March 2015
in review
The National Church Institutions working for you
www.churchofengland.org
Report on rural mission and ministry released to support countryside churches The challenges of rural ministry are addressed in a new report aimed at releasing the energies of clergy and lay people for mission in the countryside. The study Released for Mission, Growing the Rural Church, which was
Synod Special page 4
approved at February’s meeting of the General Synod, makes a series of recommendations including locally accessible training and development for lay people and clergy working in multi-church groups.
A review needs to be carried out urgently to examine how to simplify legal governance structures of multi-church groups, the report recommends. Continued on page 2
Reflect to go this lent with a new app - page 3
WELCOME to this special edition of InReview, featuring a special report on February’s meeting of the General Synod. Our aim is to keep people in touch with the activities of the Archbishops’ Council,
Church Commissioners, the Pensions Board and other bodies who serve the Church at national level. Do check out In Focus, our sister publication designed to be a centrespread for A5 parish magazines.
Page two | The National Church Institutions working for you
Released for mission, growing the rural church report receives Synod approval Continued from front page Multi-church groups would also benefit from improving systems to take care of administrative tasks, financial accounting, and building and churchyard management on behalf of the whole group. More ecumenical partnership should also be encouraged, opening up the possibility of new initiatives that might not be possible for a single denomination, the report adds. Mission and growth are more likely to flourish in rural multichurch groups where time and space is created for this, the report notes, and where the ministry of lay people is supported. Nearly two-thirds or 65%, of Church of England churches -
Bishop James Bell, chair of the Rural Affairs Group
10,199 - are in rural areas and almost all work in groups. James Bell, Bishop of Knaresborough, and chair of the Rural Affairs Group of the General Synod, writing in the foreword
to the report, described the recommendations as “practical and achievable.” “A Christian presence in every community is more than a strap-line - it is the heart of English Anglicanism. It is the expression of our obligation, as the church for all the people of the nation, to leave no community untouched by the gospel of Jesus Christ, lived out among the people of every place. “Ministry and mission in the rural church is highly demanding of energy and imagination. Growth is being realised but much needs to be done.” The full report can be found at: bit.ly/ruralreport Further information about rural ministry can be found at: www.arthurrankcentre.org.uk/
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Resources for the shared conversations on scripture, Ethical Investment Advisory Group issues statement on Church mission and sexuality published Commissioners and Pensions The Church of England has published a set of ticipants in the conversations are asked to read Board holding in SOCO resources called ‘Grace and Disagreement’ for prior to taking part in the conversations. the Shared Conversations on Scripture, Mission and Sexuality. The first booklet outlines the thinking behind the conversations, the process and their place in the life of the church. The second booklet comprises four essays, with varying views, which par-
The booklets have been published to complement the new website, sharedconversations.org, that provide resources and information. The resources are available at: bit.ly/graceanddisagreement
Church Commissioners welcome decision by BP and Shell Boards on climate change resolution support Credit: LuAnne Cadd
Two of the world’s biggest oil companies will be recommending to its shareholders that they back a shareholder resolution calling for a greater commitment to moving to a low carbon economy. The Church Commissioners for England - members of the “Aiming for A” coalition - have welcomed the decision by the BP Plc and Royal Dutch Shell Plc Boards to recommend shareholders accept the recently filed climate change resolution: ‘Strategic Resilience for 2035 and Beyond’. Welcoming the announcement from BP Edward Mason Head of Responsible Investment for the Church Commissioners said: “The positive way in which BP and Shell have responded to our shareholder resolutions is completely unprecedented. This represents a step change in engagement between institutional shareholders and the oil
Credit: Mike Mozart (left)/Royal Dutch Shell (right)
and gas industry on the strategic challenge that climate change poses to the industry. The next step is for investors to back the boards of both companies and to vote for the disclosures that we have requested and that the companies have said they will provide. We look forward to seeing the new in depth reporting from both companies later this year and to continued engagement”. The Commissioners are part of the £160bn ‘Aiming for A’ Investor Coalition compromised
of a range of large church, charity, local authority and individual investors which was launched in 2012 as a new investor initiative to engage on climate change with the 10 largest extractives and utilities companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. BP and Shell have the biggest carbon footprints of all the companies listed on the London Stock Exchange The resolution, ‘strategic resilience for 2035 and beyond’ can be found at: bit.ly/ climatechangeresolution
The Church of England Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG) has issued a formal statement relating to the holdings of the Church Commissioners and Pensions Board in SOCO International Plc. The statement begins: “Following Board level engagement between the Church of England Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG) and SOCO International Plc (SOCO),
the EIAG has raised serious concerns about the Company’s determination to satisfactorily address, in an open and transparent manner, allegations concerning the operations of SOCO in and around the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The full statement is available online at: bit.ly/EIAGstatementonSOCO
Christian Aid Chief Exec joins EIAG Loretta Minghella OBE, head of Christian Aid, has accepted an invitation to join the Church of England’s Ethical Investment Advisory Group (EIAG). Welcoming the announcement, James Featherby, Chairman of the EIAG said: “We are delighted that Loretta Minghella OBE has accepted our invitation to join
the board of the Ethical Investment Advisory Group. With more than 20 years expertise in financial services and her passionate pursuit of justice for the most vulnerable around the globe, we look forward to what Loretta will bring to the EIAG at this increasingly important time in its work.” Further details are available at: bit.ly/lorettaminghella
InReview | Page three
Archbishops pledge church’s support for Armed Forces community
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have pledged the Church of England’s commitment to support the Armed Forces community. The Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, signed by Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop John Sentamu at Lambeth Palace, commits the Church of
England to recognise and care for Armed Forces personnel, veterans and families. The Archbishops were joined by Minister of State for Defence Anna Soubry to sign the covenant, witnessed by service personnel, the Bishops to the Armed Forces and Chaplains General. The Archbishop of Canter-
bury, who recently backed a homeless veterans appeal, said: “The privilege of ministering with the people in the Armed Services is absolutely crucial to our understanding of the role of the church. “Signing this covenant is of great importance to us. It says that we value the Armed Services, we appreciate what they do; the very difficult things they do very often that we don’t know about and don’t see – but for which we pray and for which we are deeply grateful that we have chaplains involved.” The Armed Forces Corporate Covenant with the Church is available at: bit.ly/coeforcescovenant
Reflect on the go this Lent via Apple and Android
The Church of England has made its Reflections for Lent for 2015 available online in an app format across both Apple and Android devices. The availability of the app also means that for the first time, all apps published by the Church of England’s publisher, Church House Publishing, are available across both platforms. Reflections for Lent, provides
daily readings and reflections. In 2014 the Reflections for Lent 2014 iOS version became the UK’s top selling book app on Ash Wednesday, and the latest apps join a collection of mobile apps available across both iOS and Android platforms which have collectively seen over 130,000 first-time downloads, including the popular Daily Prayer, which was downloaded
more than 25,000 times in its first year. Thomas Allain-Chapman, head of Church House Publishing said: “By making Reflections for Lent available across a range of digital formats we hope that more people will find it easier to make time for daily prayer and reflection, however busy they may be. New technology can provide a great way into the Christian tradition of taking up good habits - as well as letting go of bad ones - for Lent.” The apps are available now on iOS and Google Play, with more details available at: bit.ly/chpapps
New Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham announced Downing Street announced that the new Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham will be the Rt Revd Paul Williams, currently the Area Bishop of Kensington, in the Diocese of London. Paul, who will take up this new role in the summer, said: “I am thrilled at the prospect of joining an outstanding diocesan team committed to advancing the mission of the church for the benefit of all who live in the city and county of Nottingham. It’s clearly an exciting time to be moving to the county and I look forward to getting to know people and playing a full part in helping the city fulfil its compelling ambitions, as well as addressing the challenges that communities face
across the region.” For more information, including a video with Bishop Paul: bit.ly/nextBpofSouthwellandNotts
Christianity course addressing ‘urgent task’ for the church, says Archbishop
The Archbishop of Canterbury has said the Church of England’s national course on the Christian faith- Pilgrim - is helping address “the urgent task” of making new disciples, as its final materials were published this month. Archbishop Justin Welby said the Pilgrim Course, which is aimed at people curious to explore the Christian faith, has been “used wonderfully by God”.
Archishop Justin said: “The Pilgrim Course has been used wonderfully by God both to bring people to faith in Jesus Christ and to enable them to grow as his disciples. It is my prayer that the complete course will continue to be an effective tool for the Church as it seeks to fulfil, in God’s grace, the urgent task of making disciples - so that the light of Christ may shine in every corner of this land through all who follow him.” To find out more, visit: www.pilgrimcourse.org
Social action core to heart and mission of Church of England according to national survey Loneliness and isolation are the most widespread social problems affecting English communities, regardless of income or social class, according to the findings of a survey of vicars published by Church Urban Fund (CUF) and the Church of England.
In a national online study of social action by Anglican churches, social isolation was described as a major or significant problem in their area by 64% of clergy, up from 58% three years ago. The survey showed loneliness was the only issue to be cited by clergy as a significant problem in the majority of wealthier areas as well as deprived communities. Social isolation was listed as a more common problem than unemployment, homelessness and poor housing by the 1,812 clergy who completed the questionnaire.
The report, Church in Action, showed nearly half of churches are running organised activities to tackle social isolation through programmes such as youth groups, parent-toddler groups or lunch clubs. Support provided by churches includes collecting food, providing volunteers and offering premises and helping to manage food banks. Tim Thornton, the Bishop of Truro, said: “This joint report by the Church of England and Church Urban Fund shows that social action is deeply embedded into the mission of the Church of England. “It is heartening to see the Church responding so impressively to a range of different needs, including social isolation and loneliness. “We live in an increasingly individualistic and atomised society. Through fostering social networks, friendships and family life, churches help to provide the ‘glue’ that binds people together and help build stronger communities.” For further details including a full copy of the report: www.cuf.org.uk/research/ church-action
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Synod commits to programme of renewal and reform The General Synod has approved a set of measures introduced to provide renewal and reform to the Church of England. The reports, which were introduced on the Synod floor on Tuesday evening, set out a series of proposals to see the future growth of the Church of England. Among the reports, the report of the Task Force on Resourcing the Future proposes a programme of investment in the Church “focused on the Dioceses’ strategic plans for growth, and with a strong bias to the poor”. The report states: “This is a moment of great opportunity for the Church of England. The House of Bishops, Archbishops’ Council and the Church as a whole have set three goals: advancing its spiritual and numerical growth, reimagining its ministry for the 21st century to help ensure there is a growing and sustainable Christian witness in every community; and contributing towards the common good. This heralds a new direction for the Church, after many decades of steady decline.” The Synod debated and voted to approve papers and
reports on: • Discipleship • Resourcing the Future • Resourcing Ministerial Education • Simplification • Church Commissioners Funds and Inter-generational equity Each motion carried specific proposals which invited the national structures including the House of Bishops, the Archbishops’ Council and the Church Commissioners to act on the proposals, including asking
the Commissioners to consider releasing £100 million to support “changes that will equip the Church of England more effectively for sustainable mission and ministry over the coming generations”. The full proposals and individual reports can all be found on the Church of England website at: bit.ly/February15sessions To listen to all of the speeches including the task group debates, visit: bit.ly/GeneralSynodFeb15
Archbishop Warda addresses Synod
Christianity in Iraq is going through one of the worst and hardest stages of its long history, the Archbishop of the Chaldean Diocese of Erbil, Iraq, has told the General Synod. In an address to the Synod, Archbishop Bashar Warda said Iraqi Christians who have been forced to flee their villages during the past year are in “desperate” need of financial and material support. “Brothers and Sisters, during the past year more than 125, 000 Christians have been forced to flee from their villages only
Archbishop encourages the church to share Jesus with ‘joy and delight’
Other business at the General Synod
Dr Michael Parsons (Gloucester) who brought the PMM on Canon B38
Important legislative business sat alongside debates on reports and motions on the ministry and mission of the Church of England at February’s General Synod. A speech by Geoffrey Tattersall QC (Manchester diocese) introduced the main provisions of the Draft Safeguarding and Clergy Discipline Measure which include giving bishops greater power over ability to suspend when they are satisfied on information provided by the police or local authority that a priest or deacon
that an approved service must be used for suicide victims, but no such service has ever been approved. The Private Members Motion was brought by Canon Dr Michael Parsons (Gloucester Diocese) who told synod that legislation was “widely disregarded by most clergy and even more widely unknown”. During the debate synod members talked about their experiences of pastoral care for suicide victims and their families.
Synod also voted to take note of the Revision presents a significant risk of Committee Report on alternative harm. The full speech pro- baptism texts, which had previvides details of the other main ously been piloted in dioceses. provisions which will sit along- The additional materials, will side detailed guidance. Synod complement the current servoted to take note of the Report vice and are designed to make from the Revision Committee the rite of baptism more accesand the Measure will now come sible. The Revision Committee back to Synod for final approval. noted that current texts “are More information is available at: not accessible to those who are bit.ly/1D7UWyW unused to attending church,” - this stemmed from an original Synod voted to amend motion from Liverpool Diocese. Canon B 38 – regulising The proposed text for the church law with general clergy alternative service can practice around funerals for be found at: suicide victims. Canon law states bit.ly/177lWAz
because they chose to remain Christians and refused the conditions imposed on them. They had toleave at night, under the cover of darkness. Many of them trod their own path of Golgotha for long hours, having left everything behind, other than their bare clothes. Arriving on foot, they sought refuge in the relatively secure region of Kurdistan, having no idea as to whether they would ever be able to return to their life-long homes.” The Archbishop’s speech is available at: bit.ly/abpwarda
In his presidential address to the General Synod, the Archbishop of Canterbury urged the Church of England to approach evangelism and witness with “joy and delight”. Archbishop Justin gave his presidential address to Synod ahead of discussions about the programme of reform and renewal of the Church (see above), focusing on the role that evangelism and witness play in the church’s life: “Witness and evangelism are expressions of the overflow of
the love and joy of the grace of God into our lives, and the life of His whole church and His whole world. They are inescapably tied up with the kingdom of God, with lives lived incarnationally full of the hospitality and generosity of Christ. “Evangelism and witness are not strategies, let alone strategies for church survival. A church that looks for strategies to survive has lost the plot. We need strategies so that we may be more clearly those who are able to take up our cross and follow Christ, as we heard earlier from the Archbishop [of the Chaldean Diocese of Erbil, Iraq], willing to die for Him so that all may live through Him.” The audio and full text of the Archbishop’s speech are available at: bit.ly/abcaddressfebruary15
Synod Audio Every speech, debate and presentation from General Synod is available online now on the Church of England’s Soundcloud account, as well as a Synod special weekly podcast: bit.ly/GeneralSynodFeb15