Norwich Diocesan Synod
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NORWICH DIOCESAN SYNOD Minutes of a meeting held at Northgate High School, East Dereham, NR19 2EU Saturday 23rd March 2019 The Chair was taken by The Revd Canon Sally Theakston (Chair of the House of Clergy) OPENING PRAYERS Opening prayers were led by David Anderson (Repps). 1. THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13th OCTOBER 2018 Under item 3 on page 1 David Griffith (Thetford and Rockland) stated the amendments made to the minutes for 23rd June 2018 were incorrect and should state the following correction: “…The Standing Advisory Committee (SACRE) is responsible for the production of the locally Agreed Syllabus for RE which is given to schools once the Agreed Syllabus Conference have written it…” The minutes were then approved and signed as a true record. 2. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MEETING There were no matters arising. Before commencing item 3 the Diocesan Secretary promulgated the following:- “At its February 2019 group of sessions, held in London, the General Synod resolved that Amending Canon No. 38 be made promulged and executed. Amending Canon No.38 replaces the former Canon B 43 (relations with other Churches) and Canon B 44 (local ecumenical projects) with a new Canon B 43 to be entitled “Of ecumenical relations.” 3. LENT APPEAL 2019 The Bishop of Lynn first asked permission for guest speakers The Revd Canon Richard Bartlett (Director of Mission Engagement at USPG) and Davidson Solanki (USPG Programme Manager for Asia) to present to Synod. Approval was given. 1 The Bishop of Lynn introduced this item by explaining that in the intervening years of supporting Papua New Guinea, this year the chosen 2019 Lent Appeal did not have a direct connection with the Diocese but a close working relationship with USPG and the work they are doing to prevent human trafficking. There then followed an in-depth presentation and film on the work currently being undertaken by USPG. USPG is focusing one of its strategic aims ‘Championing Justice’ to support the Diocese of Durgapur with its Anti-Human Trafficking Programme. This is working to prevent and support those involved in human trafficking. The region is very poor and 70% of congregations are tribes. There are high levels of immigration due to the border with Bangladesh and many people have a low livelihood. All these reasons mean many find themselves working in the human trafficking industry. To combat this, USPG are focusing on four key areas – Community, Injustice, Gender and Climate. To those in need they are offering self-help groups, livelihood support, a study course, farmers training and academic programmes, as well as working closely ecumenically with other faiths in the area to get those involved out of their current situation. They also support a safe house which offers protection, shelter, food and an education to those high at risk. The film shown, plus additional leaflets and booklets can be obtained upon request to Hazel Weaver or via our website https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/churches/seasonal/lent All monies raised from our Lent Appeal 2019 will go towards an expansion of the safe house which will include a new computer centre containing four to five computers with a tutor to teach how to use them. There will also be a library, as well as lessons in cooking, self-care and protection. Douglas Bain (Blofield) asked the value of the people being sold and whether younger people obtained a higher value. Davidson Solanki explained people can find themselves in this situation for all manner of reasons. India is huge, there is a huge market and money is a key factor. Traffickers could sell people to brothels, domestic houses or other brokers, often serving in sub-human conditions and in remote areas with no food. Alistair Skipper (Breckland) asked if figures could be provided in giving a percentage as to how many people are trafficked within India and externally. Unfortunately, there are no official figures available but most will be trafficked internally to areas such as Calcutta, Mumbai and other major cities. Andrew Gray (General Synod) thanked The Revd Canon Richard Bartlett and Davidson Solanki for their presentation. He queried whether if there were any figures to confirm how much impact this work was having and what resources were required to scale the work up. Davidson Solanki confirmed at their three year evaluation which will be available at the end of the year, they will have seen a reduction of 70% in human trafficking, based on the four key areas they have targeted. This is a long-term plan lasting 10 to 15 years with an annual 2 budget of £25k. The key area of change was awareness raising and increasing the knowledge and education of the people. Trudie Jackson (Lothingland) was keen to know if the Indian Government were supportive of this incentive, and was pleased to hear they have been very supportive of the programme and in promoting the organisation both locally and nationally. Sister Stella Noons (Norwich North) asked the age of children at the safe house and was advised the safe house has 25 girls aged between 10 to 17 years old. The Revd Canon Richard Bartlett ended this item by asking if The Bishop of Calcutta, who is to attend the USPG Conference in June 2019 as a guest speaker, could visit the Diocese. The Bishop of Lynn was happy to look into that request. 4. IMAGINE NORFOLK TOGETHER The Bishop of Lynn introduced Anna Heydon and Andrew Frere-Smith, Development Workers for Great Yarmouth and King’s Lynn respectively, who provided a presentation on their work with Imagine Norfolk Together. Imagine Norfolk Together is a joint venture between the Church Urban Fund and the Diocese of Norwich which tackles poverty, deprivation and disadvantage within King’s Lynn and Great Yarmouth. Anna Heydon and Andrew Frere-Smith spoke of the various initiatives and groups they are involved with, some of which are projects started by them. They also gave examples of some of their successes. A copy of this presentation can be viewed via the website or upon request to Hazel Weaver. Vivienne Clifford-Jackson (Humbleyard) asked how sustainable the initiatives were and if the local authorities have acknowledged the need for long-term investment. Andrew Frere- Smith agreed that long-term sustainability has always been an issue for causes like these. The night shelter, which attracts 130 regular visitors, currently costs £92k to run and that cannot fund itself. The local council were astounded by the attention some of their initiatives had received. He was positive they will be able to work with them to achieve a good outcome. Jennifer Vere (Redenhall) asked if Imagine Norfolk Together combined work with the Church Army Centre for Mission in King’s Lynn. Andrew Frere-Smith confirmed a small overlap for projects like the social breakfast. 5. SETTING GOD’S PEOPLE FREE The Revd Canon Heather Butcher introduced a presentation on Setting God’s People Free, a programme of change to enable the whole people of God to live out the Good News of Jesus confidently in all of life, Sunday to Saturday. 3 It is also called ‘Living Our Everyday Faith’, looking to affirm people, wherever and whoever they are and equip them at their place of work and home. Julie Rubidge, team member within Setting God’s People Free, was also introduced to Synod and is happy to visit deaneries and advise, should they so wish. In the future the team are hoping to: - upload videos and other media on to the diocesan website - produce prayer cards - create resource packs - have regular attendance at the work streams to ensure disciple making is embedded in our Diocesan strategy - Promote ‘ordinary working lives’ within The Magazine It was emphasised as not ‘another big project’ but an ethos to be embedded as we encourage the everyday use of faith. Jonathan Richardson, Children, Youth and Families Development Officer, took over the presentation by encouraging Synod to think about three objectives - - Why we find it hard to share our faith - Why people may not live out their faith at work - How we could help people do this The purpose of this was to identify our strengths and weaknesses in installing our faith into everyday life. Vivienne Clifford-Jackson (Humbleyard) was concerned this could be received negatively and expressed a need for the better relationships between the clergy and lay people. Jonathan Richardson agreed and confirmed this is precisely one of the areas being looked into. The Bishop of Thetford then announced The Revd Susanna Gunner had been appointed the Spirituality and Discipleship Advisor on a part time basis with her role as Bishop’s Chaplain. She will be working in particular to bridge the gap between lay people and the clergy. The Revd Sue Hemsley-Halls was also announced as the new Diocesan Coordinator of the Authorised Worship Assistants (AWA) Initiative with an aim in bridging the gap between Sunday service and everyday life. Before breaking for coffee, The Revd Canon Sally Theakston announced that she and The Dean would be celebrating their 25th Anniversary of priesting. A special service will be held on Sunday 19th May at 3.30pm at Norwich Cathedral, celebrating this Anniversary of the First Ordination of Women. The Chair was then taken by Kandi Kammoun (Chair of The House of Laity). 4 6. MISSION STRATEGY UPDATE Listen The Diocesan Secretary provided an update on the works undertaken by the Listen work stream identified by the initial consultation. These included a number of workshops on transforming church buildings, parish funding and parish resources. Other areas of support included resources for parish both for church buildings and mission.