Sunday’s
Gospel warned us all against the error of competition amongst disciples. I’m
sure my fellow candidates will agree that this is not such a competition to be
the greatest but to offer ourselves for service. There are three positions open
and I for one am happy to work with any of my fellow candidates here so we can
represent you all.
In my
written election address I covered the experience I’d bring to the role of
representing the clergy of Worcester diocese on General synod both from my work
in the grassroots of a team parish in the north of the diocese and from my
previous role as Diocesan Youth Officer. In my speech today I want to turn to what
I would do as your representative on synod.
There are
some issues which we might well expect to arise during the next five years of
synod. These include issues arising from the Reform and Renewal documents - put
forward by small think tank groups co-ordinated by the archbishops. As some of
you, I also have some reservations about the way some of these documents have
come about both the lack of wider consultation and in some cases the
theological foundations for them but I’m committed to working towards them
having a positive impact on the church; preserving those historical aspects of
the church which are central to our roots yet pruning areas which could be more
fruitful.
I have
particular interest in the reforms to ministerial training and education. My work
in theological education and my current participation in IME years 4-7 enable
me to speak from personal experience on this matter.
Another
issue which is likely to come before synod is the matter of same-sex
partnerships particularly with respect to those in ordained ministry as well as
to the theology of marriage.
I want to
help the church to be a place of inclusion. I believe strongly that mutually
supportive committed partnerships are fundamental to building community: “Those
who live in love, live in God and God lives in them.” I believe the church
should be encouraging people who wish to live in committed partnerships,
whatever their sexuality. I am also conscious that many of our churches
nationally, and indeed some of our interfaith brothers and sisters and our
Anglican partners in some parts around the world, may not yet be ready to
accept the change that has already happened in our culture and we need to travel
forwards together with grace.
Balanced
with these internal issues for the church, synod will also need to continue to demonstrate
that the church is interested in the wider world. The current
austerity means that the church is already at the forefront of supporting people
in local communities affected by welfare cuts and this role will continue and
perhaps even increase. I think the church also has an important voice to share
on issues including the environment, ethics and education.
Whatever
business comes before synod, if elected, I intend to suggest to my fellow
representatives that we communicate news of synod business with all those
clergy who wish to be informed about it prior to and following each meeting via
a self-selecting group email using the same or similar system used by diocesan
news. Because being on Synod for me is about two way empowerment between our
parishes and our national church. I want to both represent and inform parish
clergy in Worcester diocese.
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