NORWICH DIOCESAN SYNOD

Minutes of a meeting held at Northgate High School, Dereham, Saturday 19th March 2016 at 09.30

The Chair was taken by Vivienne Clifford-Jackson (Chair of the House of Laity).

OPENING PRAYERS

Opening prayers were led by Sheila Hanmer

1. THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 17 th October 2015

The minutes were approved and signed as a true record.

2. ANY MATTERS ARISING

In March of last year Diocesan Synod voted unanimously in support of the following motion.

“This Synod welcomes the developments in children, youth and families work in the Diocese and the establishment of the Diocesan Academies and Education Trust, commits itself to support these ministries, and calls upon those involved to seek external funding where possible to expand this work so that the next generation may be reached with the gospel of Christ and to report back to the Synod on progress with these aims in a year.”

The Diocesan Secretary informed Synod that due to the fullness of today’s agenda a full report was not possible also the Children Youth and Families Manager had left at the beginning of last year and currently no additional funds have been identified. DNEAT had brought in over £100,000. This would be expanded upon at the next Diocesan Synod.

3. PROMULGATION OF THE ACT OF SYNOD AMENDING CANON NO. 34

The Bishop of Norwich, as instructed by the Clerk to the General Synod and required by the Act of Synod, formally proclaimed the amendment to Canon No 34 which was enacted at the February 2016 group of sessions of General Synod.

Amending Canon No. 34 makes provision for a range of matters intended to strengthen the Church’s position in relation to safeguarding.

It introduces a new Canon C 30 ‘Of safeguarding’, which will impose a requirement on bishops to appoint diocesan safeguarding advisers (whose functions will be specified in

1 regulations to be made by the House of Bishops) and will confer a new power on bishops to require clergy to undergo a risk assessment (which will again have to be conducted in accordance with regulations made by the House of Bishops).

The Canon also amends Canons B 43, C 8, E 6 and E 8 in various respects, including by amending the position as regards invitations to clergy to undertake occasional ministry in a parish, by preventing clergy who are not authorised to minister (or are prohibited or suspended from ministering) from vesting during divine service, by requiring clergy to undergo safeguarding training, by disqualifying on safeguarding grounds certain persons from serving as licenced readers or lay workers and by conferring power in bishops to suspend licensed readers or lay workers in certain circumstances.

The Canon does not come into force immediately, but will be brought into force by the Archbishops in stages.”

The Bishop of Norwich made reference to the number of cases currently in the press, albeit mainly historic, that were having a serious impact on the Church of England and its reputation in promoting the gospel. This Canon places obligations on Bishops, as never before, and he would be writing to all clergy asking for a change of culture and the need to ensure suitable risk assessments are undertaken in all cases.

4. AN UPDATE ON DIGNITY IN MINISTRY

A presentation was given by the Archdeacon of Lynn, which can be viewed on our website or a copy provided upon request to Karen Hall.

‘Dignity in Ministry’ was originally debated in March 2014 and again in March last year and, in the light of the most recent debate, further changes were made, resulting in a revised booklet recently circulated to all Members.

The Archdeacon of Lynn highlighted the changes which would be subject to a fuller debate in June and subsequent vote. These changes included an emphasis on prevention as well as cure, promoting healthy and enriching relationships enabling people to flourish. The role of the Bishop’s staff was clarified. Training for mediators would be provided. It widens the list of people to whom a complaint may be reported and recognises that reconciliation may not always be the outcome.

He commended the revised document for further study inviting written comments by the end of May to enable the issue of a draft in early June for debate and vote on 25th June.

5. DIOCESAN MISSION STRATEGY – PROPOSALS FOR CONSIDERATION

The Bishop of Thetford set out some of the thinking, planning and ideas which are going into the mission strategy. Synod were given an opportunity to discuss this initial work in groups and feedback directly to Bishop of Thetford. Other thoughts and comments are welcome and should be sent to the Bishop of Thetford. The strategy will be launched at the

2 Central Visitations in May and June to which everyone is invited, and full details will be made available at that point once finalised.

The Bishop began by explaining that there was not time today to present the strategy in full, that would happen at the Visitations in May and June but this is an early opportunity to convey the essence of the strategy. This arises from Bishop Graham’s letter in September 2015, to which considerable time and prayer was devoted to the responses received.

Central to the strategy is developing commitment and recognising the cost of faith, that while faith brings many blessings it also brings demands of us and a renewed sense of purpose.

There is a new priority given to mission, given the changes in society over the last few decades, and we are no longer a church that can simply wait for people to come to us. We have to explore new ways of reaching out, making connections, being church. That is why growth plans continue to be a vital tool.

The focus will be on the shared life of the Diocese. It is not about adding further burdens but looking at where and how to focus resources. To support and encourage - to be motivated by love.

Prayer has to be at the heart of all that we do. When ministry and life of the church is so demanding it is easy to get worn down and disheartened. We need our horizons stretched, our expectations revived and renewed as sometimes we can become complacent and satisfied with less than the best.

The Bishop of Thetford then drew attention to the 200 responses received to the three main questions asked:-

‘What are we are doing well?’ Working with children. Reaching out and involving the local community. Fresh Expressions (worship).

‘What are the challenges?’ Dwindling congregations. Apathy of the local community. General finance and fundraising.

‘What do we need?’ Funding for Children’/Families workers. More engagement and better understanding by the Diocese. Training and enabling of the laity.

He ended by reminding Synod there was a lot more detail in the strategy paper, but this is intended to give a flavour.

3 The Bishop of Norwich was then invited to speak about Mission and Finance.

He spoke about resourcing parishes in fresh ways. In the Diocese we are hugely generous with much sacrificial giving. Parish share raised £6.5 million and about the same amount has been spent on buildings. It is important that we celebrate the astonishing response to TRiO and the increase of £3/4 million in the last two years alone. This has transformed the Diocese’s finances to meet ministry and mission and not cut clergy. We continue to look at other funding streams: subsidiary companies and better asset management with the hope to reduce reliance on parish funding in the long term. It is clear we cherish our clergy and value mission and ministry. Norwich is recognised nationally and referred to as a growing Diocese.

Currently we receive £1.6 million from the Archbishops’ Council to support ministry and this is allocated through the Benefice Support Meetings. With the recent changes outlined in the Reform and Renewal programme this sum had been expected to reduce considerably, and whilst the figure may drop it will be gradual to £1.3 million over the next decade. This is because the funds are being allocated based on urban deprivation and rural poverty. The annual household income is £15,500 per house in the Diocese of Norwich. As a result the Archbishops’ Council has allocated £700,000 to assist us in our mission over the next five years. This is to be match funded from our reserves and other charitable funds removing the need to fund from our parish share income.

The Revd Paul Burr (Humbleyard) was concerned that Synod had not been involved when drawing up the strategy document.

The Bishop of Thetford explained this had not been practical due to the time constraints of being able to present at the Visitations however members of Synod had been included in the formation thus far.

The Bishop of Norwich added that the document was in two parts. The first part assesses what has been received and the second part will look at developing the work streams. The groups in this process will also involve members of Synod. We are setting out on a journey, the process will be organic – nothing has been fixed in stone.

After coffee the Chair was taken by the Revd Canon Sally Theakston (Chair of The House of Clergy).

6. DIOCESAN MISSION STRATEGY – CONTINUED.

The Bishop of Thetford continued with a second presentation on what the planned approach would be: What actions can we take? What changes do we need to make? How do we ensure that our policies and practices encourage growth? How can we see our expectations expanded under God?

LISTEN, CELEBRATE, IMAGINE, EMPOWER

4 There will be four key streams of work, each with a new, additional budget, which will be developed under the leadership of Bishop Graham. Emphasis on the importance of reporting and review was to be made with regular updates at Bishop’s Staff; to Bishop’s Council and Synod annually. There was a need to understand that strategy can’t be written in stone, but will go on developing.

The aim is to focus responses on the challenges we face and the opportunities we may be able to grasp with the funding available. It will be about what support the Diocese can offer to the parishes.

There is also a desire to celebrate and get better at sharing good news and good ideas. eNews, The Magazine, and the website are all great resources but there is always more scope for finding new ways of telling the story and sharing insights and joys. It will also be important to network with other dioceses and learn from experience in other settings.

Diocese of Norwich Committed to Growth Mission Strategy 2021 “….more than we can imagine”

Members were then invited to breakout into small groups to discuss further the contents of both presentations. Questions were then invited.

Caroline Herbert (General Synod) asked how the training would be undertaken? Will it be based in Norwich or spread out across the Diocese?

Stella Noons (Norwich North) was pleased to see the focus on attendance to commitment but how would this be taken forward?

The Revd Charles Read (General Synod) wanted to ensure that we all understood the Diocese is everyone and that the parishes and benefices should be empowering each other and not expecting all help to come centrally. Also vocation did not necessarily mean ordained ministry and that other types of vocations were available.

Alistair Skipper (Breckland) Asked if it was possible for a copy of the presentation to be made available? It could be used to encourage parishes to start talking to their neighbours and find out what they can do together.

The Bishop of Thetford in response confirmed training would be spread out. Attendance to commitment was a strong theme throughout the strategy. Vocation and vocations encompassed both the ordained and the laity. The final presentation would be put on the website in due course.

The Revd Paul Cubitt (St Benet at Waxham & Tunstead) ask why ‘Committed to Growth’ had been removed from our corporate branding?

5 David Pearson (Great Yarmouth) felt the Sir Francis Drake prayer too long and would not something from Mother Julian of Norwich be more succinct and relative?

The Revd Dr Patrick Richmond (Norwich South) felt there was scope for a more radical rethink. What is the Diocesan Strategy for replacing retiring clergy?

Jan Sexton (Dereham in Mitford) felt the word ‘morale’ was missing and this should be addressed. She was also concerned that Fresh Expressions was often interpreted as Messy Church or Café Church when there are many other forms available.

The Bishop of Thetford responded confirming he would review all areas where ‘Committed to Growth’ was used. He was more than happy to look at other suggestions for prayers. With regard to retiring clergy the Church of England’s Ministry Experience was already trying to attract younger people and ‘morale’ was already being addressed in the work streams by listening and celebrating.

The Revd Canon Howard Stoker (Holt) welcomed the emphasis on mission and ministry but what would it look like in the future? How would it keep creedal and sacramental?

Russell Herring (Norwich East) asked Synod to imagine they had never been in a church before – what sort of greeting would they receive in theirs. Traditions can be such a barrier.

The Bishop of Norwich felt the character of the Church of England was perceived differently by everyone. We need to ensure it is grounded in scripture. Often those who feel they are the most welcoming are often the least. This is not a new initiative. We are growing out of what we have already. He hoped the diocese is one that people will want to come and work and serve in.

5. NEWS FROM THE DEANERIES

A presentation was given by the Revd Canon James Nash (Lynn), which can be viewed on our website or a copy provided upon request to Karen Hall.

He explained Lynn was a Deanery of contrasts – rural, urban, deprived and affluent. He provided details of the most affluent and deprived rural and suburban parishes which were often to be found side by side. Due to time constraints he was unable to take questions but the Chair suggested that Members should approach him directly after the meeting

6. REPORT FROM GENERAL SYNOD

The Revd Canon Howard Stoker (Holt and General Synod) thanked members, on behalf of his other General Synod colleagues for having the confidence to vote for them. Again, due to time constraints he was unable to take questions but the Chair suggested that Members should approach him directly after the meeting. He did however advise members that information was readily available (Report of Proceedings can be found at https://www.churchofengland.org/media/2450016/rop_november_2015__formatted_with

6 out_index_.pdf ) and sessions were streamed live, available via an app or followed via twitter.

7. QUESTIONS UNDER STANDING ORDER 71

The Revd Canon Chris Terry, Team Rector of the Great Yarmouth Team Ministry and Rural Dean of the Great Yarmouth Deanery, who had given due notice of his question, asked the Diocesan Registrar, Stuart Jones:

“If at the funeral, taken by a civil celebrant, there has been no entrusting into God’s hands and no hope expressed of the Resurrection, would the incumbent be within their rights to refuse burial of the ashes as inconsistent with Christian teaching?”

The Diocesan Registrar said that it was not possible to refuse burial as The Burial Laws Amendment Act 1880 allows anyone to conduct a funeral service in the churchyard (regardless of their faith or lack of faith) as long as they have first given due notice to the incumbent in the form of the notice in Schedule A to the Act. Funeral Directors should be aware of the 1880 Act provisions”. The incumbent does however have discretion over where ashes are buried, and of course the right to bury ashes is dependent upon space continuing to be available.

The Revd Canon Chris Terry then asked a supplementary question:

“Could the PCC make local rules to this effect to limit the filling up of space in the area set aside to the exclusion of those who had a Christian funeral especially where local authority cemeteries are available nearby?”

Again the Diocesan Registrar responded with “No” for the same reason.

CLOSING PRAYERS AND BLESSING

Synod was brought to a close by Bishop Graham with a prayer and blessing.

Signed ………………………………………………..

Date ………………………………………………..

7