Norwich Synod hears Bishop's message of hope

The Bishop of Norwich said that the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canterbury and Pope Francis I within just 48 hours of each other should bring hope to the Christian community.

 
JustinWelbyBishop450Speaking to around 100 people at the Norwich Diocesan Synod at St Luke’s Church Norwich on March 16, the Rt Rev Graham James said: ”We live in a culture which has turned economic prosperity into a great god and sees economic growth as the means of salvation. 
 
“Yet the things which matter most to people are whether they are loved and cherished, and feel part of a wider community. Where faith and love are found, hope abides.  And in this coming week both in our own communion and in the Roman Catholic Church there will be a rekindling of hope with a celebration of new ministries which span the worldwide Church. 

Bishop Graham went on to speak passionately about the Church of England and the difficulties that it has seen over the past few months. He spoke of the disappointment and discouragement of female priests after the General Synod vote on female Bishops, and referred to us beginning the Advent season as a “wounded body which needed healing”.  He went on to talk of the future and proposals for July’s General Synod.
 
He also addressed the issue of consecration of gay bishops and the differences between civil partnership and same-sex marriage. He stated that it would be unwise to rush any legislation on this issue and that a more considered approach is needed. 

The full address can be read here.


Other Synod news

 
  • A vote on changes to Parish Share was adjourned until after Central Visitations when people will have the opportunity to discuss the matter further.
  • The Synod heard from Canon Ian Bentley about “ChurchFest”. An initiative in Lowestoft last September which brought together 37 churches of various denominations to show the best of what church has to offer.
  • The Bishop of Thetford, said that: “Ministry belongs to all God’s people”, and went on to outline the role of Authorised Worship Assistants and said that such a ministry could begin immediately and whenever new gifts are discerned. 
  • The Archdeacon of Norfolk, Steven Betts, reporting that for cost reasons the Diocesan Ministry Course (NDMC) will be lcosing down and the Eastern Region Ministry Course (ERMC) will be taking over the running of courses with staff relocating from Emmaus House to Diocesan House.
 
A fuller report on the Synod can be read here

Pictured above is the Bishop of Norwich with the Archbishop of Canterbury in Norwich last week.