19th September 2015
10.00 am to 4.00 pm / Minutes
Venue: Clapton Park and Dalston United Reformed Church
Minister: Revd Elizabeth Welch
Synod attendance: 87 voting, 26 non-voting members and observers.
Welcome and Constitution of Synod
The Moderator welcomed everyone to Synod, especially those attending for the first time. He thanked Revd Elizabeth Welch, Elders and members of Clapton Park URC for hosting the meeting. The Moderator declared Synod in session
Opening worship and insight to the mission of the local church
The Revd Elizabeth Welch added her welcome to that of the Moderator. She was especially happy to welcome Synod on the twentieth anniversary of the major refurbishment of this church, facilitated by the Synod.
As members had gathered for the meeting the church’s worship group and newly formed all-age ukulele band had sung a number of songs. They also accompanied the singing during the opening worship.
Elizabeth read the parable of the sower from Luke’s gospel. She told Synod about some of the fruits experienced in this church: the great diversity of the congregation in age and nationality, which enabled lively and varied worship. Other fruit included: music; weekday prayer; numerous projects (community house, homeless & vulnerable lunch “urban table”, drop-in advice centre, winter night shelter, community meal for residents, toddlers group “village green”, nursery, etc). In fact one of the biggest challenges was that of choosing between various initiatives. There is not the capacity to take up every opportunity!
Apologies
Apologies were received from 42 voting members and 7 non-voting members of Synod.
Movement of Ministers
Revd Tony Ruffell introduced the Movements of Ministers; he explained that we would remember those who had died since the previous meeting later in the day.
Revd Geoffrey Roper had celebrated his Jubilee on 24th July and the Moderator greeted him and presented him with his certificate.
Ministerial retirements
Revd David Trafford, Synod Pastoral Consultant had retired at the end of June 2015 and Revd Richard Wells, Minister of Christ Church at Whetstone, retired at the end of July 2015 and had moved to Halstead Essex.
New Ministers presented to the Moderator:
Revd Terry Hinks, inducted to the pastorate of Cores End URC, Bourne End and Trinity, High Wycombe on 25th April 2015; Revd Henriette Wentink, ordained and inducted to the North Enfield Pastorate on 11th July 2015; andRevd Ulrike Bell, inducted to the Forest Group of Churches on 12th July 2015 were all presented to the Moderator.
Revd Paul Martin (Baptist), inducted to Trinity, North Finchley, on 3rd July 2015;Revds Doug and Jodi Fondell (Evangelical Covenant Church) appointed interim ministers at the American International Church for up to one year from September 2015; Revd Peter Clark (Methodist) welcomed to the pastorate of Christ Church, Feltham (United Free) on 4th September 2015; and Revd Remco van den Heuvel (Baptist), inducted to the pastorate of Wendover Free Church on 12th September 2015 were unable to be present.
Moves out of Thames North Synod
Revd Dr John D’Elia has left the American International Church and returned to the USA to take up a pastorate there.
Revd Mark Loney has left Panshanger Ecumenical Church, Welwyn Garden City and has taken up a pastorate in Ireland
Movements within Thames North Synod
Revd Hugh Graham has concluded his ministry at St Paul’s, Cubitt Town and Stepney Meeting House.He continues his ministry at Trinity, Camden Town and St Andrew’s, Frognal and is also appointed to area ministry in Central and North London.
Revd Andrew McLuskey has been re-instated to the roll of ministers and is currently assisting in the Northern Group of West London churches, whilst awaiting a pastorate.
The Moderator prayed for all of those mentioned particularly those new to the Synod and gave thanks for the jubilee of Geoffrey Roper.
Minutes of Synod Meeting 21st March 2015
Following the note a number of typographical errors noted after the minutes had been distributed a corrected version was agreed and signed.
Matters arising not considered elsewhere
There were none
Re-visioning process(Papers B1, 2, 3, 4 and 5)
The Synod Clerk sought permission from the meeting for Revd Ray Adams to chair the session leaving the Moderator free to present the process. This was agreed unanimously.
The Moderator spoke to the five papers B1-5, summarising the salient points of each paper.
He added that Andrew Jack had voiced concerns on certain points of which he had informed Ray Adams the previous day, Ray had then informed the Moderator. The concerns were mainly about the role of the Executive Committee in coordinating and facilitating the other committees on behalf of the Synod. Paper B5 clarifies what already existed in the terms of reference of the Executive Committee. The Re-visioning group wished Synod to be aware of this.
The Moderator explained that Synod would be asked to vote separately on each resolution but that he was proposing them all and asked for a seconder. Revd James Mather (Kensington URC) seconded the resolutions
Ray then invited the Revd Jane Weedon to lead a short act of devotion prior to discussion of the individual resolutions and voting on each of them.
Jane read from Jeremiah, the house of the potter, and spoke of how nothing is lost, the clay is not thrown away but re-shaped so as to be fit for purpose. She then led Synod in a responsive prayer.
Ray Adams explained that paper B1 was for information but directed members to the key question at the end of the paper:now we understand the challenge, are we ready to take action?
Paper B2 contained the following resolution in three parts:
Synod is asked to
(1)adopt the principles for strengthening and empowering churches through forming Local Area Groups set out in paper C1 (presented to the March 2015 Synod and the subject of recent consultation)
(2)encourage Area Committees and churches to complete their discussions on forming such groupings as quickly as possible
(3)approve the Model Understanding for Local Area Groups as the basis for churches to formally come together in Local Area groups
The Moderator answered questions and acknowledged some difficulties. He thanked those who had contributed encouraging reflections.
Synod indicated that it wished to vote on all three parts of the resolution together.
The resolution was carried by an overwhelming majority.
Paper B3 contained the following three-part resolution:
Synod is asked:
(1)to adopt the committee structure and Terms of Reference proposed in this paper to replace those adopted by Synod at its March 2007 meeting (and revised in 2013);
(2)to approve the changes to Synod Standing orders (set out in Annex A) to give effect to an open process for appointing members to Synod committees and to provide greater flexibility and accountability in the way that committees work; and
(3)to ask Synod’s existing standing committees to prepare handover briefings on key ongoing issues or programmes before the November Synod.
There were very few questions and these were answered. The Office Manager expressed his concern about the effect of Re-visioning on the office staff. The Synod Clerk responded that he would be monitoring the situation and would ensure that the staff were protected. The Moderator assured the meeting that once the synod has agreed to the restructuring, the next step would be the staffing review.
There were a number of comments supporting the resolution.
Synod agreed to vote on the three parts of the resolution separately. Parts 1 and 2 were carried by an overwhelming majority and part 3 unanimously.
Paper B4 is an outline timetable, subject to the resolutions being carried. In response to one question the Moderator assured Synod that co-option would be possible if it were deemed necessary.
Paper B5 contained a single resolution:
Synod is asked toauthorise Synod Executive to present a slate of candidates to Synod in November for approval for a transition period until the new Local Area Groups are established and able to identify their own candidates. Such transition members would be appointed half for 1 year and half for two years following the principles set out in Annex A1 to Paper 3. This resolution was carried by an overwhelming majority.
The Moderator thanked all those who had helped him work on the re-visioning process and Synod for so clearly endorsing his vision: now the real work begins!
Synod sang the hymn “The clay of our being is taken and moulded” written in 2008 by Revd Carole Elphick.
The Moderator resumed the chair of the meeting and introduced the Revd Anne Sardeson, Synod Training Officer.
Brief Report from Anne Sardeson, Synod Training Officer
Anne led the meeting in prayer before she spoke. It was good to be back from sabbatical, which she had enjoyed. Instead of doing, she had sat and wondered what was going on for her, focussing on her life as a disciple.
She reminded Synod members they had just made decisions and encouraged all to be quiet, wait, trust and listen through the process of introducing the changes. For her part she had already written to all church secretaries asking “what does your church need to work together in a group?” She asked churches to respond – assuring them that where she could she would help, where she could not she would find someone who could and if no-one had the answer “we will work it out together”.
Anne closed her report with a prayer confirming the presence of God within and around us.
Items from re-called General Assembly (Paper C)
The following resolution had been referred to Synods:
A. In keeping with the 2007 commitment on Human Sexuality, General Assembly does not consider it appropriate to express a single view on behalf of the whole United Reformed Church on the matter of Same Sex Marriage.
B. General Assembly declares that the Church Meeting of each Local Church of the United Reformed Church in England and Wales is the relevant governing authority for the purpose of giving consent for the trustees of its building to seek the registration of that building for religious marriage ceremonies of same sex couples, in accordance with the provisions of Section 26A(1) of the Marriage Act 1949 as amended by the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013.
C. In the case of Local Ecumenical Partnerships and Union Churches, where the constitution makes no provision for a Church or Congregational Meeting (including a Special or Extraordinary General Meeting) the relevant governing authority of the United Reformed Church under Section 26A(1) of the Marriage Act 1949 as amended by the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Act 2013 is the council which represents the widest gathering of members of that Church or Partnership. In case of doubt the council to act in this matter shall be jointly determined, in light of the LEP constitution and any sharing agreement, by the Moderator and Clerk of the Synod on which that Church is represented.
D. Noting that Mission Council has already recognised, on behalf of General Assembly, "that if a future Assembly were to allow for ministers and members of the United Reformed Church to solemnise same-sex marriages under Scots Law, the Synod of Scotland would be the appropriate council of the URC to approach the Registrar General for Scotland", the General Assembly confirms that it now lies within the competence of the National Synod of Scotland to nominate under Section 9(1A) of the Marriage (Scotland) Act 1977 as amended by the Marriage and Civil Partnership (Scotland) Act 2014 members of the United Reformed Church who have indicated their willingness in writing to the Synod to be approved celebrants of same sex marriage in Scotland.
E. The General Assembly recalls that the trusts on which Local Church buildings are commonly held empower the Church Meeting to direct in what ways such a building is or is not to be used for public worship and ancillary purposes.
F. The General Assembly authorises the General Secretary, the Clerk, or any Deputy General Secretary to sign and furnish a copy of this resolution (or a relevant extract) in the name of the Assembly, whenever such a copy may be required by law.
Synod was reminded of the comment in the General Secretary’s letter (Paper C), that ‘Unless your synod passes a resolution that the resolution “be not proceeded with”, and you notify the General Secretary by 31st March 2016, your synod will have been deemed to agree by default.’ There was no resolution forthcomingthat the resolution ‘be not proceeded with’.
Items from Mission Council(Paper E)
Synod was similarly reminded of the comment in the General Secretary’s letter (Paper E), that ‘Unless your synod passes a resolution that the resolution “be not proceeded with”…your synod will have been deemed to agree by default.’ There was no resolution forthcoming that the resolution ‘be not proceeded with’.
Island House, new trust deed (Paper F)
A new trust deed for Island House (Paper F) had been circulated by email with a covering letter from Simon Fairnington, the Synod Clerk. The new deed had been approved by solicitors acting on behalf of the Synod (Simon Leney, of Cripps Law) and the URC (Andrew Middleton of Needhams). The Clerk proposed that the new trust deed be approved. The Revd Tony Ruffell seconded and the deed was approved unanimously.
In Memoriam
Revd Tony Ruffell led Synod in remembering those who had died since the March Synod.
During August we mourned the death of three retired ministers in seven days, they all lived in Thames North Synod and had in various ways played a significant role in the life and mission of the Church.
Revd Geoffrey Bending was born 21 August 1928 and died on Sunday 2 August 2015, after a period of illness.
Revd David A. L. Jenkins was born on 20 June 1939 and died suddenly on Saturday 8 August following emergency surgery.
Revd Dr John Edward Parry was born 19 February 1923and, passed away peacefully at Wexham Park Hospital, Slough on 9th August 2015 at the age of 92, after a short illness.
Three Elders who had died during the summer were also remembered:
Edward (Eddie) Webber, died 28 March 2015, he was known and respected for his work in the Lea Valley Area and Synod, particularly in regard to property matters
Derek Collins, who died in August 2015, had a long history of service to ecumenism, dating back to the BCC and CCBI.
John Stoddard MBE JP, died 2 August 2015; he was an accredited Lay Preacher since 1943 and past District Lay Preaching Commissioner.
Notices
Following notices Synod broke for lunch just before 1pm.
Synod reassembled at 2.00pm, singing “Good news, God reigns!” by Alan Gaunt as members gathered.
What is the Spirit Saying to the Churches?
The Moderator introduced the Revd Elizabeth Welch, who convenes the URC Faith and Order Committee.
Elizabeth explained that the booklet “What is the Spirit saying to the Churches?” had been sent to all Church Secretaries with a request for the Church Meeting to consider the question. This was with the intention of encouraging members to think about where God is taking the URC at this time. Responses were requested by 31 July 2015 this has now extended to 30 September 2015 in view of the various other matters also referred to the churches and/or Synods. The discussions and research have been going on for a long time because there are no easy answers. It is an ongoing process of prayer, discussion and study. She encouraged as many churches as possible who had either not discussed the question or had discussed but not responded to try and do so, preferably before the deadline but if not as soon as possible thereafter. The Faith ad Order Committee are currently in the midst of a listening process but they hope to report back to next year’s General Assembly.
Synod then discussed the following questions at their tables:
- How many churches are represented around the table?
- How many churches have discussed this in their church?
- What are the most positive URC characteristics that you value about your church?
- Where do you see the Spirit leading your church next?
- What would you like to say to feed into this URC-wide conversation about future directions for the Church?
Each table was asked to appoint a scribe to note their answers. The response sheets were collected and will be transcribed and submitted by 30th September as part of the feed-back process.
Resolution from Pond Square Chapel concerning M&M(Paper D)
Revd Julian Templeton proposed the resolution and Revd Robert Courtney seconded it.
Resolution: Synod believes that the current deployment of Stipendiary Ministry is generally negative both in its expectations and practical effect. It inhibits effective ministerial leadership and frustrates many local church initiatives and plans for growth. Synod calls for its immediate and radical review and replacement by General Assembly.