March 16, 2021 Memorandum to Synod Members:
Here is a hopefully helpful precis of the Anglican Diocese of Leeds online Synod meeting held on Saturday, March 13, 2021. Detailed minutes of that meeting will follow in due course, as per normal. Opening prayers were led by Revd Lindsay Southern of the Catterick Benefice.
The Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines paid tribute to former General Synod and Diocesan Synod Member and Bradford Diocesan Secretary Canon Mr Malcolm Halliday, who had sadly passed away recently
Minutes of the last meeting of November 14, 2020 were approved
Bishop Nick’s Presidential Address focussed on “Freshly Faithful Ways” for us to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic and which can be read here
General Synod Reports had been received from Archdeacon of Leeds, The Ven Paul Ayers and Canon Professor Joyce Hill
Diocesan Secretary Jonathan Wood introduced a discussion on emergence from the pandemic, which saw members go into break-out rooms and address four questions: How has the last year been for you and your church? Where have you been able to serve your community? What has your church learnt? Which areas of the Strategy will be important to your church as we emerge? A report on that section of Synod can be read here
Revd Sam Corley, Rector of Leeds gave an update on the Covenant for the Care & Wellbeing of Clergy, which included the arrival of new policies, resources and support. Points raised included that clergy wellbeing resources should be integrated intentionally into everything the diocese does, not just a presence on the website. Housing and property repairs were raised as issues to be looked at and also that while defined HR policies were welcomed, the historic relationships between clergy, Archdeacons and Bishops needed to be maintained and nurtured
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The Ven Peter Townley, Archdeacon of Pontefract and chair of the DAC, proposed a motion on the new Quinquennial Inspection Scheme, which was explained by DAC Secretary and Church Buildings and Pastoral Reorganisation Team Leader, Lisa McIntyre as necessary to comply with legislation. The motion was approved
Archdeacon Peter proposed a motion on amendments to the DAC constitution. These would restrict the service of new members to a maximum of two terms of six years each. A point was raised, that our churches are places of evangelism and mission, not museums. The motion was approved
Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley gave a short introductory presentation on Living in Love and Faith, outlining its intention and processes for wider engagement after Easter. She invited members to visit the dedicated LLF website, which can be viewed here
Bishop Nick concluded the meeting with a blessing
Chris Tate Director of Communications 16.3.2021
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