Three Surprises on the First Day at Synod

Anglican Futures is back in York - observing the events of the Church of England's General Synod and offering readers some insight into what is happening.

Synod began on Friday afternoon and alongside the usual scuffles over spending, sexuality and safeguarding, which will be covered in future blogs, there were a few encounters that made it feel a little less like Groundhog Day.

1) Anglican Futures agreed with the Archbishop of York (more than once)

In his Presidential Address, the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell identified the need for "deep and profound spiritual and theological renewal" in the Church of England. He even advised Synod members that, "As we continue the process of discerning whom God might be calling to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury, it is this spiritual and theological leadership that we need more than anything else."

He spoke of the need to, "turn back those utilitarian tides of opinion that risk making, for instance, assisted dying a reality in our national life, changing forever the contract between doctor and patient, pressurizing the vulnerable, and assuming an authority over death that belongs to God alone."

It was heartening to hear the Archbishop express the view that, "These things belong together: spirituality, evangelism, catechesis and apostolic discipleship." Something Anglican Futures has sought to assist with through our daily prayer podcast, In All Our Doings.

Before getting too excited though, it is important to remember that just like Humpty Dumpty, when the Archbishop of York uses a word, “it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less." The Revd Ian Paul, a member of General Synod, has pointed out in an open letter to the Archbishop of York, that all these words are in fact meaningless in the face of Cottrell's failure to uphold the doctrine and discipline of the Church.

2) It may be a safeguarding risk to teach the doctrine of the Church of England

The Archbishop of York was unable to confirm that the bishops of the Church of England would agree that, "... that teaching Church of England doctrine on marriage and the place of sexual intimacy is not a safeguarding risk."

Cottrell appeared flummoxed by this simple question asked by Mrs Rebecca Hunt. While willing to say, "I can say that," he was clearly unwilling to make a commitment on behalf of his fellow bishops, hiding instead behind the excuse that, "...we haven't had that particular discussion."

The Church of England has reached a new low.

And yet...

3) Scriptures were quoted by heart from the platform

General Synod was briefed by the Deputy Commander of the 1st (United Kingdom) Division of the Armed Forces, Brigadier Jaish Mahan, about the role of Armed Forces chaplains and the role of the Church in the light of the "risk of further conflict in Europe".

About half way through he spoke of the "great confidence and support" his faith gives him when on deployment, saying, "It has held me and it has kept me true in difficult times." He then asked to share a few lines of Psalm 139 with the General Synod and lifting his eyes from his notes and speaking directly to those gathered, he quoted:

“Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there.

If I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,

even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”

Mahan said these words had been a real comfort to him when he found himself, "in far flung areas around the world." It may also be true that his ability to speak them from his heart will have been a great comfort to many gathered at General Synod.

Perhaps, the Church of England should look in a surprising place for the next Archbishop of Canterbury.

The full address can be watched here.

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Who do you think should be the next Archbishop of Canterbury?

Anglican Futures will be asking General Synod members to cast their vote.

Who would you vote for?