Every Day Is Casual Friday

From The Living Church-

The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, broke with tradition in late June to allow Members of Parliament to skip wearing jackets and ties in the chamber. Now the Church of England’s General Synod has decided it is in keeping with the modern world for clergy to have the choice of leading worship while wearing casual clothes.

In a similar vein. the Queen wore a dress and hat rather than the traditional robes and crown while presenting the traditional monarch’s speech spelling out the government’s program for the next Parliament. And on a hot day in June, men in the membership enclosure at the Royal Ascot races were allowed to dispense with jackets.

The synod decision needs an Amending Canon, after which it will go to the Monarch for Royal Assent. Many clergy, particularly evangelicals, ignore existing canon law that says “the presiding minister shall wear either a surplice or alb with scarf or stole” at Holy Communion, baptisms, and funerals.
More here-

http://htl.li/OEEz30dH5vF

Is Synod competent?

From Psephizo-

The General Synod of the Church of England (of which I am a member) met last week in York, and there were many good things about it. We spend most of Saturday afternoon exploring some exciting developments from the ‘centre’ offering resources to dioceses and churches in the task of evangelism and the making of disciples. There was a motion allowing the flexible use of vestments, bringing canon law into line with the reality of variety of practice on the ground. A private member’s motion (PMM) (by Tiffer Robinson) proposed making a sensible change to the allocation of school places, so that clergy moving into tied accommodation are not unfairly penalised. I co-presented the report of the Archbishops’ Council (AC), and it was notable that both suspicion of the Council and reluctance to engage with Renewal and Reform had mostly dissipated.

But there were two other items of business that consumed disproportionate amounts of emotional energy and which have sparked debate ever since, and they tested the competence of Synod. I am not sure that the test was passed.

More here-

https://www.psephizo.com/sexuality-2/is-synod-competent/

No magic wand

From The Church Times-

SEX in the long grass is not as pleasurable as it sounds. As the Bishops learnt at the Synod, a commitment to a teaching document and a pastoral-practices subgroup does not buy you a great deal of sympathy. Several Synod members voiced dis­satisfaction with the proposed timetable, with several references to the state of the outfield, as well as a lack of confidence in the end result. But the Archbishop of Canterbury was right when he said that three years was “a remarkably short period”. Revisiting the extensive literature on the subject, consulting the most knowledgeable people, listening to all the special-interest groups, liaison with other Anglican Provinces and other de­­nominations, and then composing and agreeing an author­itative text, is not the work of a moment. It is comparable to producing a Ph.D. thesis, knowing that, when you get to your viva, the examiners will be in deep disagreement with each other. After the reception of the Marriage and Same-sex Rela­tionships report in February, which was sniped at by conser­vatives, dismissed by liberals, the Bishop of Coventry, the man in charge of the project, knows that the reputation of the Bishops is on the line.

More here-

https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2017/14-july/comment/leader-comment/no-magic-wand

Transgender Liturgical Revision

From The Living Church-

The Church of England has published online copies of papers circulated to members of its General Synod. The papers detail discussions planned on subjects ranging from the Church’s work in areas where many people follow other faiths to concerns about the cost of applying for British citizenship and the possibility of renaming services for transgender Christians.

General Synod is scheduled to meet July 7-10 at the University of York. The first batch of papers is now available. A second circulation of papers will be published on June 23. There will also be a pre-Synod briefing at Church House Westminster on that day.

One briefing paper in the first circulation sets out how an existing Church of England service for reaffirming baptismal vows may form the liturgical basis for services that help transgender Christians mark their transition publicly.

More here-

http://livingchurch.org/2017/06/16/transgender-liturgical-revision/?platform=hootsuite

Church of England rejects new grammar schools as it states it will build schools for the 'many, not just the few'

From The Telegraph-

The Church of England has rejected the Government’s plans to create hundreds of new grammar schools as it claims it will build schools for “the many, not just the few”.
The Church, the largest single provider of schools in England, has ruled out the creation of any new grammars on the grounds that they cater only to a select group of “high achievers”.

Responsible for more than 4,700 schools across the country, the announcement follows a decision taken at the General Synod last year, which concluded that the Church should move away from selection towards schools that serve the “whole community”.

As part of its new vision, the Church said it would proceed with plans to create 125 new, more inclusive schools, which it hopes will help remedy an “increasingly fragmented educational scene”.
More here-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2017/04/07/church-england-rejects-new-grammar-schools-states-will-build/

Anglicans braced for new clashes over gay marriage in church

From The Telegraph-

The Anglican church is set for a renewed clash on the divisive question of gay marriage this week when its ruling body votes on a key report from the Bishops on same sex relationships.

The Church of England synod, the governing body made up of Bishops, clergy and laity which decides on church law and policy, will vote on Wednesday whether to ‘take note’ - confirm - or reject the report confirming the status quo against gay marriage.

Liberals within the church are hopeful the synod will reject advice from the Bishops’ to leave its policy against gay marriage unchanged.

A vote by the synod in favour of same-sex marriage could eventually pave the way for a fundamental change in Anglican teaching.

That could eventually see gay and lesbian couples allowed to marry in church - something more conservative elements have long resisted.

Liberals in the synod have welcomed the prospect of a vote against the ban on same sex marriage.

More here-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/11/anglicans-braced-new-clashes-gay-marriage-church/

Agenda published for C of E General Synod meeting

From ACNS-

 Ecumenism, the Anglican Communion, and legislation will dominate next month’s meeting of the Church of England’s general synod; but it is a “take-note” debate on human sexuality that is likely to dominate the headlines. On ecumenism, the Synod will consider the first draft of new legislation designed to simplify the way the C of E relates to other churches; and will also debate a motion on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. The secretary general of the Anglican Communion, Dr Josiah Idowu-Fearon will address the Synod. And the House of Bishops will report back on their deliberations on human sexuality.

The Bishops of Norwich and Willesden, Graham James and Pete Broadbent, will report to the Synod on the work of the Bishops’ Reflection Group on Sexuality – that group was established last year following the completion of a process of shared conversations throughout the C of E. Synod members will then take part in group discussions before a debate on a motion that “the Synod do take note of [a] Report” from the House of Bishops. That report has not yet been published.

More here-

http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2017/01/agenda-published-for-c-of-e-general-synod-meeting.aspx

Gay rights and same-sex marriage will dominate C of E summer synod

From The Guardian-

The Church of England is to hold intensive discussions on homosexuality and same-sex marriage behind closed doors in an effort to overcome deep divisions and move towards a settled policy.

The July session of the synod, or general assembly, will spend two days in small groups and plenary sessions from which the media and public will be banned. Synod members will be urged to refrain from disclosing the content of discussions on social media.

Analysis How issue of gay rights has racked Anglican churches for decades
Conflict over same-sex marriage and gay rights has led to soul-searching and could trigger split in global communion

The issue of homosexuality and same-sex marriage has dominated the church for the past two decades. Despite the legalisation of gay marriage in the UK in 2014, the C of E refuses to perform same-sex wedding services in churches, saying that according to the Bible marriage is a union between one man and one woman. Gay clergy are also banned from marrying.

More here-

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/15/gay-rights-and-same-sex-marriage-will-dominate-c-of-e-summer-synod

Gay English priest elected to Anglican General Synod

From Christian Examiner-

A British priest who is married to his homosexual partner is now a member of the Church of England's General Synod – the church's governing body and the group that supposedly sets theology for the churches of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

According to The Guardian, Vicar Andrew Foreshew-Cain, whose "husband" is also an atheist, has said he will use his new position to "advocate for a church that faces up to the issues of sexuality in a honest and compassionate way."

He joins as many as three other openly homosexual priests serving on the General Synod, but he is reportedly the only one married to his partner openly. Others are apparently married, but have not disclosed their same-sex marriages to the church.

More here-

http://www.christianexaminer.com/article/gay.english.priest.elected.to.anglican.general.synod/49647.htm

Synod seeks to amend robes canon

From The church Times (Really? Robe canons?)

WEARING robes could become optional for those officiating at some services, after the General Synod passed a motion calling for draft legislation to relax the current rules.

After a debate on Saturday at the University of York, the Synod passed a private member's motion by the Revd Christopher Hobbs, from the diocese of London, which called for robing to become optional in some circumstances.

"For holy communion there is no flexibility," Mr Hobbs said. "It makes no difference if it is café-style in a pub, outside in a field, in a hotel lounge or lobby. Surplice and alb is required, with scarf or stole."

Many members of the Synod agreed, arguing that, in some contexts, the wearing of robes was inappropriate or unhelpful for mission. Sam Follett, the youngest member of the Synod, said that, for Fresh Expressions, robes would often get in the way of reaching the unchurched.

More here-

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2014/18-july/news/uk/synod-seeks-to-amend-robes-canon

Welby pleads for reconciliation

From England-

The Archbishop of Canterbury has called on the Church of England to overcome fears about the introduction of women bishops and divisions over the treatment of gay people.

The Most Rev Justin Welby said there must be a "massive" cultural change within the Church of England to accept disagreement and build love and trust between opposing groups.

In a presidential address to the General Synod, he rejected claims that living with different opinions amounted to something "comfortable and soft and wishy-washy".

"This sort of love, and the reconciliation between different groups that it implies, is not comfortable and soft and wishy-washy," he said.

"It is exceptionally hard-edged, extraordinarily demanding and likely to lead in parts of the world around us to profound unpopularity and dismissal."

More here-

http://www.witneygazette.co.uk/uk_national_news/11003229.Welby_pleads_for_reconciliation/?ref=nt

Synod makes a new start on women bishops in York

From The Church Times-

THE General Synod has asked for new legislation to be drafted to enable women to be bishops. After a long debate on Monday morning and afternoon, it carried a motion from the House of Bishops embodying Option One ( News, 31 May), which was amended so as to specify the addition of a mandatory grievance procedure for parishes, and to urge that "facilitated conversations" continue to be used during the legislative process.

Amendments seeking to make provision for opponents by Measure or regulations made under Canon, "for co-provincial provision for alternative episcopal oversight", and to retain Resolutions A and B for parish churches combined with a new Act of Synod all fell.

WATCH welcomed the passing of Option One, and said that facilitated small-group discussions, carried out behind closed doors on Saturday, had contributed to a better "tone" of debate. Traditionalists were heartened that the Synod had shown a commitment to providing for opponents. All sides welcomed the continuation of "facilitated discussions", under the guidance of the Archbishop of Canterbury's director of reconciliation, David Porter.

More here-

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2013/12-july/news/uk/synod-makes-a-new-start-on-women-bishops-in-york

Group talks hold key to women-bishops outcome

From The Church Times-

GENERAL SYNOD members whose vote was pivotal in the defeat of the women-bishops Measure last November are holding their counsel, as they prepare for private discussions this weekend before a crucial vote on Monday.

Last year, eight members of the House of Laity wrote to The Times revealing that 12 of the members of the House had voted against the November Measure "in spite of most of us unreservedly supporting the consecration of women" ( News, 30 November). Several of these, contacted by the Church Times, declined to comment this week, saying that they first wanted to hear from others at the Synod meeting in York.

Two, though, were willing to share their views on Option One, selected by the House of Bishops from the four possible options mapped out by the working group on women bishops ( News, 31 May). A Measure instructing the steering committee to prepare draft legislation based on this option will be debated on Monday. The legislation would amend the canon that makes it unlawful for women to become bishops, and repeal the statutory rights that traditionalist parishes have to pass Resolutions A and B.

More here-

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2013/5-july/news/uk/group-talks-hold-key-to-women-bishops-outcome

Church of England set to bury Synod homosexuality debate

From The Telegraph-

Officials have quietly shelved a debate on the possibility of registering civil partnerships in Anglican churches for the first time, ahead of a five-day meeting of the Synod which begins in York on Friday.
The motion had been tabled almost 18 months ago and has the backing of almost 120 members.
A separate motion reaffirming the traditional “doctrine of Christian marriage” has also been postponed until another session to allow more time for arguments over women bishops.

Campaigners said the postponement reflected an “appalling” reluctance by some in the Church hierarchy to openly debate the issue of homosexuality.

But others believe it could reflect a behind-the scenes shift at the top of the Church which they are convinced could open the way for an historic change in its approach to same-sex relationships by the end of this year.

Bishops have been lining up meetings with Anglican gay rights campaigners.

They are thought to be privately considering the possibility of introducing “thanksgiving and dedication” services – similar to those offered to divorcees who remarry in register offices – for gay couples in civil partnerships.

More here-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10150217/Church-of-England-set-to-bury-Synod-homosexuality-debate.html

Spectre of gay bishops feud returns amid Church debate on women

From The Telegraph-

The Synod’s House of Laity was summoned to London on Friday to debate an unprecedented motion of no confidence in its chairman Dr Phillip Giddings over his role in the defeat of moves to allow women to become bishops.

Dr Philip Giddings has been accused of using his position as chair to issue a strong denunciation of the plans, credited by some with helping sway waverers during the knife-edge vote in November.
Although almost three quarters of the General Synod voted for women bishops, it failed to secure the required two thirds majority in the Laity by just six votes.

But during a debate on the confidence motion at Church House in London, Dr Giddings’s role in preventing Jeffery John, who is now the Dean of St Albans, becoming Bishop of Reading in 2003, was drawn back into the spotlight.

Dr Giddings, then a lecturer in politics at Reading University, spearheaded a campaign which forced Jeffery John to stand aside after he was selected to become bishop.

More here-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/9811591/Spectre-of-gay-bishops-feud-returns-amid-Church-debate-on-women.html

How Did We Get Here?

From The Living Church-

The compact geography of England means that our General Synod is able to meet much more frequently — twice or occasionally three times a year — than on the other side of the Atlantic. The advantages of this arrangement include the opportunity to work towards important decisions through several stages of deliberation, and the opportunity for members, who are elected for five-year terms, actually to get to know each other personally, and to establish relationships across diverse backgrounds and positions. This, in turn, ought to lead — at least in theory — to greater mutual respect. It should also be noted that, for certain types of business, a two-thirds majority in all three Houses (bishops, clergy, and laity) is required for the legislation to pass at the final stage, although only simple majorities are required up to that point.

Twenty years ago, when the Church of England’s General Synod approved a measure to ordain women as priests, assurances were given to those who in conscience could not accept this development that they would continue to have an “honoured place” within the church, and that their “integrity” would be respected. An Act of Synod was passed to make arrangements for them, including the provision of Provincial Episcopal Visitors (“flying bishops”). Indeed, it is widely accepted that this measure could not have achieved the necessary two-thirds majority in all three Houses without such provisions.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/how-did-we-get-here

How Did We Get Here?

From England-

The compact geography of England means that our General Synod is able to meet much more frequently — twice or occasionally three times a year — than on the other side of the Atlantic. The advantages of this arrangement include the opportunity to work towards important decisions through several stages of deliberation, and the opportunity for members, who are elected for five-year terms, actually to get to know each other personally, and to establish relationships across diverse backgrounds and positions. This, in turn, ought to lead — at least in theory — to greater mutual respect. It should also be noted that, for certain types of business, a two-thirds majority in all three Houses (bishops, clergy, and laity) is required for the legislation to pass at the final stage, although only simple majorities are required up to that point.

Twenty years ago, when the Church of England’s General Synod approved a measure to ordain women as priests, assurances were given to those who in conscience could not accept this development that they would continue to have an “honoured place” within the church, and that their “integrity” would be respected. An Act of Synod was passed to make arrangements for them, including the provision of Provincial Episcopal Visitors (“flying bishops”). Indeed, it is widely accepted that this measure could not have achieved the necessary two-thirds majority in all three Houses without such provisions.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/how-did-we-get-here

July might be too soon to return to fray, bishops warn

From The Church Times-

CAMPAIGNERS who want to see a fresh Measure to admit women to the episcopate at the General Synod next July may be disappointed, two bishops have suggested.

On Wednesday of last week, the Archbishops' Council stated that the women-bishops issue should be resolved "as a matter of urgency" ( News, 30 November). It urged the House of Bishops at its meeting next week to "put in place a clear process for discussions in the New Year, with a view to bringing legislative proposals before Synod in July".

On Tuesday, however, the Bishop of Dover, the Rt Revd Trevor Willmott, suggested that the House "ought to be able to share with people a process" at the Synod in July. "That will lead in due course to fresh legislative proposals."

More here-

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2012/7-december/news/uk/july-might-be-too-soon-to-return-to-fray,-bishops-warn

The Episcopal Question: The Role Of Women In The Church

From England-

The General Synod’s failure to grant women the right to episcopal equality in November has ensured that the long-debated issue over women bishops will remain vociferously debated among believers for years to come. 

The problem is considerably important, not only to the faithful but also to British politics and society, in a number of ways. Firstly, as Terry Sanderson, President of the National Secular Society has argued, the Synod’s vote is further evidence that the Church of England is not an appropriate political mechanism with which the state should be constitutionally intertwined. Sanderson highlights that denying the privileges and opportunities associated with the Church according to gender – a public institution – is a policy incompatible with the British government and its laws. However, secularists must be cautious before rushing to criticise the Church as a whole for the failures of its evangelical minority.

Read more:

http://theriskyshift.com/2012/12/the-episcopal-question-role-women-church/#ixzz2E5AtJ6OV

General Synod all set to vote (or adjourn) in July

From The Church Times-


FOR many people in the country, the great countdown was to the Olympic Games, the Secretary Gen­eral to the General Synod, William Fittall, said at a press briefing last Friday. For many in the Church, however, an important countdown was to the final vote on women bishops at the General Synod, when it meets in York from 6 to 10 July.

“It is the first time in 20 years when the Church of England has to face so significant a two-thirds vote. Some will go away rejoicing, while others will be disappointed.”
The Church had long been trying to work out a position where there were not just winners and losers, Mr Fittall said, but a way forward that could deliver good news to as many people as possible.

That crucial issue, timed to take up the whole morning of Monday 9 July, will dominate the mind of the Synod, but there are other significant items on the agenda: world mission, Fresh Expressions and church growth, Palestine and Israel, and the ex­pression of faith in public life, as well as routine budgetary and financial matters, and legislative technicalities.

On Friday afternoon, however, the component parts of the General Synod, the House of Laity, and the Upper and Lower Houses (bishops and clergy respectively) of the Convocations of the Prov­inces of Canterbury and York must meet separately to agree by simple majorities that the Synod will take a final vote on the Article 8 business of the women-bishops Measure.

Should the House of Laity, or any two Houses of the Convocations, vote No, the whole process stops there, and the issue will no longer be on the Synod’s agenda. It was un­likely that that would happen, Mr Fittall said, but it could. (If one House of Con­vocation rejects the legis­la­tion, the Synod could be invited to refer it back for further con­sideration by the two Convocations alone.)

More here-

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/content.asp?id=130269