HIGHLIGHTS of the Church in ’ Governing Body meeting at the City Hall, on 1-2 May 2019

Being a good shepherd Focus on rural ministry See page 3. Presidential Address Contents Page 1 Be ready and willing to listen, Presidential Address. urges Church Page 3 Rural Issues.

Be ready and willing to listen, even to things you don’t want to hear, the Page 5 Progress on gender equality. said in his Presidential Address. Listening to each other attentively and respectfully was a key part of our faith and church Page 6 life, enabling us to walk willingly together, especially when faced with Clergy renumeration. diffi cult, divisive and challenging issues. The Archbishop, John Davies, said he hoped his addresses at Governing Page 7 Body would encourage the wider Church, though its members. Buildings for mission. He said, “Listening properly in the context of our corporate faith and the development of our individual faith-journeys can be demanding, and it can Page 7 be unsettling,” he said. “This is because it’s more than simply hearing; that’s Evangelism Fund update. a physiological process, the mere registering, by our brains, of random, external sounds. Page 9 “Listening is the conscious engagement of mind, soul and spirit with what is Private Members’ Motion. heard. And that conscious engagement happens by means of respectful and gracious attentiveness of mind, soul and spirit. The result can, and sometimes Page 11 Cathedral constitution. should, challenge our preconceptions, it might require us to make a change of Monmouth election.

Page 12 Update on same-sex relationships. Standing Committee report.

Page 13 Question Time.

Page 14 Worship and Collection.

Published by the Representative Body of the on behalf of the Governing Body of the Church in Wales, May 2019. No part of this publication maybe reproduced without permission from the Publications Manager: The Representative Body of the Church in Wales, 2 Callaghan Square, Cardiff . CF10 5BT All pictures are © of the Representative Body of the Church in Wales.

Page 1 | May 2019 | Highlights or lead us to recognise that at least and to receive it must mean, for us, we ought to be ready to consider not being dragooned or forced into a change. And let me assure you unattractive and unwelcome ways of that I have no particular change in behaving, but recognising that the mind – I am simply attempting to gentle and well-tailored guidance state what I fi rmly believe to be a which our Lord gives leads to the key principle of the way in which we fulness of life for us and for others. should conduct ourselves and do our “The cross, of course, far from business as a church.” being an instrument for careful and Listening could mean gentle guidance, was a brutal, cruel “uncomfortably humbling” ourselves, and coarse instrument of both torture he said, warning that there might be and execution. Being instructed items on the meeting’s agenda some to take that up might seem to be support would rather not hear. an entirely diff erent matter. Yet, Christian Aid appeal “Readiness and willingness to interpreted as an encouragement The , together demonstrate that respectful and to abandon self-interest and with the other bishops present gracious attentiveness of mind, selfi sh desires in favour of humble, at the meeting, joined Christian soul and spirit, to the Father, to generous and loving, service and Aid’s call to support mothers in the Teacher, to the Spirit and to support of others, after the example Sierra Leone. each other, may sometimes mean of Christ, sets the instruction in a This year’s appeal drew attention uncomfortably humbling ourselves radically diff erent, more bearable and to the high maternal death rate in by being attentive to and listening less menacing light.” Sierra Leone where women are 150 to things we don’t like and would Taking up the yoke and the cross times more likely to die in childbirth rather not even hear; things with demanded certain things of us, than they are in the UK – making it which we might disagree profoundly. said Archbishop John, including a the most dangerous place to become There are almost certainly items on willingness to listen to each other. a mum. An estimated 15,000 the agenda of this meeting which “Christ off ers yoke and cross, mothers have died during childbirth some of us will, undoubtedly, view in and Christ commands that they since the Ebola crisis in 2014. such ways. But hear about them we be taken up. He doesn’t suggest, Christian Aid is helping remote must, and be respectfully attentive he commands. So, for today, communities come together to to those who think diff erently, we for tomorrow and for our future, build health clinics, as well as must, shining upon them the light of let me please urge you and training nurses to provide urgent the Father’s wisdom, the light of the encourage you and our whole care in communities and improving Teacher’s love and the light of the church family, to willingly and fully hygiene, so mothers and babies are Spirit’s grace.” commit to that important process more likely to fi ght off diseases. The Archbishop said listening of listening, undertaken in eager Bishop had a respectfully was part of what it attentiveness, and in willing, gracious personal reason for supporting the meant to follow Christ. He referred respectfulness of each other. appeal. She said, “This is a such an to two passages in St Matthew’s “Then, in word and action – important appeal. In the UK we take Gospel: chapter 11, verses 28-29 and, perhaps, especially when we good antenatal care and medical about taking up Christ’s yoke and diff er over diffi cult, divisive and support in childbirth for granted. chapter 16, verse 24, about taking challenging issues – we will be As someone who almost died up Christ’s cross. able to demonstrate that we truly giving birth, I know fi rst-hand how He said, “The calling of Christ understand what it means to take up important it is to have all the right to his followers is to take upon yoke and the cross, willingly walking help and care in place. In supporting themselves a yoke. To embrace a together, even if not always being Christian Aid’s work, we can make a way of living that, far from being a able to agree.” diff erence. Please give today.” galling, injurious burden, is a yoke of For more information on the gentleness, free from the roughness appeal and how to donate, visit: of overbearing, unreasonable To download the text of the caweek.org demands. Being called to take it up Presidential Address visit: churchinwales.org.uk/news

Highlights | May 2019 | Page 2 Debate exposes harsh

Rural issues reality of country life

The struggle of people living centres and agricultural shows. They They needed to do their best to and working in the countryside, were also involved in projects such as ensure that the fi nancial and stategic and the key role of the church in Tir Dewi in St Davids , which decisions they made supported the helping them, were highlighted lent a listening ear and even practical role of the local church and its building in a presentation on rural life. help to farmers. across the rural communities of The archdeacon- The Bishop of St Davids, Joanna Wales, she said. designate of Cardigan, Penberthy, proposed the motion, Bishop Joanna added that the Eileen Davies saying that she knew fi rst hand both role of the Rural Life Advisors was - a farmer herself and the joys and diffi culties of life in rural three fold: fi rstly to be a presence with Rural Life Advisor for areas and the vital role played by the farming and rural communities St Davids Diocese parishes. However, she warned that by visiting farms and rural business - spoke of how farmers were suff ering affi rming the role of the local church and being present at the marts and from increasing isolation and mental meant fi rstly affi rming the role and at the shows; secondly developing health issues. She urged members presence of the local church building. expertise in the issues faced by rural to support a motion calling for each “Our countryside is beautiful but communities; and thirdly being an diocese to appoint a rural life advisor the harsh realities of farming life can interface between the diocese, local and develop a strategy for engaging be brutal. In many rural communities churches and the rural communities. with rural communities. our church building is the last public Seconding the motion Terri Hatfi eld Canon Davies said rural building still open. But they are (St Davids) said communities had changed drastically expensive to maintain both in money she worked for a over the years and more people and in time and the ministry for which fi rm of accountants were becoming lonely and isolated they are a focus is also expensive to in West Wales and as local facilities such as shops and maintain,” said Bishop Joanna. had noticed that a pubs shut. Often it was only the She called for a commitment to lot of their elderly church as an organisation and as a keep these church buildings in rural farming clients were the last in their building that was left in many rural areas open. family line. villages. “Supporting this motion calls Some were too old or frail to “The backbone of the countryside for an adult work the farm but did not want to is agriculture and this is the industry conversation on move elsewhere, even though their that has the highest rate of suicide. how we unlock farmhouse might be in a poor state Farmers work long hours often alone, resources, of repair. Their health might also be through technology they are able to practically and suff ering as they might not easily be get through a great deal of work but wisely. It means able to get to doctors and dentists. there is no one to talk to – they are that Governing Body is asking “They are socially isolated because lonely and isolated and this can have our Representative Body and our family have died and, when you’re in far reaching consequences in terms of Diocesan Boards of Finance and our your 80s, many of your friends have both physical and mental health,” said Diocesan Standing Committees to died too. The local church is ideally Canon Davies. bear in mind the vital role that local placed, quite often literally in similarly She said that Rural Life Advisors, church buildings, and the local church isolated places, to off er support to where present, did tremendous work communities that sustain and are those in need,” said Mrs Hatfi eld. in ensuring the church was there not sustained by them, have in supporting The Revd Justin Davies (Swansea only on a Sunday, but seven days the rural communities in which they and Brecon) welcomed the report. of the week, visiting local livestock are set.” He called on the church to go

Page 3 | May 2019 | Highlights further and encourage new industry products they should also make the to provide jobs and growth. “The same stand to buy local products countryside can be a very exciting and food. place to work,” he said. “We need The Revd Chancellor Dr Patrick to be a campaigning people. Cast Thomas (St Davids) said there was forward and look at the trends and a tendency to think of the countryside see where we are going to be in fi ve as a chocolate box place where years’ and ten years’ time? What everything stayed the same, whereas is the training that we need to give in fact it was constantly changing. to these ministers and what are the “There are those who move to the outcomes we are looking for?” countryside and then lose a partner Both Peredur Griffi ths, visiting - perhaps the one who can drive a from Cytûn, car. The church is so important, as and the Revd the main focus of the community has Dr Stephen Wigley, gone and the only thing that is left is of the Methodist the church,” he said. Church, urged The Revd Adam Pawley an ecumenical () approach to suggested a bid helping rural be made to the communities. Evangelism Fund The issues faced to create a post were a concern of a Rural Life to all Christian Evangelist. It was an idea supported churches, they said, and resources by Archbishop John. could be pooled. “ Francis warned against Dr Robert Wilkinson, St Davids, the church becoming involved in said any strategy developed needed good works in the community per to address regulation of the banks se. It risks becoming a voluntary too. “I have personal experience of arm of the social services,” he said. farmers being driven to violence by “What must underpin our work is the unsympathetic behaviour of banks,” Gospel imperative and we should pay he said. attention to how the Evangelism Fund Jonathan Hughes (Swansea and could be used in rural areas.” Brecon) highlighted the paucity of The motion was carried. aff ordable housing in rural areas. Motion: Churches had assets that could be That the Governing Body: released to help, he suggested, urging (i) affi rm the role of the local church in more work with the Faith In Aff ordable supporting rural communities; Housing initiative. (ii) request each diocese to: Daniel Priddy (St Davids) (a) appoint a Rural Life Adviser, with suggested as churches have dedicated time to carry out the role; committed to buying Fair Trade (b) develop a strategy for constructive engagement with rural communities.

Highlights | May 2019 | Page 4 Progress on gender equality

Progress has been encouraging on inclusion and one which embraces “Like so many other social the representation of women in the and is proud of its diversity.” organisations we are beset with and Church in Wales but there is still The report said, “There is still work tainted by bias, discrimination and more work to do. to do to implement more transparent, injustice and we have to acknowledge A Working Group set up to review inclusive and fairer working at every that and be grown up about the the representation of women in the level in the Church in Wales: in its strategic steps that we need to take work and structures of the Church in governing structures, in Diocesan as a church to be true to what we Wales brought its fourth report to the decision-making, and in parishes and believe,” said Bishop June. Governing Body since it was set up 13 Ministry / Mission Areas. A Church The motion was seconded by Lis years ago. whose core function is to proclaim a Perkins (Bangor). Dr Gill Todd (Swansea and Brecon), Gospel of love, respect and justice The Revd Joel Barder (St Davids) in presenting the for all people must continue to work said he found it report said that in for a culture of equality and fairness diffi cult to agree 2006 the agenda of treatment for all involved in it, with the motion was about numbers and tolerate nothing less from its and asked for and equality but members.” clarifi cation about today the agenda Dr Todd added that the challenge whether it was had expanded to also include a to the Working Group and to the a desire for equality of opportunity recognition of the importance of bias, Church in Wales was to review its or for equality of outcome. “Is it our conscious and unconscious, the progress in the context of changes in desire that all people be given equal Me Too movement and training for society which had taken place in the opportunity or a desire to enforce a 50 Leadership. last 13 years. 50 split?” The latest report, which contains These included changes relating Sue Last (St Asaph) said anybody nine recommendations, stated that to social media and discussions in any position progress in the last 12 years had been under the auspices of the Me Too should be chosen encouraging in many areas but not movement - a campaign against on their skills and been suffi cient everywhere. sexual harassment and sexual assault ability and urged Dr Todd said, “It is very pleasing to especially in the workplace. all to stand before you today and to be able “The Church must continue to monitor what to say that a signifi cant amount of transform into a Body that can use was going on and to see what could progress has been made: two women the gifts of all its people to the full. be done if they were not meeting bishops, four women archdeacons This is a goal which is exciting and requirements. and two women cathedral deans. But achievable,” said Dr Todd. The Revd Naomi Starkey (Bangor) it is not just about those appointments The Bishop of Llandaff , June called for a dean signifi cant as they are. Osborne for women’s “A review by FTSE 100 proposed the ministry to be set organisations of gender equality has motion saying up in each diocese shown that organisations succeed that she wanted to ensure the issue when there are women in leadership to highlight two did not slip down roles and organisations embrace things. the agenda. rather than tolerate diversity. The fi rst was a recognition that our Jennie Willson, St Asaph, said “These women in senior roles integrity as a church depended on this there ought to be an expectation in the Church in Wales will be role agenda for action and secondly that for an explanation when targets models for women’s ministry and as there was a need to ensure that the were not met. There needed to such the Working Group expects them church ‘stepped up’ to the resources be consequences for those who to infl uence the Province towards in time, eff ort and expenditure that the continued to discriminate. She also continuing to developing a culture of motion would require. suggested women could be invited

Page 5 | May 2019 | Highlights onto groups in an ex-offi cio capacity to gloss over this – there can be no This report is about us as an where representation was lacking, to gloss on what is before us.” institution growing further in our ensure a female voice. Bishop June thanked Mr James baptismal duty together.” Canon Dylan Williams (Bangor) Turner, the chairman of the RB for In response to questions from the said that both proposing an amendment (iv) to the fl oor Dr Gill Todd said the Working Dr Gill Todd and motion requesting a further report Group would welcome the suggestion Bishop June had from the Working Party in 2025 of a dean for women’s ministry. She made the point saying, “I welcome the amendment added that a confi dential helpline that there has which keeps us all under scrutiny – should be set up to deal with bullying been a shift since 2025 is a realistic time frame. There and bad behaviour. She also said 2006 and 2019 but in his view the shift are gaps in achieving diversity. more work was needed to encourage had not been as strong as it should be. Gender is an issue – I hear all the the vocations of younger women – the “I would say that there is time women talking of prejudice and big gender gap was younger women something out of place in our culture. of being belittled. We have a task, coming into the church. We are suff ering from a sort of not just about changing attitudes, The motion was carried with spiritual ill-health and I won’t seek but needing structural solutions. 12 abstentions. Motion: That the Governing Body: (i) receive and welcome the Report of the Working Group on Representation of Women in the Church in Wales dated May 2019 and endorse the recommendations therein; (ii) recognise that the equality agenda is the responsibility of the whole Church; (iii) commend the Report to the Province, dioceses, and ministry / mission areas for study and appropriate action, and request each diocesan Standing Committee to monitor progress in their diocese; (iv) request the Standing Committee to initiate a further report from the Working Group in 2025.

‘Holistic approach’ for clergy’s pay and benefi ts

Signifi cant work on all aspects of clergy that a holistic approach to this subject was vital to ensure renumeration had been done over the past year that any future arrangements were fair, aff ordable and fi t and recommendations were being prepared on the for the future. package as a whole. “This has meant careful consideration of stipend levels, James Turner, chair of the Representative Body, the clergy pension scheme and the treatment of fees from updated members on the review which occasional offi ces, and the way in which these elements was led by Dame Claire Clancy. link with and balance each other. There is also the “This key exercise is being taken question of clergy housing and a number of other matters forward with due care and sensitivity,” he – not directly linked to remuneration – which were raised said. “People are always an institution’s by clergy via the survey and will need to be addressed by greatest resource, and our clergy have the appropriate bodies.” a key role to play as we seek to grow The working group brought an interim report to as a church and deepen in spirituality as disciples. It is the Representative Body in March and was now vital, therefore, that we make sure that we take the time in the process of preparing the fi nal report with necessary to get this review right and ensure that our recommendations. clergy are properly and fairly remunerated for the great The report will be considered, initially by the service they have given and continue to give the Church Representative Body’s People Committee and its Audit in Wales.” and Risk Committee, and then by the Representative The work of the group was informed by a major survey Body itself at the end of June. It will also be discussed at of clergy in 2018, the results of which were shared at the the annual Joint Finance Meeting (June). start of the year. Following this, further consultation with The fi nal proposals will be subject to a full consultation stakeholders took place. with the clergy. “The Representative Body recognised from the outset A full report will be made to Governing Body in September.

HighlightsHiH ghlights | MayMay 2019202 19 | PagePage 6 From Grade One listed cathedrals were a signifi cant challenge as they Working in nine small groups, to church halls, ensuring our were a continuing obligation with members then explored ideas to buildings are fi t for mission reducing income. address these challenges. provoked lively discussion. With church closure rates Alex said he was “overwhelmed” Alex Glanville, head of property averaging one per cent per year, by the ideas and thoughts. Initial Services, set the trying to fi nd the best long-term use suggestions included community scene about the for redundant churches was of key engagement, training and third-party challenges faced importance. usage. All ideas put forward will be and the need for In 2017, local churches spent considered by the Representative ideas and solutions £14.7m on property accounting for Body in conjunction with the dioceses to allow great 37per cent of annual expenditure. to see how they might be feasibly mission to happen in our churches. Alex encouraged: “Despite the progressed. In a fi rst for GB, an interactive ‘live’ challenges, we are very blessed.” The results of the poll held at the online poll was carried out, before The Representative Body and the GB can be seen at http://doo.vote/gb ideas were explored more deeply in dioceses were all working towards the You can see the key ideas from the break-out discussion groups. following goals: group sessions and add comments Alex explained “change starts • Identifi cation of sustainable and at http://doo.vote/gbresults with an idea and we want your ideas unsustainable churches; today”. • Putting in place the right support With 1,296 open churches / for those that we retain – money, cathedrals in Wales – 913 of which help, advice, guidance; are listed buildings – 70 per cent of • Eff ective planning of new uses for the buildings from which much of our those we cannot retain. mission is carried out are of national However, to make a building great importance in terms of architectural for mission, it also had to be: open – and historic interest. buildings should be accessible and “The fact that we conduct so much regularly open; warm - every church of our mission in heritage buildings should have the right environment Members vote on their digital divices may excite some of you or depress for mission; beautiful - inspiring, tidy, others,” said Alex. loved and clean. He also highlighted the fact that “Buildings can be complicated these nationally important buildings things to plan. To make it simple, were managed and maintained by ask yourself, is my church Open, volunteers in the local community Warm and Beautiful and then set to - “an amazing and largely under- work on making it so. I suspect you appreciated fact.” will have a great place for mission at The poll results werere The hundreds of church halls the end of it.” shown in ‘live time’’ where mission was carried out, The poll revealed the top three and projected onto the screen. though not listed, were still of great challenges were lack of money, importance. resistance to change and not enough Alex said the 1,213 churchyards people to do the work.

Following Alex’s presentation, members were invited to take part in the ‘live’ online poll. The three questions were: 1. What does successful church mission look like? 2. What makes a building great for mission? Q3. What is preventing us making our buildings great for mission?

Page 7 | May 2019 | Highlights 香 Hong Evangelism 港 Kong Fund update 電 Three dioceses have so far applied for a share of the £10m fund for ambitious projects to grow the church 話 Calling and initial discussions are taking place with the others. Giving an update on the Evangelism Fund, Sir Paul Silk said two of the dioceses, St Asaph and Bangor, had reached the second stage of the three- stage application process. Sir Paul, who has stepped up as chair of the Fund’s committee in place of the while the Bangor application is considered, said the Fund could make grants of between £250,000 and £3m. It was the committee’s task to ensure such signifi cant sums were used wisely and properly. “At the same time, given the imperative to support Two GB members joined the meeting from Hong Kong, new growth in the Church, the Representative Body is via a recorded Skype call. The , keen spend this Fund: we will not have been successful , and Dr Heather Payne (Llandaff ) were if, at the end of this process, we have not been able to representing the Church at the Anglican Consultative support new projects,” he said. Council meeting ACC-17 there. The purpose of introducing a multi-stage application “It’s a really impressive meeting and it’s fantastic hearing process was to ensure that diocesan projects were given stories from across the communion,” said Mary. every encouragement to be the best that they could Heather said that they had spoken with people from the 40 be: well-planned; fully-supported by the host diocese; provinces around the . “They all know and with a realistic chance of meeting both their own about Wales and are delighted to hear there are two of us here objectives and the objectives of the Fund. – and we are the only province to have sent 100% women!” “Our experience of working with dioceses so far has Heather described a workshop she was doing to been extremely positive. We have been very impressed encourage people to develop an Anglican health network as with the quality of the applications that have proceeded part of the sustainable development goals. to Stage 2, and we have every expectation that the Evangelism and reconciliation were key themes of the Fund will transform our Church. Its creation has in itself meeting, said Mary. served as a catalyst for new thinking across the Church “We were one of the few provinces to give a report on in Wales.” work done on previous ACC resolutions,” said Mary. “We The Revd Dean Roberts (co-opted Monmouth) feel people have heard about Wales, are interested and our asked if there were a deadline participation is welcome.” for applications and if so whether Heather added, “We are punching above our weight in there would be extra time for terms of participation, funding and contributing to the serious Monmouth Diocese which had work of evangelism. We have a lot to be proud of – there’s been without a bishop for more still always loads to do but we can be very encouraged. than nine months. “It’s such a privilege to meet people from all over the “There is a deadline but the RB is willing to consider world and it is really inspiring to meet people. Thanks for making more money available so every diocese will sending us here.” benefi t,” replied Sir Paul. Mary and Heather will give a full report back to members churchinwales.org.uk/resources/ at September’s meeting. evangelism-fund-guidance/

Highlights | May 2019 | Page 8 Run the good race together, Private members’ motion says Bishop June cut short and defeated The Archbishop’s call for the church members to listen attentively and A motion requesting that me to accommodate denials or respectfully to each other was echoed by the Bishop of Llandaff in bishops no longer hold separate ongoing doubt and ambivalence her sermon at Evening Prayer. for those who refuse about my being in the church and Looking ahead to the controversial the sacramental ministry of what I am doing here and to ask me Members’ Motion the women was overwhelmingly lost to cope with that so that others’ pain following day, Bishop following discussions lasting might be reduced. It doesn’t work June urged members more than an hour. and in such circumstances none of to take inspiration from Members lined both sides of the us are able to fl ourish, none of us runners at the recent hall keen to put forward their views can bring the fulness of our gifts to London Marathon on a subject which had given the service of God’s work.” (which included her many sleepless nights while others Archdeacon Peggy explained, daughter Megan) and spoke of it “‘not being an easy the motion was not about refusing turn shared pain into a positive experience. decision”. to ordain those unable to accept She acknowledged The private member’s motion women’s ministry. “This is not the the motion would was put forward by the Archdeacon thought police. It is not seeking to expose continued of Llandaff , . exclude from those who shared pain about the It also doubt or deny women’s orders. All it ordination of women. requested the is doing is asking that in future the “On the one hand there’ll be the retracting of bishops do not extend the pastoral pain of knowing that some of us deny the conscience provisions of the code to new the spiritual authority and legitimacy provisions candidates who they chose to ordain. of our women clergy and bishops. At created in the Those who hold dissenting views must the same time, we’ll acknowledge the pain of those who feel that a historic Code of Practice in 2014 when the look to their own consciences as every understanding of the signifi cance of Church authorised the other cleric does within the church.” gender has been abandoned.” of women as bishops. The motion was seconded by the Bishop June said, “Like the rest of Introducing the motion Revd Dominic McClean (Bangor). the Anglican family we don’t live in a Archdeacon Peggy said she A church which resolved place about social change, recognised it would pain many – it had “fuzzy and we do have to learn how to turn was not done lightly but “it needs to edges” didn’t shared pain into something strong and be heard”. help people productive. We have to make space “We must listen to women discern their for one another and never fail to treat who have felt diminished or have vocations, he one another as members of the Body experienced discrimination or said. of Christ. There are many things hidden from us, even sometimes prejudice in their life in the church “Part of the truth that we proclaim a sense of God, which is why we which has limited or constrained is that all are equal in the sight of come together in Council to seek the what they have been able to off er God, all are called to ministry and mind of the Spirit, rejoicing in being a and we must attempt to address discipleship. If we are to enable diverse community which disagrees the causes of that distress whether people to discern their way forward but never disparages. it’s themselves on in the systems of we need to be honest - people need “My brothers and sisters remember the church.” to know where we stand so that they that image of the marathon. If it’s She added, “It’s hurtful for me can make the right choice.” possible for hundreds of thousands when I experience denial or worse He added, “If we choose to have of people on a single day to operate from those who cannot accept my an indefi nite period of transition, we in such a joyful way that there are calling but that hurt is magnifi ed choose to continue the pain because no disparagements of any kind then let us similarly take heart and go immensely if the very church which it will always be painfuI.” on fi nding places where we too can brought me to this point now seems However, all 10 speakers spoke benefi t from our shared pain.” to weaken in its resolve and expect against the motion.

Page 9 | May 2019 | Highlights The Revd Rosemary Hill, female ordinands, there was no sense to move straight to the vote. The (Llandaff ) said of the validity of anyone’s vocation vote was taken with 63 against it was not up to being questioned. “There has been a the proposals, 19 in favour and 20 us to judge who culture change,” he said. “We work as abstentions. was worthy of one community.” Responding, Archdeacon Peggy ministry, “When The Revd David Morris (Llandaff ) regretted that the motion had “been Christ called his pointed out that misunderstood”. Her intention was disciples he did not discriminate – all what was a not that the Church in Wales should should be welcome, regardless of minority view in cease to ordain people who did not their gender, sexuality or theological the Church in agree with women’s ordination or stance,” she said. She also spoke Wales was the cease to provide a home for those of the “pain” of having her vocation majority view in with dissenting views. Rather, that denied” and that she would not be the universal church. “Where do we those who entered the priesthood willing to “infl ict that on anybody.” draw the line in excluding minority were clear that the Church was not “We must acknowledge those parts groups?” he asked. “Surely all God’s “in two minds” about women’s of our church that are hurting, we children should be welcome in his ministry. Those who found must lament the hurt, listen to it, and church in the fullest possible sense.” themselves “at odds” with a allow that all might have a place and Gregor Lachlann-Waddell particular aspect of what the glimpse the kingdom of God.” (St Asaph) warned the church was Church believed must “protect and Alan Glass (Swansea and Brecon) being distracted by divisive issues. operate their own arrangements likened the debate to a “wound that “Less than one percent of the and conscience how best they was healing”, fearing that passing the population of Wales attends church may”. motion would “make it bleed again”. on Sundays. We are on a life support She concluded, “It is not to He said the motion was unnecessary machine and we shouldn’t let divisive say there is no place for them, and untimely, as well as divisive and issues rip us away from the work God but it is to say that the church will pernicious, and it was time to move on. wants us to do.” not protect and set up a parallel Paulette Brown, Monmouth, Caroline Woollard (Monmouth) jurisdiction, eff ectively in order for was “greatly warned the motion them to stay.” saddened” by the would make motion which she traditionalist Motion: felt undermined feel marginalised. That the Governing Body: the loyalty “ ‘You might be rejoices that the Church in Wales traditionalists felt here but we don’t has now received the consecration to the Church. “We could have left really want you’, is the message,” she of two Bishops who are women, and but the fact that we have not done said. She too had experienced gender (i) requests that all Bishops, so is down to our deep loyalty. But discrimination throughout her career consonant with previous instead of respecting this and valuing as a journalist. “I try to ignore it and undertakings, agree not to hold our contribution, this motion wishes feel compassion for those who dish in future separate ordination to take the safeguards away and it out rather than try and stop them services for any candidates, on strip the minority of its very limited entering the room,” she said. the grounds of the candidates’ protection. Can we as a Church really The Revd Steven Bunting said he views on gender; aff ord to do without men of orthodox didn’t think the (ii) calls on the Bench of Bishops belief whom God is calling to the debate was one to resile from paragraph 5 of priesthood? As Christians we should for his generation the Explanatory Note to their remember that there is more than of . “We 2014 Code of Practice, and unites than divides us.” work together cease to ordain those who, Gareth Erlandson, (St Asaph), for the glory of refusing the sacramental applauded the spirit of the motion God and our theological views are not ministry of women, expect but claimed in his experience as an taken into consideration.” to rely upon the conscience ordinand at St Padarn’s Institute, The discussion was cut short with clauses of the Code. and having questioned all the current a procedural request from members

Highlights | May 2019 | Page 10 New constitution for Llandaff cathedral Cathedrals were gaining ground as places of growth, attracting and inspiring people in ever increasing numbers and providing a missional resource for the whole church, the Dean of Llandaff told members.

As a result, they needed more robust governance “To be most eff ective, to be a beacon of hope and structures to be properly accountable and to make the most faith in the diocese and beyond we need to proceed with of opportunities. these changes of governance. It’s an exciting time for Following the Provincial Review of our Cathedrals in the Cathedral.” 2016, Dean Gerwyn Capon reminded members that Newport The Bishop of Llandaff , , said she Cathedral had been given permission by the Governing Body was immensely proud of the to develop an experimental constitution, allowing for more Cathedral and thanked the team fl exibility to have lay canons and to bring in necessary skills. for its exemplary leadership. “Our Now it was the turn of Llandaff Cathedral to seek similar cathedrals are being impeded by permission for its new constitution. A review of its structures working with governance models of governance took place in 2018 and recommendations which are not fi t for purpose,” she called for the streamlining of the Chapter and the inclusion said. “We need a framework of clear rules and purposes of lay trustees with expert skills. An implementation group to protect us.” had been set up and had produced a new constitution for the Cathedral which was now ready to go. The motion was overwhelmingly carried: “There is across the community at Llandaff , considerable Motion: energy and enthusiasm to press ahead - we are of one mind and heart in our ambition for this That the Governing Body: renewal,” said the Dean. give permission for the Constitution of the Dean and The motion was seconded by Canon Chapter of Llandaff Cathedral dated April 2019 to be used Steven Kirk. Cathedrals, he said, were in Llandaff Cathedral until such time as the Governing Body decide to amend the Cathedral Schemes in Volume II of “important places of mission for the the Constitution of the Church in Wales. whole diocese”. election

An additional motion was tabled position to host a meeting of the Archbishop John said he was by the bishops following the Electoral College within three fully committed to providing pastoral announcement of the retirement months,” said the Archbishop. care to the diocese while he had of the Bishop of Monmouth, The motion was seconded by oversight of it until the election. , the day before the the Bishop of meeting. Bangor. The motion was carried with two Members were asked to extend “Monmouth abstentions. the three-month deadline for the Diocese needs Motion: election of the next bishop in order to come together That the Governing Body: to give the diocese suffi cient time in prayer,” said determine that the right to appoint to prepare. Bishop Richard had Paulette Brown (Monmouth). “We to the see of Monmouth currently been away from work for nearly need to refl ect and we need pastoral vacant shall not pass to the Bench nine months before retiring due to ill care. Please will you allow that to of Bishops under the provision set health. happen before we move onto the out in Section 24 of the Regulations “We believe it would be unfair daunting and serious task of electing to Chapter V of the Constitution until to expect the diocese to be in a a bishop?” 31 October 2019.”

Page 11 | May 2019 | Highlights Blessings for same-sex couples Alternative Funeral Services Bill The bishops are looking at services – and listening – to each other openly In passing the Bill into Canon, of blessings for same-sex couples, and in love, so that we might be able the Governing Body approved the Archbishop told members. to live with diff erence afterwards,” he for inclusion in to the Book of Common Prayer a set of alternative They are asking the Standing said. Funeral Services. Liturgical The way ahead was three-fold. These services have been Advisory Firstly, the bishops wanted to continue discussed previously and provisionally Committee to listening and to hear from LGBT approved nearly 10 advise on options Christians about what measures years ago and are for services they might welcome to help support already in use widely. The Select of affi rmation them more eff ectively. Secondly, they Committee, which or blessing for those in committed, were asking the Standing Doctrinal looks at the faithful same-sex relationships. Commission to produce a theological text and makes The move follows support shown statement on same-sex unions recommendations by members at the September’s within a Christian understanding of noted that no GB meeting to the bishops’ view marriage which will help inform further amendments to the services were that having no formal provision was discussion. Thirdly, they were looking received, just that the Committee of the Standing Liturgical “pastorally unsustainable”. Following at options for services of blessing. Commission completed the translation that ballot, the bishops had met “Looking forward, were any such of the notes to the Services. and listened to theologians from the services to be authorised by the Because no amendments to the Church of Scotland which was also on Governing Body for use, we are Bill as circulated had been received, a similar journey. clear that this authorisation would be the Select Committee agreed not to Archbishop John stressed that permissive and not compulsory: no propose any amendment to the Bill and recommended to the Standing while the bishops were unlikely to fi nd cleric would be obliged to use them,” Committee the Bill should be deemed a solution that would satisfy everyone, said the Archbishop, promising that non-controversial. they wanted to ensure that all felt able the bishops would ensure GB was At the meeting the Bill was voted on to remain within our Christian family. kept informed of all developments on without further consideration or debate “We need to fi nd a way of talking the subject. and approved. Standing Committee report

Discussion groups and reviewing the process for selecting chairs for six years, and to renew the presentations from dioceses about bishops. appointment of His Honour Judge their work are among ideas being Mrs Perkins thanked Helen Biggin Andrew Keyser QC for the same considered for future meetings of for her service as deputy chair of the period. the Standing Committee, said its committee, and welcomed Canon The second, third and fourth chair Lis Perkins. Steven Kirk who had been elected to recommendations concerned Various ways to enable more serve in that role for the remainder of consequential amendments to the eff ective the triennium. Constitution that needed to be made planning of the Details were also given about to enact previously agreed Governing direction of the plans for the centenary – members of Body resolutions, covering defi nitions Governing Body GB and church people are asked to of Communicants and Ministry / are being looked keep 7 June 2020 free for a special Mission areas, and amendments to at, beginning in centenary service to take place in all refl ect the changes to the Newport July with an overnight meeting. It is the Welsh cathedrals on that date. Cathedral Scheme, to include planned that a working group will be The Committee made fi ve honorary, lay and ecumenical canons set up and given terms of reference to recommendations which were and to clarify parochial church consider governance. approved by the GB. Councils in the case of a Cathedral. The committee will also receive The fi rst was to appoint Helen The last recommendation was for a report from the working group Biggin to the panel of Governing Body the approval of the report.

Highlights | May 2019 | Page 12 QUESTION TIME Questions and answers abridged for the full text see churchinwales.org.uk/structure/governing-body/meetings/1-2-may-2019 1. Ed Hodge (Co-opted) In 2015 the term ‘period poverty’ became a term that was well known in the public arena along with the ’tampon tax’. Since then communities have made small steps towards tackling what is a massive issue. Are there any plans within the Church in Wales to address this issue in a practical way and how can we as church members help?

Answer - the Bishop of St Davids We wrote to Education Kirsty Williams, and received a positive response. As well as the provision of free sanitary items, Welsh schools will include curriculum content – for boys as well as girls – aimed at improving knowledge and confi dence, breaking down stigma, and also of encouraging awareness of eco-friendly and sustainable period products. Check that foodbanks supported by your churches provide these items – and make sure you add them to your donations. Make sure, too, that night shelters or other services for homeless people, or services for refugees and asylum seekers, operated or supported by the church provide sanitary products. Churches running youth work and holiday hunger clubs should ensure that sanitary items are available as a matter of course. Church members can lobby about VAT and policies that worsen the problem of period poverty. VAT is controlled by the Westminster government: so write to your MP, pointing out the inequality and indignity of period poverty, and asking that the tax be removed. It is hard to imagine a more important issue than this for the health, equality, and dignity of half the population. Since receiving this question, the Education Minister has been made aware of the CinW’s concerns.

Q 2. The Revd Naomi Starkey () Given heightened awareness of the pernicious eff ects of “fake news” in public life, what guidelines does the Church in Wales off er for responsible and appropriate use of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, blogs etc?

Answer - the Head of ICT, Leon Hughes The Representative Body has a regularly reviewed Social Media Policy, which is applied to staff working at the Provincial Offi ce and for the wider Representative Body, including St Padarns Institute and in administrative roles in the Bishop’s offi ces. It also covers people working for the Diocesan Boards of Finance. In order to prevent any possible reputational damage to the Church, the policy requires that people who refer to their work on personal social media accounts do so in a controlled way. The policy as it currently exists does not apply to Clergy. This is because a standard social media policy would not be suitable for people who have a unique role as the public face of the Church and whose participation in the social space is necessarily far wider than the purely personal. In the past, the Representative Body has issued social media guidelines to the clergy, but these have not been updated for some years and, given the pace of growth, they are now of limited use. Given the current media spotlight on social media, it would be timely for the Church to collectively review the advice given to clergy on how and where to engage.

Q 3. The Revd Richard Wood (Diocese of Bangor) The last time the Governing Body met in Cardiff , two years ago, we received a presentation from the Provincial Youth Forum. The members of the Forum expressed themselves confi dently and clearly, and off ered strong challenges to the Church in Wales. • It was hoped that this would be followed up. • What evaluation was made of the presence of the Youth Forum at Governing Body? • How is the Youth Forum led and how has it developed in the last 2 years? • How can the Youth Forum help the Governing Body and the Church in Wales hear the voice of young Christians in our country – and engage with them?

Answer - the Bishop of Llandaff The feedback from April 2017 showed that as a fi rst attempt the visit of the Provincial Youth Forum was a positive experience in many ways for all concerned. But, whilst teething problems might be Continued Page 13 | May 2019 | Highlights Q3 Continued expected, there were clearly organisational lessons to be learned to inform any future engagement. The work of the Provincial Youth Forum continues and I am grateful to Naomi Wood and Rachel Bunting for their leadership of it. At this time there are no plans to ask young people to attend GB, but as Bishops we actively listen to the input of our youth/children’s offi cers who work directly with young people and diocesan vision is shaped and informed by that input. Over the last two years the bench has asked St Padarn’s to increase their emphasis in this area. We will license our fi rst LLMs (Children, Young People and Families) in St Asaph this summer and candidates for LLM (CYF) are now coming forward from Llandaff , Swansea & Brecon and St Asaph. St Padarn’s has also brought online a Masters course in Children, Young People and Families so we can train our workers to high standards. On June 24th & 25th we have organised a Youth Specialists Gathering to discuss how we better engage with young people across Wales. We recognise that attendance of young people on Sundays is decreasing, but we are also conscious of the large numbers of young people who are connecting with us midweek, whether in our schools or our youth groups. We want to continue to build on that. Worship The arrangements for worship were made by the newly appointed worship co-ordinator, Fr John Connell. The opening Eucharist, at which the Archbishop was the celebrant and preacher, was held in St John’s Church Cardiff . Evening Prayer, again in St John’s Church, that evening was led by students from St Padarn’s Institute and the Bishop of Llandaff preached. Opening Prayers and Bible Study on Thursday morning were held in the Assembly Room, led by the Revd Naomi Starkey of the diocese of Bangor and the Revd Dr Trish Owens of the . Collection Collections taken at the meeting will be given to Mind Cymru / Wales, a charity that helps people who are suff ering with mental illness and their families and friends. The total collection, before the Gift Aid claim has been added, comes to £860.73 Our visitors Our good-byes The Governing Body welcomed The Archbishop thanked the staff who had run the meeting – in guests from other churches, particular Jean Gorey, who is known to GB members for her work United Reformed Church / Cytûn in arranging meals, hotels and being a friendly presence on the and the Covenanted Churches in welcome desk, as she is to retire in June from the Provincial Offi ce Wales: and the GB staff team after 12 years. • The Revd Sally Thomas (Ecumenical Offi cer, Wales In our prayers United Reformed Church) The Archbishop spoke warmly about three former members of the • Peredur Owen Griffi ths Governing Body who had died since the last meeting. (Faith, Order and Witness Enabler) The Very Reverend John Lewis, served all his ministry in Wales and had served The Methodist Church as Dean of Llandaff for 12 years until his retirement in 2012. • The Revd Dr Stephen Wigley Richard Parkinson, served the Church in Wales as Chair of the Representative (Chair of Synod, the Methodist Body from 1992 to 2002. He also served throughout that period as a member of the Church in Wales) Governing Body (to which he was elected in 1985) and the Standing Committee. The Roman • The Revd Canon William Isaac Miss Dilys Glynne was a solicitor in private practice in Conwy, a life long (Ecumenical Offi cer for the member of her parish church, and a member of the Governing Body for 40 Archdiocese of Cardiff ) years. She was a member of the Drafting Sub-committee and a formidable member of the Panel of Assessors.

The Governing Body will next meet on Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 September 2019 at the Bay Campus, Swansea University.