The Church of England General Synod has concluded its annual residential meeting in York, after a wide-ranging agenda on internal affairs, as well as issues affecting the country.
They heard from a Brigadier about the dangerous world and the need for the church to prepare for war and support the chaplains. The Archbishop of Jerusalem addressed the synod on the plight of people in Gaza and won two standing ovations. A synod debate on assisted dying showed an overwhelming number against, and another on a redress scheme for survivors of abuse was welcomed as a step forward in the church’s recent story of scandals.
Internally, a bumper £1.36 billion funding package for dioceses over the next three years was agreed, along with a rise in clergy pay and pensions, and more money for low-income and deprived parishes. And in a striking moment, peace broke out in the sometimes hostile debate on same-sex marriage, with agreement to bin a ‘pernicious’ document on homosexuality from 34 years ago. Rosie Dawson hosted, with guests:
- Bishop Hugh Nelson, Bishop to the Armed Forces
- Jane Chevous, Director, Survivors Voices
- Bishop of Birkenhead, Julie Conalty
- Tim Wyatt, journalist
- Nathan Obokoh, youth leader
- Ven Stewart Fyfe, Archdeacon of West Cumberland
- Paul Waddell, lay representative from Southwark
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