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On Wednesday 9 July the Diocesan Synod, accompanied by Parish Treasurers, met with a particular focus on diocesan finances, at Bishop Stopford School in Kettering.
Our session started with prayers led by the Revd Nicki Hobbs, rural dean of Kettering Deanery. Nicki began with a time of remembrance for Steve Atkins, a Reader and Churchwarden of the Church of Christ the King, Kettering as well as supporter of many diocesan events.
In her presidential address, Bishop Debbie spoke of the joy of the recent ordinations and noted the call for all disciples to work together in making Christ known. She updated synod on the recent governance and organisational review and talked about the importance of strengthening our structures so that we can support all parishes in their call to make Christ known. Having given a brief overview of the main points of the review, she informed Synod about the working group that has been set up to implement it. She also reported that the Diocese had been successful in being awarded central church capacity funding for some roles that would help us to implement the changes that are needed for us to function well. The first of these, Bishop's Missioner, is currently being recruited for, and Bishop Debbie asked for prayer for the right person to answer that call. Bishop John is due to retire in September, and Bishop Debbie reminded everyone that the role of Suffragan Bishop is one that is not automatically replaced, but has to be considered by the national Dioceses Commission. In order to help with her submission, she asked everyone to consider what the Diocese needs in a Suffragan Bishop and to send their thoughts and ideas to the diocesan synod email address.
David Mason, Chief Financial Officer, then gave a presentation on diocesan finances, reflecting on the current deficit position. In a change of normal procedure, all those attending were seated at tables with a facilitator so that, following this presentation, time could be spent considering and reflecting on the financial papers and how best to face this challenge together. This was in order that Synod members are better prepared to consider the budget at the October Synod. We were delighted that about seventy Parish Treasurers came to the meeting and participated fully in these table discussions. There will also be a further opportunity for Synod members and Parish Treasurers who could not attend the meeting to comment, and all of this feedback will be considered by the Diocesan Board of Finance and the Governance and Organisational Review Working Group as appropriate.
This period of discussion was followed by a brief question and answer session and some official business of Synod including the proclamation of the amended Vacancy in See Committees Regulation 2024.
The next meeting of Synod will take place on Saturday 6 September at 10am at Highgate House.
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| Revd Allison Twigg, Chair of the House of Clergy | Chris Banks, Chair of the House of Laity |