NORWICH DIOCESAN SYNOD

Minutes of a meeting held at Northgate High School, East , 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 ( 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 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.

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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 () 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 () 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

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budget of £25k. The key area of change was awareness raising and increasing the knowledge and education of the people.

Trudie Jackson () 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 ( 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 TOGETHER

The Bishop of Lynn introduced Anna Heydon and Andrew Frere-Smith, Development Workers for 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 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 confidently in all of life, Sunday to Saturday.

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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 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 , celebrating this Anniversary of the First Ordination of Women.

The Chair was then taken by Kandi Kammoun (Chair of The House of Laity).

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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. The Diocesan website was also under redevelopment to enable parishes to find resources and help more easily.

The Revd Canon Howard Stoker (Holt) asked if the VAT relief on listed buildings is due to come to an end in March 2020. Caroline Rawlings, Church Development Officer confirmed this was still the case but the HMRC did have it under review.

Celebrate

The Dean introduced this element of the Mission Strategy drawing attention to the resources and ideas now available.

Gordon Darley, Director of Marketing and Communications, gave an update on the new Mission Hub project which is designed to support people in finding the correct advice needed. An area including ‘How To’ guides and a ‘Top Tips’ section is being developed. There will also be a central place to search for items and refine certain resources. This should be launched in the autumn.

The stream are also investing funds into social media and looking to promote Norfolk as a fulfilling diocese when recruiting clergy and other officers.

The Dean mentioned the Seeing it Differently Project where a 50ft-high Helter Skelter will form the centerpiece in the Cathedral’s Nave from 8-18th August 2019. A special service will end the project on 18th August at 4.30pm with The Bishop of Lynn presiding.

The Revd Jemma Sander-Heys (Great Yarmouth) asked if the Helter Skelter would require booking in advance? The Dean confirmed this is not the case but there would be a small charge. It is effectively being used as a ‘dry-run’ event before Dippy the Dinosaur visits next year.

The Revd Tim Yau enquired as to whether there is a date planned for the next Bishop’s Mission Day. The Dean explained that as there was no at present, the cathedral is focusing on arranging these other big occasions instead.

Imagine

The Bishop of Lynn started his presentation by talking of the imagination required to help bring a fresh way of attending churches. He gave an example of a Beer and Hymn service he would be attending at a local village pub!

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To continue with this theme he welcomed The Revd Tim Yau, Mission Enabler, who provided an enthusiastic presentation on ‘Re-Imagining Church’. This new initiative looks to enable new ways of supporting fresh expressions of church, encourage parish churches to grow and enable individuals to deepen their faith.

A copy of this presentation can be viewed via the website or upon request to Hazel Weaver.

Additional resources are available at https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/churches/mission/2021/reimagining-church

Empower

The Bishop of Thetford ended this item by reminding members of the Growth in Service grant that offers parishes up to £2,000 towards mission through service in local communities. The grant is available to all churches within the Diocese for activities and projects (new or existing) that are linked to churches within the Diocese. For further information regarding this grant, please contact Karen Hall.

Working in conjunction with the Strategic Development Funding Application, the Empower work stream are looking to support church revitalisation and a church planting training centre.

The group is also looking at vocations which include Youth Ministry Undergraduate Training Scheme and a Ministry Experience Scheme.

Members were provided with a booklet containing full details of the work of the mission streams. Additional copies are available on request to Hazel Weaver. Updates on all work streams can be found via our website https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/churches/mission/2021

7. STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDING BID

The provided a report on the application process for the Strategic Development Funding Bid. He was pleased to confirm the first stage of the application had been successful and was optimistic of a positive outcome for the second stage. The main aim of the bid is to produce 10 vibrant, intergenerational and growing worshipping communities (also called focus churches) in both rural and urban areas. People will be developed to support the focus churches via a Training Hub and it is hoped after a five-year rolling programme each church will be self-supporting.

Curates will be recruited to support this venture, and The Bishop of Thetford was pleased to confirm these would be in addition to our normal quota.

A copy of this presentation can be viewed via the website or upon request to Hazel Weaver.

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8. GENERAL SYNOD UPDATE

A report had been previously circulated by The Revd Canon Howard Stoker (Holt). He had, however, omitted an item on Clergy Care and Wellbeing 2020. This covered how clergy exercise their ministry, how to care for themselves and their families, and engage public ministry, both in the local and wider church. This item will be returning to Synod by the end of next year.

The Revd Patrick Richmond (Norwich South and General Synod) added to the report General Synod’s Campaign ‘Motivating the Million’. It was to encourage engagement, allow a mission focused approach and get young people involved with the church. Plans include work to create more lay leaders.

9. NEWS FROM THE DEANERIES

The Revd Canon Andrew Beane provided a vibrant and positive presentation on and Deanery. He explained how he had used mentimeter (www.menti.com) to conduct a short survey with parishioners and after a longer period of consultation, the Ingworth Deanery and Sparham Deanery had merged to produce one larger deanery. He offered some statistics on what his deanery thought were the key issues and also spoke of the popularity and engagement their churches have within their rural communities, without the need of ‘alternative thinking’.

A copy of this presentation can be viewed via the website or upon request to Hazel Weaver.

Vivienne Clifford-Jackson (Humbleyard) asked what was the source of data used when compiling the percentages for the provided statistics. The Revd Canon Andrew Beane explained a survey using the Mentimeter programme automatically calculated all of the data that it received and produced the percentages provided.

He also explained a series of discussions within the deanery have been taking place relating to its focuses, especially as it has a large multi-parish benefice. In particular what purpose deanery synod has for them?

Helen Steele (Lynn) wanted to express her view as Lay Chair to Lynn Deanery Synod, the essential role of deanery synods, especially when it comes to bringing the clergy and lay people together. The Revd Canon Andrew Beane was aware of their importance however, due to the large geographical distance, (some of the deanery synod members travel up to 53 miles to attend), it is now being questioned if this is the best forum. They are only at the start of their discussions but are looking at the potential of encouraging more engagement with lay development rather than deanery synods.

10. QUESTIONS UNDER STANDING ORDER 71

There were no questions under Standing Order 71.

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The Chair, then invited, Harry Verney ( and Rising) to speak, having received an earlier request.

Harry Verney asked Synod why the monies collected at funerals were not spilt with the church, something that had happened at his previous diocese.

The Revd Canon Paul Cubitt (St Benet at Waxham & Tunstead) responded by confirming he has seen this in action and it created serious repercussions and damage pastorally. It would equate to less funerals.

The Revd Brenda Stewart (Burnham & ) queried if gift aid was being claimed.

The Diocesan Secretary stated many families nominate a charity who in turn claim gift aid. The sharing of the collection is not something Synod can direct. It is a local decision.

Before the close of Synod The Diocesan Secretary announced, that after 39 years of service Amanda Hunt, Property Services Administrator would be retiring at the end of May 2019. He wanted to thank Amanda for her commitment and hard work during her many years with us. Synod responded with a round of applause.

The Bishop of Thetford then brought Synod to a close with a prayer and blessing.

Signed ………………………………………………..

Date ………………………………………………..

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