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General Synod - Summary of Business Conducted on Tuesday 7th February pm

7 February 2006

 

SEEDS IN HOLY GROUND: A future for the rural church? (GS 1606)

The Bishop of Exeter moved:

‘That this Synod, being aware of the importance of strong rural communities to the life of the nation,

(a) affirm the Church of England's commitment to work with ecumenical partners to sustain and support an effective Christian presence in each rural community;

(b) urge Government nationally, regionally and locally to:

(i) acknowledge the vital contribution that rural churches as key stakeholders make to rural community development and community cohesion;

(ii) proactively involve rural churches and other faith groups in the decision making processes that affect rural communities;

(iii) recognise that excluding churches and other faith groups from equitable funding is detrimental to rural community development;

(c) commend Seeds in Holy Ground to rural churches to assist mission in each locality, call on dioceses to ensure adequate resourcing for their rural strategies and ask the MPA Council to report to Synod on the progress of these strategies within the present quinquinnium;

(e) request the Archbishops' Council to review the adequacy of its national support of the presence and witness  of the rural church.’

You can see the accompanying report here.

After debate, the Synod voted for the motion by unanimously.

 

Audio of debate

 

 

PUSHING AT THE BOUNDARIES OF UNITY: Anglicans and Baptists in conversation  (GS Misc 801)

The Bishop of Peterborough moved:

‘That this Synod commend the report for study throughout the Church of England and for local discussion with Baptists; and request that comments be sent to the Council for Christian Unity by 30 November 2007.’

Following debate, the Synod carried  the motion.

 

Audio of debate

 

 

MUTUAL EXPECTATIONS:  THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND AND CHURCH COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES Report by the Board of Education (GS 1601)

The Bishop of Dover moved:

‘That this Synod

(a) welcome the report;

(b) endorse the report’s statement of mutual expectations between the Church and church Higher Education Institutions; and

(c) call for further development in the partnership between the dioceses and church Higher Education Institutions.’

Following debate, the Synod carried the motion.

 

The Bishop of Winchester dismissed the Synod with a blessing.

 

Audio of debate