop’s stipend and expenses, Diocesan Office running costs and general expenditure. An increase of 2.33% is required.
The proposed quota budget for Diocese and Province is £130,954.
£10,000 will be taken from reserves. This is due to an increase in the value of the Unit Trust pool.
The Cathedral has a larger increase due to their success in raising their congregational profile and income. Unfortunately this has a negative impact and their quota is increased. Those who had a reduction in quota were asked to consider how their income could be raised in the future.
The Formula was explained and is income based on the aggregate of the previous three years for each congregation. Quota works out 14.35% of each Charge’s income. In other Dioceses eg St Andrews it is 16%.
Steven Cassells, St John the Baptist and St Martin’s, felt it was not a fair system and that the increase for small congregations took no account of their size. He suggested a per capita approach. Allan asked that if anyone had a different or better method of calculation he would give it consideration.
For budget and quota:
Proposed: Mrs Judy Robinson Seconded: The Reverend Clive Clapson All in favour
Allan Duffus advised Synod that the introduction of a block grant system would result in reduced financial assistance from the Province. He exhorted those attending General Synod to ensure they understood the ramifications of this proposal.
Bishop Nigel thanked Allan on behalf of all the members of Synod for his hard work and effort over the past year.
Appointment of Auditor/Independent Examiner Independent Examiner – Mr Neil Young, Bird Simson Fee yet to be determined. All in favour.
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17 Mission and Ministry Report Paper K
Bishop Nigel provided an update on the work of the Centre of Mission and on the fresh initiatives taken forward by The Reverend Kerry Dixon and Captain Craig Dowling with the Café Church at St Luke’s, Downfield, and their work with the homeless at the Cathedral in conjunction with the Cathedral ministry team. He reminded Synod that the diocese was one the partners contributing to the income streams for this initiative.
During the year the Archbishop of Canterbury had attended St Luke’s. Kerry and Craig have been supporting Bishop Nigel with outreach and are willing to help others to do Church Evangelism.
Church and Society celebrate 10 years of Fair Trade within the Diocese.
Cheryl Birse was thanked for providing the PVG report and for her work throughout the year. Cheryl is to attend a meeting with Diocesan Officers on 28th March.
Bishop Nigel also referred to the report from the Communication Group and the hard work undertaken.
Cascade Conversations – Bishop Nigel chaired the working group and a paper on Christian marriage, same sex marriage and possible canonical changes will be up for debate at General Synod.
There are to be changes in the province being proposed at General Synod. Mission Board will replace Mission and Ministry Board. A number of action groups will be set up.
Representatives on Mission Network will be Gordon Aitken on Youth, Dr Peter Smart on Lay Learning and The Reverend Kenneth Gibson on Spirituality.
Volunteers are required within the areas of working with children, rural or stewardship.
Bishop Nigel thanked The Reverend Canon Fay Lamont for her hard work and support throughout the year.
Cheryl Birse was reaffirmed as PVG Officer.
Grants for 2015 were presented. It was noted that the new grants would be considerably less.
18 Diocesan Buildings Committee Paper L Professor Peter Sharp presented the Diocesan Buildings Report and advised that new members were required.
The Dean took the chair.
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19 Bishop’s Presentation: Towards a Diocesan 2020 Vision
Bishop Nigel’s report on 20:20 vision took the form of an interview between himself and The Dean, The Very Reverend Francis Bridger. The summary of the dialogue focused on how the Diocese could reinvent the church experience and the need to recognise that there is more to church than a Sunday morning service.
Questions were invited from the floor.
Peter Nelson, St Drostan’s, felt that the Diocese had a number of buildings particularly in smaller towns and villages that are past their sell by date and were therefore an impediment to moving forward.
Bishop Nigel advised that he did not wish to close Churches but reinvent their better use if possible.
Jean Forbes, St John the Baptist, Dundee, felt that we talk too much and that we should be forward thinking in implementing pilot schemes. If they were not to succeed we would be no worse off than we are present.
Another question was raised concerning the need to move to a younger age profile to allow changes to take place. Bishop Nigel encouraged the lowering of the age range of all those involved in Diocesan life.
20 AOCB Nothing to report.
21 Vote of thanks The Dean thanked Bishop Nigel for his report and honest discussion and for all the work that he carries out throughout the year.
22 Date of next meetings of Synod Tuesday, 6th October 2015 (provisional) Diocesan Synod: Saturday, 5th March 2016.
Bishop Nigel thanked everyone for attending Synod, provided the Blessing and confirmed Synod closed.
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Item 3 Paper B Scottish Episcopal Church, Diocese of Brechin Summary of Statistical Returns for the year ended Eve of Advent 2015
Charge with name of church Rector or Priest in Charge
Cathedral Church of St Paul Very Rev Jeremy Auld 225 169 6 0 0 5 4 3 202 241 224 256 7189 58
St Mary the Virgin, Arbroath Bishop Nigel Peyton: IR 192 151 4 0 0 0 2 10 157 52 33 33 2352 6
St Peter, Auchmithie Bishop Nigel Peyton: IR 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 6 4 4 91 2
St Andrew, Brechin Rev Canon Fay Lamont: IR 101 72 0 0 0 0 0 5 128 66 27 30 1725 48
St Mary, Broughty Ferry Very Rev Dr Francis Bridger 136 92 0 0 0 0 1 10 208 49 40 42 1987 125
The Holy Rood, Carnoustie Rev Canon Steve Collis: IR 130 103 2 0 0 1 2 11 99 61 40 41 2021 17
St Phillips, Catterline (Figures with St James) 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 10 0 9 9 90 0
St John the Baptist, Drumlithie Rev Canon Michael Turner 12 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 10 0
St Palladius, Drumtochty Rev Canon Michael Turner 24 10 0 0 0 0 1 0 7 6 7 7 52 0
St John the Baptist, Dundee Very Rev Francis Bridger:IR 13 13 0 0 0 0 0 3 67 23 0 0 673 0
St Luke, Dundee Rev Kerry Dixon 35 26 2 1 0 0 0 0 42 16 16 16 354 35
St Margaret, Dundee Rev David Shepherd: IR 85 38 1 0 0 0 1 2 102 13 18 19 990 16
St Margaret's Home, Dundee *Figures incorporated in St Paul's Cathedral Very Rev Jeremy Auld 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
St Martin, Dundee Very Rev Francis Bridger:IR 64 21 1 1 0 0 0 6 100 7 19 19 1078 24
St Mary Magdalene, Dundee Rev David Shepherd 458 168 19 0 3 0 3 22 200 147 71 86 4409 173
St Ninian, Dundee Rev Canon Fay Lamont 119 99 10 1 3 0 2 10 71 53 28 28 1454 0
St Salvador, Dundee Rev Clive Clapson 71 58 0 0 0 0 0 1 237 63 26 31 2561 23
University of Dundee, Dundee Rev Professor Annalu Waller 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
St Andrew, Fasque Rev Canon Michael Turner 27 16 1 0 0 0 6 0 14 8 11 30 95 0
All Saints, Glencarse Rev Kirrilee Reid 139 96 5 0 0 0 3 2 53 61 28 19 1326 25
St David of Scotland, Inverbervie Rev Samantha Ferguson 16 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 53 18 8 9 483 84
All Souls, Invergowrie Rev Ashley Cummins 68 50 5 0 0 0 6 6 108 26 11 11 918 36
St Laurence, Laurencekirk Rev Canon Michael Turner 73 40 0 0 0 0 0 1 68 18 16 16 694 10
Holy Trinity, Monifieth Rev Kenneth Gibson 81 59 0 0 0 0 0 2 123 37 27 29 1464 0
St Mary and St Peter, Montrose Rev Samantha Ferguson 182 97 2 0 0 0 0 4 132 65 34 38 2461 9
St Ternan, Muchalls Dr Peter Smart: IMC 58 35 1 0 0 0 1 1 53 29 27 27 600 490
St James, Stonehaven & St Philip's, Catterline Dr Peter Smart: IMC 125 73 1 0 0 0 1 10 161 57 27 28 1947 12 St Drostan, Tarfside Rev Jane Nelson 10 8 0 1 0 0 0 0 12 4 7 0 89 9 2015 Totals 2450 1517 60 4 6 6 34 109 2434 1126 758 828 37113 1202
2014 Totals 2396 1605 47 4 5 10 60 102 2613 1235 738 891 38582 1444 Increase/(decrease) 54 -88 13 0 1 -4 -26 7 -179 -109 20 793 -1,469 -242
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THE DIOCESE OF BRECHIN - DIOCESAN SYNOD - 5 March 2016 Paper B
STATISTICS (Returns relating to gender)
Persons of all ages Persons on Communicants on Attendance on
Name of Church belonging to Communicants' Sunday next before Sunday next before congregation Roll Advent Advent M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total Dundee Cathedral Church of St. Paul 100 125 225 70 99 169 96 128 224 108 148 256 Arbroath St. Mary the Virgin 60 132 192 44 107 151 13 20 33 13 20 33 Auchmithie St. Peter 0 6 6 0 6 6 0 4 4 0 4 4 Brechin St. Andrew 45 56 101 36 42 72 9 18 27 21 9 30 Broughty Ferry St. Mary 39 97 136 31 61 92 14 26 40 16 26 42 Carnoustie The Holy Rood 40 90 130 32 71 103 13 27 40 13 28 41 Catterline *combined with
St. Philips St James, 0 Stonehaven 0 0 0 3 6 9 3 6 9 Drumlithie St. John the Baptist 5 7 12 3 2 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 Drumtochty St. Palladius 10 14 24 5 5 10 3 4 7 3 4 7 Dundee St. John the Baptist 2 11 13 2 11 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 Dundee St. Luke 14 21 35 11 15 26 6 10 16 6 10 16 Dundee 31 54 85 10 28 38 4 14 18 4 15 19 St. Margaret
Dundee St. Mary Magdalene 173 285 458 67 101 168 27 44 71 34 52 86 Dundee St. Ninian 35 84 119 25 74 99 6 22 28 6 22 28 Dundee St. Salvador 27 44 71 20 38 58 11 15 26 13 18 31 Dundee 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 University of Dundee
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STATISTICS (Returns relating to gender)
Persons of all ages Persons on Communicants on Attendance on
Name of Church belonging to Communicants' Sunday next before Sunday next congregation Roll Advent before Advent M F Total M F Total M F Total M F Total Fasque St. Andrew 11 16 27 7 9 16 4 7 11 12 18 30 Glencarse All Saints 59 80 139 33 63 96 9 19 28 11 19 30 Invergowrie 26 42 68 11 39 50 1 10 11 1 10 11 All Souls Laurencekirk St. Laurence 26 47 73 12 28 40 5 11 16 5 11 16 Monifieth Holy Trinity 35 46 81 28 31 59 12 15 27 13 16 29 Montrose St. Mary and St. Peter 72 110 182 39 58 97 15 19 34 17 21 38 Muchalls St. Ternan 21 37 58 14 21 35 8 19 27 8 19 27 Stonehaven St. James 53 72 125 46 27 73 7 20 27 8 20 28 Tarfside St. Drostan 4 6 10 3 5 8 3 4 7 0 0 0
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Item 4 Diocesan Appointments 2015-2016 Paper C
Mr Gregor Mitchell Solicitor and Head of Private Client, Stronachs, appointed by the Bishop to be Chancellor of the Diocese of Brechin (17 February 2015)
Mr Mike Duncan Vestry member, St Paul’s Cathedral Dundee, appointed by Brechin Diocesan Synod to be Diocesan Secretary (5 March 2015)
Reverend Kirrilee Reid Rector of Glencarse, Diocesan Ministry Officer, elected by the House of Clergy of Diocesan Synod to be Chapter Clerk and Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral Dundee (5 March 2015)
Reverend David Mumford retired as Rector of St Andrew’s Brechin and of St Drostan’s Tarfside (14 June 2015)
Rev Dr Duncan MacLaren Chaplain/Spiritual Care Adviser, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, Permission to Officiate (16 November 2015)
Rev Denise Herbert Retired priest, Permission to Officiate (16 November 2015)
Reverend William Neill Ordained Deacon, to serve as non-stipendiary Assistant Curate at St Mary’s Broughty Ferry (22 November 2015)
Mrs Georgina Middleton Admitted and Licenced as Lay Reader in the Diocese to serve at St Laurence, Laurencekirk and the Dundee Centre of Mission (22 November 2015)
Reverend Kerry Dixon Priest Missioner in the Diocese of Brechin, leader of the Dundee Centre of Mission and Priest in Charge St Luke’s Dundee, to be also National Projects Officer Scotland for Church Army (1 December 2015)
Reverend Jane Nelson Bishop’s Commission as a non-stipendiary priest at St Drostan’s, Tarfside, Diocese of Brechin, to be Priest in Charge of St Drostan’s Tarfside (1 December 2015)
2016
Very Reverend Dr Francis Bridger appointed as Priest in Charge of St Martin’s & St John’s, Dundee, for a three year period, continuing as Rector of Broughty Ferry and Dean of the Diocese (1 January 2016)
Reverend Helen Bridger appointed as Associate Priest of St Martin’s & St John’s, Dundee, for a three year period, continuing as Associate Priest at Broughty Ferry (1 January 2016)
Reverend Peter Mead, Rector of St Leonard and St Ethelburga, St Leonard’s on Sea (Diocese of Chichester) to be Rector of St Mary’s Arbroath with St Peter’s Auchmithie, Diocese of Brechin (12 March 2016)
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Item 5 Paper D
Diocese of Brechin Report of the Election of Lay Representatives and Alternates for 2016
1. ARBROATH 13. DUNDEE – ST NINIAN LR Mrs Evelyn Fordyce LR Mrs Vina Strachan ALR Mrs Julie A Nevill ALR Mrs Cate Weir
2. AUCHMITHIE 14. DUNDEE – ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL LR Mrs Margaret Brown LR Dr Aileen Black ALR Mrs Susan Smith ALR Professor David Balfour
3. BRECHIN 15. DUNDEE – ST SALVADOR LR Mr Mike McKnight LR Mrs Katie Clapson ALR Mrs Gill McKnight ALR Miss Jeannette Coutts
4. BROUGHTY FERRY 16. FASQUE LR Mr David Stanley LR Mrs Cheryl Birse ALR Mr Laurie Bidwell ALR Mrs Sylvia Cartwright
5. CARNOUSTIE 17. GLENCARSE LR Mr Lindsay Black LR Mrs Dorothy Maingot ALR Vacant ALR Ms Lorne Heriot Maitland
6. DRUMLITHIE 18. INVERBERVIE LR Mr N. Constantine LR Mrs Mary Bowker ALR Vacant ALR Mr Amund Karner
7. DRUMTOCHTY 19. INVERGOWRIE LR Mrs Helen Sanderson LR Mrs Barbara Currie ALR Mrs G Middleton ALR Mrs Kathleen Cummins
8. DUNDEE – ST JOHN THE BAPTIST 20. LAURENCEKIRK LR Mr Ronnie Neave LR Mrs J. Gaye Thornton-Kemsley ALR Vacant ALR Mrs Michelle Constantine
9. DUNDEE – ST LUKE 21. MONIFIETH LR Ms Helen Stewart LR Mrs Linda Walls ALR Mr Bruce Gowans ALR Mrs Dorothy McFawns
10. DUNDEE – ST MARGARET 22. MONTROSE LR Mr Robert Law LR Mrs Georgina Mallie ALR Mrs Bernadette Brophy-Arnott ALR Vacant
11. DUNDEE – ST MARTIN 23. MUCHALLS LR Mr Robert Pemble LR Mrs Irene Butler ALR Mr Iain Turnbull ALR Mr Colin Horn
12. DUNDEE -ST MARY MAGDALENE 24. STONEHAVEN with CATTERLINE LR Mrs Denise Scobie LR Professor Peter Sharp ALR Mrs Judy Robinson ALR Mrs Arma Iles
25. TARFSIDE LR Mr Peter Nelson ALR Vacant
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Item 6 Report from the Standing Committee to the Diocesan Synod Paper E
1. Membership of the Board
Diocesan Standing Committee comprises the Bishop (chair) and Dean, two members (one lay, one clerical) elected annually by Diocesan Council – Mrs Patricia Miller and the Provost - and the Diocesan Secretary. It has responsibilities in emergencies and during episcopal vacancies but has not met this past year.
2. Meetings in 2015
The Standing Committee did not meet in 2015.
The Bishop Convener
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Item 7 Report from the Diocesan Council Paper F
Diocesan Council has met six times since its inception at Diocesan Synod March 2015, replacing the previous Administration Board and Mission & Ministry Board and their combined responsibilities.
Membership is the Bishop (chair) and the Dean, the Mission and Mission Officers, the Treasurer and the Convener of the Diocesan Buildings Committee, the Provost, The Reverend Samantha Ferguson, Mrs Patricia Miller and Mrs Karen Willey and the Diocesan Secretary.
Council has explored the strategic priorities for the diocese, in particular the gathering of shared resources in ‘mission and ministry hubs’, and the need to grow a younger membership. Tight budgeting is being exercised over the use of finite provincial grants for ministry now devolved to dioceses.
Council has received officer reports and dealt effectively with routine staffing, financial and property matters, Quinquennial Well Church Visits and discussing a variety of important topics including our Companion Dioceses, St Paul’s Cathedral 2020 Vision, and funeral poverty. The Diocesan Office is expected to relocate at St John’s Dundee during March.
The Bishop Convener
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Item 8 Diocesan Mission Officer Paper G
Remit Encouraging congregations to:- grow in faith share God’s love and transform their communities
To do this involves helping them to:- assess their current position agree their strategy for growth action their 3 year plan annually review their progress
What has happened in 2015?
Going for Growth Visiting congregations for the Quinquennial Health Check visits helps the Diocesan Council appreciate the stories, understand the challenges and offer help when needed to the variety of charges in the Diocese.
Faith in Community Dundee I represent the Diocese on the Board of this branch of Faith in Community Scotland. Principal Officer Gordon Sharp retired this year and we appointed Jacky Close as his replacement. She works with Danny Ogierman and the Board supporting those who are trying to fight poverty in their communities. Our current Rank Foundation Funding helped us appoint an intern, Ross, who will focus on training and supporting volunteers in different faith communities and on our communications strategy.
Our report to the Fairness Commission was presented in Dec.2015. With Shelter and Craigowl Communities we engaged with 17 organisations in research and arranged for 15 people to meet the Fairness Commissioners face to face to share their experiences of poverty and inequality. We also facilitated a Partnership Event with the Fairness Commission creating recommendations for change to be taken to the Dundee Partnership. We have made some films with real people speaking about real issues they face on poverty in all its aspects particularly Welfare Reform. In partnership with Dundee City Council Equalities Committee, on 14th March, we will host an inter-faith conversation seeking to explore the inequalities around poverty and the response of faith communities. 5000 key leaflets with information about the Dundee Drop-in Services have been distributed through the DDI network.
Plans for 2016
Provincial Networks I represent the Diocese on the New Mission Board and on the Living Mission network. The effects of Diocesan Block Grants are already being felt around the Province. We ourselves will very shortly have to discuss the hard decisions we will need to make regarding resources.
The Living Mission network shares information, resources, ideas and stories and encourages Dioceses in their mission initiatives. Diocesan block grants may encourage very separate mission policies, so communication and collaboration in good practice becomes more important. Developments such as Church Planting and Fresh Expressions are resisted by some areas but the sharing of mission stories can enlighten.
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We continue to look for someone to represent the Diocese on the Stewardship and Rural Networks. The cost of dying has risen seven times faster than the cost of living in the last three years and so I have engaged with Dundee North Law Centre and the Presbytery of Dundee on looking at how we can help people deal with Funeral Poverty and encourage the government to increase the Death Grant.
Tri-Diocesan Prayer Diary Thanks to Jackie who has coordinated this and will give you copies. Please use it regularly.
Mission Planning I am always available to all congregations to help them pursue their plans for mission and growth. (Just Ask!)
Fay M Lamont March 2016
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Item 9 Diocesan Buildings Committee Report for 2015 Paper H
1. Membership of DBC in 2015 was: Convener: Professor Peter Sharp OBE The Dean: * The Very Rev. Dr Francis Bridger The Diocesan Secretary: * Mr Michael Duncan Members: Dr David Bertie Mr Melvin Christie Mr Robert Hamilton Mrs Judy Robinson *ex-officio
Appointments took effect from Diocesan Synod 1st March 2014 with the exception of the Convener who was elected at the Diocesan Synod 7th March 2015.
In attendance: The Bishop: The Right Revd, Dr Nigel Peyton
2. Meetings in 2015 Since the last report to Diocesan Synod, the Committee has met on 4th June 2015. 3. Applications for Approval under Canon 35 Since the last report the Committee considered, and, for its part, approved applications from the following, which were also approved by The Bishop of Brechin, The Right Revd Dr Nigel Peyton. Certificates of Completion have been issued to all but 3.6. 3.1 St Mary, Broughty Ferry: installation of new lighting. 3.2 St Luke, Dundee: to create a kitchen and toilet at the back of the church 3.3 Church of the Holy Rood, Carnoustie: to install a new heating system. 3.4 Church of the Holy Rood, Carnoustie: to remove pews from back of church to create a social space 3.5 St Peter’s Auchmithie: re-carpeting of the church and the removal of a pew. 3.6 Church of the Holy Rood, Carnoustie: to create a ramp for access by disabled people. 4. Diocesan Buildings Committee The Diocesan Buildings Committee has two main, and clearly defined, areas of responsibility: discharging the responsibilities of the Diocese under Canon 35 and ensuring that properties in the diocese are maintained to an adequate standard. A full description of the committee’s duties can be found on the Diocesan website (www.thedioceseofbrechin.org).
5. Information During the past year the DBC have made changes to the Canon 35 application process so that it is no longer necessary for charges to submit a pre-application form. Instead charges are encouraged to discuss any issues regarding their application. Funding for projects must be identified in the application and full permission will not be granted until the DBC is confident that sufficient money is available to carry out the proposed work. Also the DBC must be notified of any changes in the project following permission having been given.
Peter Sharp Convener
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Item 10 Information and Communications Report Paper I
Membership:
Mrs Karen Willey Convener Mrs Jackie Milton Diocesan Office and Brechin Bulletin The Reverend Canon Michael Turner Grapevine Mrs Linda Walls Church Websites
The Remit of the Group is:
1. to provide a channel of communication between Province, Diocese and Congregation. 2. to further an awareness of the church, its work and mission through the media. 3. to provide help to congregations with regard to publications and communication.
As well as the aims outlined above, I feel it is important that there is horizontal communication between the dioceses and between congregations.
What has happened in 2015:
Diocesan Website - The Group meets with the Bishop regularly to discuss how the website could be improved.
Church Websites – Linda Walls regularly reviews congregational websites in the Diocese.
Information and Communications Board - Due to the illness of Rev Chris Mayo, Convener of the I and C Board, there have been few meetings to attend. I am on the editorial board of the Inspires magazine which was relaunched in March.
Plans for 2016:
Keep the Diocesan website useful and relevant. Maintain contact with Communication Conveners from other dioceses to share information. Now that the Provincial website has been launched there will be more time at Board meetings for this. The Group will try and help any congregations which would like to use the Provincial template to set up their own website. Increase the circulation figures for Inspires.
Karen Willey Information and Communications Convener
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Item 11 PVG Report for 2015 Paper J
What has happened during 2015
Annual Safeguarding Reports have been submitted by all but one Charge - St Drostan's Church, Tarfside, where no children are in attendance. These Reports have all been presented by their PVG Co-ordinator to the Vestry at their AGM/Annual Congregational Meeting.
Protection Officers’ Meetings I have attended two Protection Officers’ Meetings held on Saturday 28th March and Saturday 14th November in Perth. Safeguarding issues and Training needs were discussed, along with outstanding retrospective PVG Checks.
Safeguarding Training Day This was held on Saturday, 21st November 2015 in St Mary Magdalene's Church Hall, Dundee. The topic of Domestic and Elderly Abuse was presented by Donald Urquhart, Provincial Officer and Daphne Audsley, Assistant Provincial Officer. Sincere thanks to the Reverend David Shepherd and Judy Robinson for hosting the event. I am pleased to report that a member of Clergy or Lay person or both, from each Charge attended. Thank you to Jacqueline Milton for her administrative help in advertising this event.
Plans for 2016 The Provincial Officer remains concerned about the number of outstanding Retrospective PVG Checks still to be processed. From the end of October 2015 it will be an offence to employ (whether paid employment or a volunteer) anyone to do Regulated Work with Children or Protected Adults who is not a member of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.
Congregational Register From November 2015 each Vestry should have established and be maintaining a Register of those doing Regulated Work and those in a Position of Trust. If possible this should be in Microsoft Excel format.
All Registers will be subject to an annual audit by the Provincial Office. The primary purpose of the Register is to check compliance with the requirements of the PVG Scheme.
Bishop’s Register Each Bishop should also establish and maintain a Register of all Clergy, Lay Readers and others in authorised Ministry who are defined as either doing Regulated Work or are in a Position of Trust.
These lists will be audited on an annual basis.
Cheryl Birse Diocesan Protection Officer.
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Item 12 Provincial Elections and Appointments 2016 Paper K
1. Members of General Synod 1.1 House of Clergy 2013-2017 Invergowrie/Glencarse Rev Canon Kirrilee Reid Broughty Ferry/St Salvador’s Very Rev Dr Francis Bridger Arbroath and Auchmithie Rev Peter Mead Laurencekirk Group Rev Canon Michael Turner Diocesan Elected Rev Canon Fay Lamont Diocesan Elected Very Rev Jeremy Auld
Three alternates elected by Diocesan Synod for 2016 1. Rev Samantha Ferguson Nominated 2. Vacancy 3. Vacancy
1.2 House of Laity 2013-2017 Cathedral Dr Aileen Black St John the Baptist, St Margaret and St Martin, Robert Pemble all from Dundee St James the Great Stonehaven with St Philips Catterline and St Ternans Muchalls Mr George Masson St Andrew, Brechin & St Drostan, Tarfside Mr Michael McKnight Diocesan Elected Mrs Judith Robinson Diocesan Elected Mrs Vina Strachan Diocesan Elected Mrs Karen Willey
Three alternates elected by Diocesan Synod for 2016
1. Vacancy 2. Vacancy 3. Vacancy
2. Members of Boards and Committees of General Synod Member Alternate 2.1 Mission Board Reverend Canon Fay Lamont Very Rev Dr Francis (2015-2019) Bridger
2.2 Administration Board Professor Peter Sharp Mr Allan Duffus Nominated (2016-2017) Nominated 2.3 Finance Committee Mr Allan Duffus Vacancy (2015-2019)
2.5 Information & Mrs Karen Willey Communication Board Nominated (2016-2020) 2.6 Faith & Order Board *Clergy The Very Reverend Dr Francis Bridger *Laity Vacancy * Members of the Faith & Order Board must be Members of General Synod.
3. Members of the Provincial Panel for Episcopal Elections
Clerical Member (2015-2018) Reverend Canon Fay Lamont Lay Member (2014- 2017) Mrs Judith Robinson
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Item 13 Diocesan Elections and Appointments Paper L
Diocese of Brechin Appointments for 2016
1. Diocesan Officials Diocesan Secretary Mr Michael Duncan Reappointed Treasurer Mr Allan Duffus Reappointed Registrar Mr John Thom PVG Officer Mrs Cheryl Birse Reappointed Chancellor Mr Gregor Mitchell
2. Diocesan Council The Bishop Rt Rev Dr Nigel Peyton The Dean Very Rev Dr Francis Bridger The Treasurer Mr Allan Duffus The Convener Diocesan Buildings Committee Professor Peter Sharp OBE Mission Officer Rev Canon Fay Lamont Ministry Officer Rev Kirrilee Reid Clergy Member (2015-2019) Very Rev Jeremy Auld Clergy Member (2015-2019) Rev Samantha Ferguson Lay Member (2015-2019) Mrs Patricia Millar Lay Member (2015-2019) Mrs Karen Willey Diocesan Secretary Mr Michael Duncan
3. Diocesan Standing Committee The Bishop (chair) The Dean The Diocesan Secretary Mrs Patricia Millar The Very Reverend Jeremy Auld
4. Diocesan Buildings Committee
Professor Peter Sharp OBE Convener Nominated *The Diocesan Secretary *The Dean Member (2014) Dr David Bertie Member (2014) Mr Mel Christie Member (2015) Mrs Judy Robinson Member (2015) Mr Robert Hamilton Member (2016) Vacancy Member (2016) Vacancy Member (2016) Vacancy *ex officio
5. Provincial Youth Network Representative Vacancy
Ex officio and additional lay members of Diocesan Synod (Members of Standing Committee, Diocesan Council and Diocesan Buildings Committee who are not otherwise members of Synod)
Dr David Bertie Mr Robert Hamilton Mrs Patricia Millar Mrs Karen Willey Mr Mel Christie
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Item 14 Paper M CANON FIFTY TWO OF THE GENERAL SYNOD
The current text of Canon 52, Section 5 is set out below for information. The text to be added is shown in italics and the text to be deleted is scored through.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELECTED MEMBERSHIP
The presbyters or deacons elected from each diocese shall, unless the General Synod determines otherwise, be elected from their own numbers by the clerical members of the Diocesan Synod, who in terms of Canon 50, Section 4, are entitled to vote and shall hold office only so long as they are members of the Synod of that Diocese.
The lay members elected from each diocese shall, unless the General Synod determines otherwise, be elected by the lay members of the Diocesan Synod as provided in Canon 50, Section 3. Lay members and alternates, as defined in Section 7 hereof, must have attained the age of eighteen sixteen years, have been confirmed and be communicant members of this Church, and have signed a declaration in terms of Appendix No.23. Those elected need not be members of the electing body but must be resident with the diocese, or communicant members of congregations within the diocese, or hold office within the diocese. Lay members of the General Synod are for their period of office members of the Diocesan Synod.
If the above alteration receives a second reading in 2016, it would be proposed that the text of Appendix 23 be amended as set out below:-
APPENDIX No. 23
FORM OF DECLARATION TO BE SIGNED BY LAY MEMBERS OF GENERAL SYNOD
I, ______, of ______, a lay member of the General Synod, hereby declare that I have attained the age of 18 16 years, that I have been confirmed, and that I am a communicant member of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
(Signature and date)
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CANON FIFTY SEVEN OF NOTICES PROVIDED FOR BY THIS CODE OF CANONS, AND OF THE INTERPRETATION OF THE CODE
The current text of Canon 57, Section 6 is set out below for information. The text to be added is shown in italics and the text to be deleted is scored through.
In this Code of Canons, unless the context otherwise requires, the following words shall have the following meanings:
Words in the plural shall include the singular and ‘vice versa’.
Words in both the Canons and Ordinals importing the masculine gender shall include the equivalent words importing the feminine gender. ‘Month’ shall mean ‘Calendar Month’.
‘Primus’, ‘Bishop’, ‘Dean’, ‘Synod Clerk’, and the like, shall include persons authorised to act and acting in these capacities.
‘Senior Bishop’ shall mean the Bishop, other than the Primus, senior by appointment to a diocese in this Church and capable of acting.
The ‘College of Bishops’ shall mean the Bishops of this Church acting in a corporate capacity.
‘Episcopal Synod’ shall mean the Bishops of this Church, assembled as a Synod duly convened and constituted.
‘Instituted Clergy’ shall mean those instituted in terms of Canon 13, and ‘licensed’ and ‘commissioned’ clergy shall mean those respectively licensed or commissioned in terms of Canon 14. Any reference to instituted clergy shall comprehend those collated in terms of Canon 13, Section 2, unless the context otherwise requires.
The term ‘Rector’ shall include any Priest-in-Charge of an Independent Congregation, appointed before 24th July 2008.
The term ‘Vestry’ shall include the managing body of a congregation by whatever name known.
‘Canonical services’ shall mean the services of Morning and Evening Prayer, Litany, and Holy Communion, and the Offices for Baptism, Confirmation, Matrimony and Burial.
‘Communicant’ or ‘Communicant Member’ shall mean a communicant whose name is on the Communicants’ Roll of a congregation as defined by Canon 41.
‘Adherents’ shall mean all communicants and other persons (including children) who have such an attachment to a congregation as to receive the ministrations of the Church.
‘Charge’ shall mean ‘Congregation’, whether Incumbency, Independent Congregation or Dependent Congregation.
‘Adult’ or ‘full age’ shall mean a person who has attained the age of eighteen sixteen years.
‘Resolution’ means resolution of the General Synod passed in accordance with Canon 52.
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CANON SIXTY
OF VESTRIES
The current text of Canon 60 is set out below for information. The text to be added is shown in italics.
1. The Vestry shall co-operate with and generally assist the Rector in all matters relating to the spiritual welfare of the congregation and the mission of the whole Church, subject always to the canonical rights and duties of the clergy.
2. With the Rector the Vestry shall, unless the duty is placed under the Constitution of the charge on Church Wardens or others, have the care of the property and fabric of the Church including the parsonage house or houses, halls, offices and any other properties acquired in connection with the Church and gifts and bequests, unless otherwise directed, accruing to the Church for whatever purpose, and shall see to the safe custody, maintenance, insurance, use and administration of the same.
3. The Vestry shall make such reports on and compile such inventories of the matters committed to its charge as may be prescribed by resolution, and shall take whatever steps it considers necessary or which shall be required by the Bishop in Synod for the safe custody and preservation of such reports and inventories.
4. All such reports and inventories shall be made available to the Bishop when required, or to the Dean as provided in Canon 42, or by resolution thereunder, or to any Diocesan Official upon the Bishop's instruction.
5. Any communicant member having attained the age of sixteen years shall be entitled to stand for Vestry membership.
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CANON SIXTY-THREE OF THE OFFICE OF LAY REPRESENTATIVE
The current text of Canon 63 is set out below for information. The text to be added is shown in italics and the text to be deleted is scored through.
1. In every Incumbency or Joint Incumbency and in private Chapels qualified under Canon 40 Section 4, in such Dependent Congregations as are qualified under Canon 39 Section 2, and in every body of communicants permitted under section 2 below to elect a Lay Representative, the cleric in charge or, in the event that there is a vacancy or no cleric in charge, such person as the Bishop shall direct, shall once in every year convene a meeting of the lay communicants of each congregation for the election of a Lay Representative to represent that congregation in the Diocesan Synod together with an Alternate Lay Representative who, in the absence of the Lay Representative from any meeting, shall be entitled to exercise all the powers of the Lay Representative. These office-bearers shall enter office immediately on election.
Where, for a continuous period of at least three years in any diocese, there has existed a body or bodies of lay communicant members of that diocese (not less than thirty in number) whether or not comprising a congregation for the purpose of the preceding section, who regularly worship together but have no right to elect a Lay Representative under any other provisions of the Canons, the Bishop may, subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by resolution, and the approval of the Diocesan Synod, sanction a scheme or schemes to enable the members of such a body or bodies to elect a Lay Representative and upon such a scheme being sanctioned the members of each such body may elect a Lay Representative. In the case of a religious community with a private chapel sanctioned under Canon 40, the requirement that the lay communicant members of the diocese belonging to that body number not less than thirty, shall not apply.
The Lay Representative shall, unless otherwise provided in the constitution of the congregation concerned, become a member ex officio of the Vestry of that congregation.
The Lay Representative and Alternate Lay Representative should be members of the congregation electing them, but any lay communicant member, not under eighteen sixteen years of age, of a congregation or body as specified in Section 2 above within the diocese and resident within the diocese is eligible to hold office.
No person shall hold office of Lay Representative or Alternate Lay Representative for more than one congregation or body, other than a linked charge, in the diocese at the same time.
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Item 15 Dean’s Report
Item 16 Call to Action – Mobilising for the Future
Lunch
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Item 17 Companion Dioceses Report 2015 Paper N
Companion Links Officer: Mrs Patricia Millar
During the past year, we have again been actively engaged in working to nurture and develop the links with our Companions in Iowa and Swaziland. Contact with Iowa is regular and in particular we should extend our thanks to Reverend Canon Kirrilee Reid who travelled to Iowa in summer 2015 to take part in the Diocese of Iowa’s clergy summer school and retreat. We are grateful to her for undertaking that on our behalf and for reporting back on her experiences with suggestions that might be useful to us here in strengthening our Companion relationships.
In the past year, most of our shared Companionship work has focused on Swaziland and this report will reflect that. Email and social media links have undoubtedly enabled easier and more regular contacts among the three dioceses. A useful network has been established through person to person contacts, Facebook groups and also via the diocesan websites in Iowa and Brechin. With Iowa, email contacts, Facebook messaging and occasional phone calls have again helped to sustain and co-ordinate our commitment to work collaboratively. With Swaziland, email contacts have become much more regular and the monthly diocesan magazine, Dionet, provides a valuable resource. Its news reports, articles in ‘Bishop’s Corner’ and photographs of events around their diocese are always informative and interesting. It can be accessed from our diocesan website.
The poorest people in Swaziland continue to struggle; indeed there seems to be little positive change in the lives of most Swazis and distressing evidence of diminishing quality of life for many of the poorest, particularly in the rural areas.
Every year I wonder how to continue to raise funds for Swaziland when there are so many demands on people’s financial resources. Every year we manage somehow to find what is needed and once again our fundraising efforts for Swaziland over the past year have been very successful. Some charges are actively engaged in this aspect of mission and outreach and give regularly, other charges give following special events and seasonal appeals. Every penny is welcome and appreciated. We have a robust process in place now to oversee the receipt and disbursement of funds and it is satisfying to be able to assure people that the funds we transfer do reach the intended recipients and without the lengthy delays that were a problem until very recently. During the past year, we have also been fortunate to have received a most generous donation from the OHP Sisters in Whitby and two grants from SECMA to support our involvement in various projects.
Holy Trinity Church, Monifieth continues to process all funds collected from our diocese and I am indebted to Keith Florence, the Church Treasurer, for managing this on behalf of the diocese. Any donations to be given by cheque should be made payable to Holy Trinity Church.
During the past year, and in response to a ‘wish’ expressed by Bishop Ellinah, we undertook to raise funds for a special, school uniforms’ project for the poorest Primary aged children, mainly from rural parishes. I invited all charges to support this and, within a short space of time, we were able to send £2,300 to help this initiative. Iowa was also involved in fundraising for this. The Swazis were so grateful – not only for the funds, but also to know that we were working with them on something that was important to them. I have already written in some detail about this in Grapevine and in the SECMA magazine. The uniforms’ project is on-going, but, as is so often the case, it has been overtaken by other, more pressing needs. The recent and devastating drought in Swaziland has brought added hardship to so many, as crops have failed, rivers have dried up, thousands of cattle - so important in Swazi culture - have died of starvation and dehydration, and those who are already among the poorest of the poor have been left without food or water. In recent months, all energies in their diocese have had to be focused on seeking and providing aid for those in most desperate need. Photographs of dead cattle, withered crops and dried up river beds have been heartbreaking.
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All of this has been made even worse by continuing increases in world food prices and these factors, combined with a dearth of employment opportunities, threaten the wellbeing of many families. On every visit to Swaziland, we meet well educated and highly motivated young Swazis who have graduated with excellent qualifications and high hopes - only to face the reality of long term unemployment. HIV/AIDS and illnesses such as TB and malaria continue to ravage lives and families and the welfare of orphans and child-headed families continues to cause great concern
The Diocese of Swaziland constantly seeks to offer support and guidance founded on a mission that requires people to stand for justice and for neighbourly care of the poor and most vulnerable. While the challenges remain overwhelming, the people of their diocese work steadfastly to support the most vulnerable, both young and old: they remain firm in the belief that good will prevail and that God walks with them in their daily lives.
On a more positive note, one of the most exciting new Companionship projects in Swaziland, which we initiated, is the establishment of large 1 acre vegetable gardens in two rural parishes where around 80 – 120 children are fed every day. The retiral collection from Olive McAusland funeral service enabled this project to begin and we have been able to add funds to that initial donation. It is an ideal initiative in so many ways – it is needed, it will bring a new level of self sufficiency to these parishes as it provides regular fresh vegetables for the children and the Swazis retain ownership of the whole venture. Mncedisi, a young Swazi man, with a Masters in Agricultural Science and Management – but no job – has undertaken to oversee the establishment and running of these gardens for a very small honorarium. The first garden was badly affected by the recent drought and only his expertise and determination saved it from devastation. The second garden is finally underway, now that some rains have come. We need to continue to support this important new project.
At the special Companions’ Celebration Synod held in Brechin on October 2013, a shared commitment was made to work together to improve communications and to involve young people in joint ventures across the three Companion Links. Participants from Iowa and Brechin, led by Bishop Alan, travelled to Swaziland in December 2014 to join in the Annual Diocese of Swaziland Youth Conference, attended by over 400 young Swazis. It was an amazing, transforming and challenging visit.
At that time, it was proposed that the next ‘gathering’ of young adults from the three Companion Dioceses might take place in Brechin – and we are now planning that visit to Brechin Diocese for July 2016. Each diocese has been invited to select five young adults – aged 18 – 35 – to come to Brechin for a residential, 10 day pilgrimage programme around the theme ‘Spirit of Discovery’. We are excited to be hosting this special event and look forward to welcoming these visitors and to sharing with them experiences of our Scottish culture, our Christian heritage and our life and worship here in Brechin. I will share details in the weeks and months to come, as planning becomes more definite.
Once again, I am most grateful for the support from charges and individuals – in terms of both financial donations and encouragement. Since Synod in March 2015, and at the time of writing this, we have sent a total of £7,850 to support various projects in Swaziland. I anticipate that by March 2016 we will have sent a total of £8,800. It is a wonderful outcome, which is all due to the generosity and commitment of folk in our small diocese and to the encouragement and support of other contributors such as family and friends, the OHP Sisters and SECMA. My heartfelt thanks go to all those - groups and individuals - who continue to work so hard to support our Companionship projects and to those who have contributed so generously.
Please hold Swaziland and Iowa in your thoughts and prayers as we look ahead to our continuing involvement and as we seek to strengthen our companionship ties through our 2016 Young Adults’ Pilgrimage: “Brechin – Iowa – Swaziland. “Spirit of Discovery 2016”
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Item 18 Bishop Allan Scarfe – New Structures for An Eternal Message
Item 19 Annual Report and Accounts 2015: Budget and Quota Paper O (to follow) Item 20 Any Other Competent Business
Item 21 Vote of Thanks: The Dean
Item 22 Date of next meetings of Synod Tuesday, 4 October 2016 (provisional) Saturday, 11 March 2017
Item 23 Confirmation of the Acts of Synod, Final Prayers, the Blessing and Dismissal
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DIOCESE OF BRECHIN
MEMBERSHIP OF DIOCESAN SYNOD – 6 March 2016
Bishop: The Right Rev Dr Nigel Peyton. Diocesan Office, 14 Prospect III, Gemini Crescent, Technology Park, Dundee. DD2 1SW 01382-562244
Diocesan Officials
Chancellor: Mr Gregor Mitchell, Stronachs, 34 Albyn Place, Aberdeen AB10 1FW Registrar: Mr John Thom, Miller Hendry, 10 Blackfriars Street, Perth, PH1 5NS 01738-637311 Secretary: Mr Michael Duncan, 16 Westwater Place, Wormit, Fife DD6 8NS Treasurer: Mr Allan Duffus, 32 Pitcairn Drive, Balmullo, St. Andrews, KY16 0DZ 01334--870064
Clergy, Lay Readers, Members of Religious Orders, Lay Representatives and Alternate Lay Representatives
ARBROATH: The Church of St Mary the Virgin, 2 Springfield Terrace, Arbroath. DD11 1EL Clergy: Reverend Peter Mead, 2 Springfield Terrace, Arbroath DD11 1EL (12 March 2016) Lay Rep: Mrs Evelyn Fordyce, 63 Keptie Road, Arbroath DD11 3EF. 01241 877701 Alt. Lay Rep: Mrs Julie Nevill, 9 Waulkmill, Letham Grange, Arbroath DD11 4QU. 01241 890357
AUCHMITHIE: The Church of St. Peter, DD11 5SQ Clergy: Reverend Peter Mead, 2 Springfield Terrace, Arbroath DD11 1EL (12 March 2016) Lay Rep: Mrs M. Brown, 31 Kirkbank, Auchmithie, DD11 5SY 01241-877656 Alt. Lay Rep: Mrs S. Smith, 14 Kirkbank, Auchmithie, DD11 5SY 01241-871012
BRECHIN: The Church of St. Andrew, Argyll Street, Brechin, DD9 6JL Clergy: Vacant: Interim Rector Reverend Canon Fay Lamont Lay Rep: Mr Michael McKnight, 25 Airlie Street, Brechin, DD9 6JP. 01356-624646 Alt. Lay Rep: Mrs Gillian McKnight, 25 Airlie Street, Brechin, DD9 6JP. 01356 624646
BROUGHTY FERRY: The Church of St. Mary, Queen Street, Broughty Ferry. DD5 1AJ Clergy: Rev Dr Francis Bridger, Dean of the Diocese. 3 Wyvis Place, Broughty Ferry, DD5 3SX Rev Helen Bridger, 3 Wyvis Place, Broughty Ferry, DD5 3SX 01382-739035 Lay Reader: Mrs Elaine Hammersley, 137 Gleneagles Avenue, Dundee DD2 3GH 01382 812825 Lay Rep: Mr David Stanley, 5A Albany Road, West Ferry, DD5 1NS 01382-739231 Alt. Lay Rep: Cllr. Laurie Bidwell, 82 Dundee Rd, Dundee. DD5 1DW 01382-738566
CARNOUSTIE: The Church of the Holy Rood, Maule Street, Carnoustie. DD7 6AB Clergy: Vacant. Interim Rector Reverend Canon Steve Collis Rev S. Dyer, 19 Long Row, Carnoustie. DD7 6BE 01241-851341 Rev Canon G. Macintosh, 9 Millar Street, Carnoustie. DD7 7SA 01241-854678 Lay Reader Mrs Jean Forbes, 30 Dundee Street, Carnoustie DD7 7PS 01241 856800
Lay Rep: Mr Lindsay Black, 85 Chapman Drive, Carnoustie DD7 6DY 01241 855297 Alt. Lay Rep: Vacant
CATTERLINE: The Church of St. Philips, nr. Stonehaven, AB39 2UN Clergy: Vacant Interim Ministry Co-Ordinator Dr Peter Smart, The Auld Scots Pines, Muirfoot, Church Road, Luthermuir, Laurencekirk AB30 1YS 01674 840789 Readers: Mrs A. Geldart, Woodside, Cammachmore, Stonehaven, AB39 3NQ 01569-73170 Vacant Lay Rep: Professor P. Sharp, 3 Loirston Manor, Cove Bay, Aberdeen, AB12 3HD 01224-895357 Mrs A. Iles, 13 Kinmonth Road, Drumlithie, Stonehaven, AB39 3YF 01569-740164
DRUMLITHIE: Church of St. John the Baptist, Church Road, AB39 2YS Clergy: Rev M. Turner, Beattie Lodge, Laurencekirk, AB30 1HJ 01561-377667 Lay Rep: Mr N. Constantine, Mains of Balfour, Fettercairn, Laurencekirk, AB30 1DT 01561 340618 Alt. Lay Rep: Vacant
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DRUMTOCHTY: The Church of St. Palladius, by Auchenblae, AB30 1TN Clergy: Rev M. Turner, Beattie Lodge, Laurencekirk, AB30 1HJ 01561-377667 Lay Rep: Mrs H. Sanderson, 1 Mackenzie Avenue, Auchenblae, Laurencekirk, AB30 1XU 01561-320669 Alt. Lay Rep: Mrs G. Middleton, Drumallan, Auchenblae, Laurencekirk. AB30 1XU 01561 320179
DUNDEE: The Church of St. John the Baptist, 110 Albert Street, Dundee, DD4 6QW Clergy: Priest in Charge Rev Dr Francis Bridger, 3 Wyvis Place, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 3SX 01382 739035 Associate Priest Reverend Helen Bridger, 3 Wyvis Place, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 3SX 01382 739035 Lay Rep: Mr R. Neave, 9 Findcastle Terrace, Dundee, DD4 9EL 01382-506552 Alt. Lay Rep: Vacant
DUNDEE: The Church of St. Luke, St Luke’s Road, Downfield, DD3 0LD Clergy: Reverend Captain Kerry Dixon, Diocesan Priest Missioner of St Luke’s, 6 Dudhope Street, Dundee DD1 1JU 01382 523911 Reader: Mr B. Gowans, 16 Hillpark Drive, Birkhill, Dundee, DD2 5QZ 01382-580666 Lay Rep: Ms H. Stewart, Old Pier, Invergowrie, DD2 5DP 01382-562571 Alt. Lay Rep: Mr B. Gowans, 16 Hillpark Drive, Birkhill, Dundee, DD2 5QZ 01382-580666
DUNDEE: The Church of St. Margaret, 17 Ancrum Road, Lochee, Dundee DD2 2JL Clergy: Vacant. Interim Rector: Rev David Shepherd, 14 Albany Terrace, Dundee DD3 6HR 01382 223510 Lay Rep: Mr R. Law, 4a Burnside Court, Dundee, DD2 3AF 01382-525411 Alt. Lay Rep: Mrs Brophy-Arnott, 15 Kelso Place, Dundee DD2 1SL 01382 667625
DUNDEE: The Church of St. Martin, Derby Street, Dundee, DD3 6RL Clergy: Priest in Charge Rev Dr Francis Bridger, 3 Wyvis Place, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 3SX 01382 739035 Associate Priest Reverend Helen Bridger, 3 Wyvis Place, Broughty Ferry, Dundee DD5 3SX 01382 739035 Readers: Mr R. Pemble, 7 Castleview Apts., 6 Dudhope Terrace, Dundee, DD3 6HG 01382-533676 Mr I. Turnbull, Miltonhough, Tealing, by Dundee, DD4 0QZ 01382-380501 Lay Rep: Mr R. Pemble, 7 Castleview Apts., 6 Dudhope Terrace. Dundee, DD3 6HG 01382- 523676 Alt. Lay Rep: Mr I. Turnbull, Miltonhough, Tealing, by Dundee, DD4 0QZ 01382-380501
DUNDEE: Church of St. Mary Magdalene, Dudhope Crescent Road, Dundee, DD1 5RR Clergy: Rev D. Shepherd, 14 Albany Terrace, Dundee, DD3 6HR 01382 -223510 Lay Rep: Mrs D. Scobie, 19 Thorter Row, City Quay, Dundee, DD1 3BX 01382-206220 Alt Lay Rep: Mrs J. Robinson, 15 Canisp Crescent, Dundee, DD2 4TP 01382-645305
DUNDEE: Church of St. Ninian, Kingsway East, Dundee, DD4 7RW Clergy: Rev Canon F. Lamont, St. Ninian’s Church House, Kingsway East, Dundee, DD4 7RW 01382 453818 Lay Rep: Mrs V. Strachan, 59 Midmill Road, Dundee, DD4 8JF 01382-500616 Alt Lay Rep: Mrs C. Weir, Flat 15, Strathmartine Court, 532 Strathmartine Road, Dundee, DD3 9DG 01382 -815652
DUNDEE: The Cathedral Church of St, Paul, Castlehill, Dundee, DD1 1TD 01382-224486 Clergy: The Very Rev J. Auld, 4 Richmond Terrace, Dundee, DD2 1BQ 01382-646296 Reverend Tracy Dowling, Holy Rood Rectory, 58 Maule Street, Carnoustie DD7 6AB 01241 410935 Rev Canon H. Magee, 17 North Street, St. Andrews, KY16 9PW 01334-470446 Reader: Ms Carole Spink, 29a Hill Street, Arbroath DD11 1AG 01241 437384 Lay Rep: Dr Aileen Black, 79 Blackness Avenue, Dundee DD2 1JN 01382 668666 Alt Lay Rep: Professor David Balfour, 10 Strathaird Place, Dundee DD2 4TN 01382 643114
DUNDEE: The Church of St Salvador Church Street, Dundee, DD3 7EW Clergy: Rev C. Clapson, 9 Minard Crescent, Dundee, DD3 6LH 01382-221785 Lay Rep: Mrs K.E. Clapson, 9 Minard Crescent, Dundee DD3 6LH 01382 221785 Alt. Lay Rep: Miss Jeannette Coutts, 39 Deveron Crescent, Menzieshill, Dundee DD2 4AH
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FASQUE: The Church of St Andrew, Fettercairn, AB30 1DN Clergy: Rev M. Turner, Beattie Lodge, Laurencekirk, AB30 1HJ 01561-377380 Lay Rep: Mrs C. Birse, 8 Jenner Place, Brechin. DD9 6YL 01356-626282 Alt. Lay Rep: Mrs S. Cartwright, The Woodlands, School Road, Luthermuir, Laurencekirk, AB30 1YX 01674-840220
GLENCARSE: The Church of All Saints, Main Street, Glencarse, PH2 7LX Clergy: Rev K. Reid, The Rectory, Glencarse, Perth, PH2 7LX 01738-860386 Rev R. Paterson, 1 Corsiehill House, Corsiehill, Perthshire, PH2 7BN 01738-446621 Reverend Geoffrey Hall, Montanna Villa, 39 Haxton Crescent, Kinnoull, Perth PH2 7XD 01738 636802 Lay Rep: Mrs D. Maingot, Glencarse House, Glencarse, Perth, PH2 7LF 01738-860373 Alt Lay Rep: Ms Lorne Heriot Maitland, Keepers Cottage, Hill of Errol, Perthshire, PH2 7TQ 01821 642765
INVERBERVIE: The Church of St. David of Scotland, Victoria Terrace, Dundee, DD10 0PS Clergy: Reverend Samantha Ferguson, 12 Mallard Drive, Montrose, DD10 9ND 01561-672329 Lay Rep: Mrs Mary Bowker, Newbigging House, Inverbervie, DD10 0PQ 01561-361491 Alt. Lay Rep: Mr Armund Karner, Hillside Cottage, Johnshaven, Montrose, DD10 0HH 01561-361729
INVERGOWRIE: The Church of All Souls, Main Street, Invergowrie, DD2 5BA Clergy: Rev A. Cummins, 27 Errol Road, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5AG 01382-562525 Lay Rep: Mrs B. Currie, 13 Rosewood Terrace, Dundee, DD2 1NS 01382-643791 Alt. Lay Rep: Mrs K. Cummins, 27 Errol Road, Invergowrie, Dundee, DD2 5AG 01382-562525
LAURENCEKIRK: The Church of St. Laurence, High Street, Laurencekirk, AB30 1BH Clergy: Rev M. J. R. Turner, Beattie Lodge, Laurencekirk, AB30 1HJ 01561-377380 Reader: Mrs G. Middleton, Drumallan, Auchenblae, Laurencekirk AB30 1SX Lay Rep: Mrs J. G. Thornton-Kemsley, Burnside of Thornton, Laurencekirk, AB30 1DY 01561- 377667 Alt. Lay Rep: Mrs M. Constantine, Mains of Balfour, Fettercairn, Laurencekirk, AB30 1DT 01561-340618
MONIFIETH: The Church of the Holy Trinity, 99 High Street, Monifieth, DD5 4AB Clergy: Rev K. Gibson, 39 Durham Street, Monifieth. DD5 4PF 01382-535920 Rev Canon W. McAusland, 18 Broadford Terrace, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 3EF 01382 -737721 Readers: Mrs L. Walls, 15 Maule Street, Monifieth DD5 4NQ 01382 533107 Mr W. McFawns, 9 Affleck Gardens, Monikie, DD5 3QQ 01382 370367 Lay Rep: Mrs L. Walls, 15 Maule Street, Monifieth. DD5 4NQ 01382-533107 Alt. Lay Rep: Mrs D. McFawns, 9 Affleck Gardens, Monikie, DD5 3QQ 01382 370367
MONTROSE: The Church of St Mary and St Peter, Mid Links, Montrose, DD10 8HD Clergy: Reverend Samantha Ferguson, 12 Mallard Drive, Montrose, DD10 9ND 01561-672329 Readers: Dr P. Smart, The Auld Scots Pine, Church Rd., Luthermuir, AB30 1YS 01674 840789 Mr Harold Jack, 12a Gibson Place, Montrose DD10 8HQ 01674 675700 Lay Rep: Mrs Georgina Mallie, 6 Union Place, Montrose, DD10 8QB 01674-673711 Alt. Lay Rep: Vacant
MUCHALLS: The Church of St Ternan, AB39 3PP Clergy: Vacant Interim Ministry Co-Ordinator Dr Peter Smart, The Auld Scots Pines, Muirfoot, Church Road, Luthermuir, Laurencekirk AB30 1YS 01674 840789 Lay Rep: Mrs I. Butler, 7 Juniper Place, Portlethen, Aberdeen, AB12 4XA 01224-784080 Alt. Lay Rep: Mr Colin Horn, 7 Woodcot Gardens, Stonehaven, Kincardineshire AB39 2ZH 01569 767797
STONEHAVEN: The Church of St. James the Great, Arbuthnott Street, Stonehaven, AB3 2JB Clergy: Vacant. Interim Ministry Co-Ordinator Dr Peter Smart, The Auld Scots Pines, Muirfoot, Church Road, Luthermuir, Laurencekirk AB30 17S 01674 840789 Reader: Mrs A. Geldart, Woodside, Cammachmore, Stonehaven, AB39 3NQ 01569-731707 Lay Rep: Professor P. Sharp, 3 Loirston Manor, Cove Bay, Aberdeen, AB12 3HD 01224-895357 Alt. Lay Rep: Mrs A. Iles 13 Kinmouth Road, Drumlithie, Stonehaven, AB39 3YF 01569 740164
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TARFSIDE The Church of St. Drostan, Glenesk, via Brechin, Angus, DD9 7YX Clergy: Rev J. Nelson, 4 St Michael’s Road, Newtonhill, Stonehaven, AB39 3RW 01569-730967 Lay Rep: Mr P. Nelson, 4 St Michael’s Road, Newtonhill, Stonehaven, AB39 3RW 01569-730967 Alt Lay Rep: Vacant
Lay Members & Alternate Lay Members of General Synod Mrs J. Robinson, 15 Canisp Crescent, Dundee, DD2 4TP 01382-645305 Mrs V. Strachan, 59 Midmill Road, Dundee, DD4 8JF 01382-500616 Mrs K. Willey, Denside, Arbirlot by Arbroath DD11 2NX 01241870986
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SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH
DIOCESE OF BRECHIN
(Scottish Charity No SC016813) RULES OF ORDER OF DIOCESAN SYNOD
(Adopted by Synod in 2000)
1. Application
These rules of order shall apply to the proceedings of the Diocesan Synod whether sitting as one body or in separate Houses of Clergy and Laity.
2. The Chair – Powers and Duties
Deference shall at all times be paid to the authority of the Chair. All points of order shall be addressed to the person occupying the Chair, stated briefly and audibly, and raised immediately the perceived irregularity occurs, otherwise the person occupying the Chair shall dis-allow them. Points of order shall not introduce new subject matter. Speeches shall not be allowed on points of order. Where, in the view of the person occupying the Chair, the matter raised does not constitute a point of order, the person occupying the Chair shall rule accordingly. On all points of order the ruling from the Chair shall be final and not open to discussion. When the person occupying the Chair rises to speak, any member of Synod who is addressing the meeting shall sit down.
It shall be the responsibility of the person occupying the Chair to preserve order and secure that members obtain a fair hearing, to decide all matters of order arising at meetings of Synod and to decide, if two or more members rise in their places, which to call to speak. In the event of disorder arising at any meeting of Synod, the meeting may be adjourned by the person occupying the Chair who shall also, then or subsequently, fix a time for its reconvening. Quitting the Chair in such circumstances shall, without further procedure, have the effect of a formal adjournment of the meeting.
3. Order of Debate Members desiring to speak shall rise in their places. Those called upon to speak shall address the Chair. Speeches shall be directed to the motion or amendment being proposed, seconded or otherwise under discussion or to a question of order. No member shall be allowed to speak more often than once on any subject under discussion, save on a point of order or, with consent of the Chair, to make an explanation, but the mover of a motion shall have a right of reply. A member who is speaking when a question of order is raised shall sit down until the question of order has been decided by the person occupying the Chair.
4. Matters Taken in Private
Synod may decide by a majority of those present and voting that:
(a) Any business shall be taken in private
(b) Synod shall go into Committee for the informal discussion of any subject.
5. Adjournment
(a) Any meeting of Synod may be adjourned to such other place, time or day and hour as may be set by the person occupying the Chair. (b) Any meeting of Synod may be adjourned to a later time on the same day and such an adjournment may be made on the direction from the Chair, or failing such direction, on the
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motion of any member, the vote on which motion, on being seconded, shall without amendment or discussion be taken by a show of voting cards as one House.
5. Quorum
The Quorum of Synod shall be one half of the voting members of the House of Clergy and of the House of Laity, but no business shall be invalid because transacted without a quorum being present, unless the attention of the Chair has been called to the absence of a quorum. The person occupying the Chair shall then ascertain, in such a way as seems fit, that no quorum is present, and declare the fact. This shall be a responsibility of the person occupying the Chair, whose declaration, whether or not a quorum is present, shall be final. If it has been declared from the Chair that no quorum is present, no business shall be transacted until a quorum is declared from the Chair to be present except:
(a) the consideration of a motion to adjourn (b) such non-contentious business as the meeting, with consent of the person occupying the Chair, sees fit to transact. If however, a division is challenged on any subject other than on a motion for adjournment, the same shall not be dealt with by the meeting. No motion for adjournment shall be submitted until at least fifteen minutes after the declaration from the Chair that a quorum is not present, except with the consent of the person occupying the Chair.
7. Obstructive or Offensive Conduct
(a) In the event of any member at any Synod meeting disregarding the authority of the Chair, or being guilty of obstructive or offensive conduct, a motion may thereupon be moved and seconded to suspend such member for the remainder of the sitting. The motion shall be put without discussion. (b) The person occupying the Chair shall warn any member of the public who interrupts the proceedings at any meetings. If that member of the public continues the interruption the person occupying the Chair shall order the person concerned to leave the meeting, and not return.
8. Duration of Speeches
The mover of a motion shall not speak for more than ten minutes except with the consent of Synod. All other speakers taking part in the discussion on the motion or amendment shall not normally speak for more than five minutes, subject to the discretion of the person occupying the Chair. The mover of the original motion shall have the right to speak for five minutes in reply, but shall not introduce any new matter into the debate. Thereafter the discussion shall be held closed and the question shall thereupon be put from the Chair.
9. Motions (a) Synod shall consider only the following motions: (i) motions which have been included in the Agenda and papers for that meeting (ii) late motions which Synod has agreed to consider (see Rule 10 below) (iii) formal or procedural motions (b) All motions and amendments shall be stated, immediately on their being proposed to the meeting, by the mover, before being spoken to. All motions under Rule 9(a) (ii) and all amendments shall be submitted in writing, signed by the mover and seconder and delivered to the Diocesan Secretary immediately on being moved. (c) Every amendment shall be relevant to the motion on which it is moved. A motion may be amended by the mover with the consent of the meeting, which consent shall be by the majority of those present and voting. In the case of a motion emanating from a Board or Committee of Synod or a Regional Meeting the mover of that motion shall have the power, unless specifically denied it by the body from which the motion has emanated, to accept the
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amendment to that motion, thus altering the text of the motion on which Synod is asked to vote. (d) A motion or amendment may be withdrawn by the mover with the consent of the seconder of that motion or amendment, but Synod shall have power by simple majority of those present and voting to refuse to allow such withdrawal, in which case the motion shall stand. (e) Motions or amendments which are not seconded shall not be discussed or inserted in the minutes. (f) If, in the opinions of the person occupying the Chair, more than one motion deals with the same subject matter, only the motion first lodged with the Diocesan Secretary (whether by hand delivery or by post) shall be considered and if, in the opinion of the person occupying the Chair, any motion deals with a matter already under consideration by a Board or Committee, that motion shall not be considered. (g) If a member who has submitted a notice of motion is not present to move the motion, the motion shall fall, unless Synod agrees that another member may move the motion. (h) No motion of any kind which involves a grant of money shall be competent unless it is printed in the Agenda with the observations of the Board or Committee within whose budget the grant would fall, with power to the Chair on special occasions to take the sense of the meeting with reference to matters appearing in the Agenda and, if satisfied, to dispense with the necessity of observations by the appropriate Board or Committee. Except as above provided, no motion (other than votes of thanks) shall be entertained unless notice has been given to the Diocesan Secretary in reasonable time to enable it to be entered in the programme of business, or a late motion is accepted in accordance with Canon 50 Resolution 3 (see Rule 10 below). (i) The Bishop may veto the discussion of any motion, though otherwise competent, unless at least five voting members of Synod shall express their desire that it should be discussed.
10. Late Motions submitted under Canon 50 Resolution 3 (a) Notice of late motions should normally be given in writing (to the Diocesan Secretary) before Synod starts. (b) The motion shall be in writing, and signed by the mover and seconder, who must be members of Synod qualified to vote. (c) The mover of a motion under this Rule shall be given the opportunity to address Synod briefly (maximum of two minutes) as to why Synod should consider the motion at that time before a vote is taken on whether the Motion should be considered. (d) Subject to any contrary provision in the Code of Canons, in order for a late motion to be considered by Synod, a majority of those present and voting shall vote in favour of its being considered.
11. Motion: “That the Question be now put” (a) The amendment called “The previous question” shall not be allowed. (b) It shall be competent for any member who has not spoken on the question before the meeting to move “that the question be now put”. On this being seconded, if it seems to the person occupying the Chair that the question before the meeting has been sufficiently discussed, a vote shall be taken, without amendment or discussion. If the motion is carried, the mover of the original motion shall have the right to reply, and the question under discussion shall be put to the meeting. If the motion “that the question be now put” is not carried, a similar motion may be made after every three additional members have spoken.
12. Voting (a) After the question on which the vote is to be taken has been announced, and voting has commenced, no member shall be permitted to offer an opinion, or ask a question, except on a point of order, or otherwise interrupt the proceedings until the result of the vote has been intimated. (b) Save as otherwise provided, all motions and amendments shall be passed by a majority of the members of Synod present and voting.
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(c) The person occupying the Chair shall have a deliberative but not a casting vote. Whether the matter which is the subject of the vote relates to the appointment of a member of Synod to any particular office or committee, voting shall be by ballot. (d) When the question is put to the vote, tellers shall be named from the Chair and shall give in their report on each division taken. Except where otherwise stated in these Rules of Order, the vote may be taken in the first instance on a show of voting cards, the result, in the opinion of the person occupying the Chair, declared therefrom. In all cases of doubt the vote shall be taken counting the cards held up. On any question, if one third of the present and voting members of either House so wish, voting shall be by ballot. (e) When voting by Houses, the Houses must meet separately if one third of the present and voting members of either House so wishes. When Synod votes by Houses, the numbers of the vote in each House shall be recorded, and a majority of those present and voting shall be required in each House for the passing of the motion. (f) A challenge to the accuracy of the Minutes shall be made by way of an amendment to the motion that the Minutes be approved. Only those members who were present at the previous meeting to which the Minutes relate shall be entitled to vote on the said amendment.
13. Election, Selection or Appointment of Members of Office In the case of election, selection or appointment by Synod of a member of Synod or of any other person to any office where the number of candidates nominated exceeds the number of vacancies, the member or person to be elected, selected or appointed as the case may be shall be determined by a vote (or votes) by ballot in (each of) which members will be entitled to vote for as many candidates as there are vacancies. No members may record in the ballot more than one vote for any candidate. The candidate or candidates having the highest number of votes shall be declared duly elected. If there is equality of votes for the last vacancy, this shall be resolved by ballot or by a show of voting cards.
14. Assessor The Chancellor of the Diocese (whom failing the Registrar, whom failing another person nominated by the Administration Board) shall act as Assessor to the person occupying the Chair. The Assessor shall intervene as Assessor only on the call of the Chair, without prejudice to the right of the Assessor, when a member of Synod to speak and vote as such.
15. Suspension of Rules The application of any of these Rules of Order may be temporarily suspended or amended by a majority amounting to two-thirds of those present and voting. Voting shall be in one House.
References
Canon 50 of Diocesan Synods
The Rules of Order of the General Synod (as amended)
The Constitution of the Diocesan Synod of the Diocese of Brechin (as amended now)
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THE CONSTITUTION FOR THE DIOCESAN SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF BRECHIN
(Scottish Charity No SC016813)
Diocesan Synod
1(a) There shall be a Diocesan Synod in which is vested the functions, powers and duties set out in Canon 50 – Of Diocesan Synods – and in Sections 6.6.1 and 7 of the Digest of Resolutions of the General Synod 1997 and such other relevant Resolutions that General Synod may pass.
1(b) The Diocesan Synod’s Boards and Committees shall comprise those listed in Articles 7 to 9 inclusive, hereof.
Membership
2. The Diocesan Synod shall consist of the Bishop, all instituted, licensed and commissioned clergy of the diocese, the diocesan officials as specified in Canon 61, and the lay members specified in Section 3 below.
3(a) The lay members of the Synod shall consist of a Lay Representative for each congregation within the diocese, the lay members of General Synod elected by the Diocesan Synod under Canon 52 Section 5, the alternate members of General Synod elected under Canon 52 Section 7, a lay member of the Diocesan Standing Committee ex officio and such additional lay members as elected by the Diocesan Synod.
3(b) Alternate Lay Representatives, Readers, Church Army Evangelists, members of Religious Orders working in the diocese shall be invited to participate fully in the proceedings of the Diocesan Synod, save in the matter of voting.
Meetings
4. At meetings of the Synod, the Bishop shall preside. In the absence of the Bishop, the Dean of the diocese shall preside, but should the Dean also be absent the meeting shall appoint one of its own members.
Officials
5. The Synod shall appoint a Treasurer, a Secretary and an Auditor whose appointments shall not be for a longer period than until the next annual meeting.
Trustees
6. The Diocesan Trustees shall be the Bishop, the Dean, the Chancellor and the Registrar ex officio.
Boards and Committees
7(a) The Diocesan Standing Committee shall be responsible for acting in an emergency on behalf of the Diocesan Synod or the Diocesan Council when they are not sitting.
7(b) The Diocesan Standing Committee shall consist of the Bishop, the Dean, the Diocesan Secretary and two members of the Diocesan Council, one clerical, one lay, elected annually by Diocesan Council.
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7(c) The Bishop shall chair meetings of the Standing Committee, or in the absence of the Bishop the Dean shall chair; if neither are present the Standing Committee shall appoint one of its members to chair the meeting.
8(a) The Diocesan Administration Board and the Diocesan Mission & Ministry Board shall be disbanded and all functions previously carried out by the two boards shall be carried out by the Diocesan Council with immediate effect. The Diocesan Council shall administer the strategic direction and life of the diocese on behalf of Diocesan Synod in all matters of mission and ministry, finance and property, and such matters sent to the diocese by the General Synod. For the avoidance of doubt the Diocesan Council shall be responsible for the appointment of salaried staff employed by the Diocese and their terms of employment.
8(b) Membership of the Diocesan Council shall be: the Bishop, who shall act as Chair; the Dean, the Mission Officer and the Ministry Officer (the latter two endorsed by Diocesan Synod), for the duration of their appointment by the Bishop; also the Diocesan Treasurer, Diocesan Secretary and the Convener of the Diocesan Buildings Committee, each elected annually by Diocesan Synod; two Lay Members elected by the House of Laity for a four year term; two Clergy Members elected by the House of Clergy for a four year term. The Diocesan Secretary shall act as Secretary to the Diocesan Council. The Diocesan Council shall have the power to co-opt up to two further members whose term shall only continue until the next Diocesan Synod. In the absence of the Bishop, the Dean shall act as chair, failing which the Diocesan Council shall elect one of its members to act as chair. Each member of the Diocesan Council shall have one vote.
8(c) All decisions and resolutions made previously by the Diocesan Administration Board and Diocesan Mission & Ministry Board shall be adopted without further action by the Diocesan Council.
8(d) The Diocesan Council shall have the power to appoint pendant or ad hoc committees.
9. There shall be a Diocesan Buildings Committee, reporting to the Diocesan Council, set up in accordance with Canon 35 and Canon 50(9). The membership shall be the Dean and Diocesan Secretary and seven other persons with expertise in architecture, ecclesiastical artefacts and liturgy. The Convener shall be elected annually by Diocesan Synod, members for a four year term.
Members and Conveners
10. Unless otherwise specified in this Constitution, members of the Diocesan Council and Committees shall serve a term of four years and may be re-elected or reappointed provided, however, that no such member shall serve for a continuous period of more than eight years. No member on ceasing to be a member shall be eligible for re-election until after an interval of at least one year. In the event of any vacancy, appointments shall be made by the Diocesan Synod at its Annual Meeting, after nominations have been invited from members. Casual vacancies may be filled by the Council or Committee concerned until the next Annual Meeting of Synod when an appointment shall be made for a new four year period.
11. The Convener of the Diocesan Buildings Committee shall be elected annually by Diocesan Synod and may serve for a total period of four consecutive years. The Diocesan Buildings Committee, however, shall have power to recommend that the Diocesan Synod extend the period of office of their own Convener, in which case the Synod may extend the period of office for one further year only.
Quorum
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12. At meetings of the Diocesan Synod, the quorum shall be one half of the number of Clerical and of the number of Lay Members entitled to vote, rounded up to the nearest whole number.
13. At meetings of the Diocesan Council, the Standing Committee and the Diocesan Buildings Committee, the quorum shall be one third of the total membership, rounded up to the nearest whole number.
Amendment of Constitution or adoption of new Constitution
14. It is competent for this Constitution to be amended or a new Constitution adopted by a simple majority of those present and voting at a meeting of the Diocesan Synod. Proposals for changes to the Constitution must be submitted for consideration to the Diocesan Council, whose comments shall be reported to Synod.
Review
15. Notwithstanding the power of the Diocesan Synod to amend its Constitution or to adopt a new Constitution at any duly constituted meeting thereof, the Constitution of the Diocesan Synod shall be reviewed by the Diocesan Council in 2020 and at the end of each five year period thereafter, and any recommendations for alteration brought to the Diocesan Synod.
Previously amended on 29th February 1992, 26th February 1994, 1st March 1997, 28th February 1998, 20th February 1999, 24th February 2001, 2nd March 2002, 8th March 2003, 5th March 2005, 4th March 2006, 18th October 2006, 15th October 2008, 14th October 2009 and 7th March 2015.
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