The Diocesan Synod on 3 July was welcomed to St John's, Waterloo, by the Rev Dr Jane Freeman who led the Synod in Prayer.

Bishop Tom noted that the Diocesan Secretary's PA, Christine Lutman, would be retiring at the end of September and that this would therefore be her last Synod. He wished her well for the future. The Synod also noted Bishop Wilfred's retirement. Sadly, he was unable to be at the Synod due to ill health and the Synod wished him well.

Bishop Tom had asked Colin, Bishop of Woolwich to give the Presidential address and talk about his journey around the parishes in his Area (a full review of Bishop Colin's book resulting from the visits appeared in the July/August edition of the Bridge.)

Questions followed on Zimbabwe, clergy freehold, Diocesan policy on the suspension of livings and the process of shortlisting for parish clergy.

Cathedral Appeal

The Dean, the Very Rev Colin Slee, told a delighted Synod of further progress with the Cathedral appeal and particularly an extra £475,000 from the Millennium Commission. There is still £200,000 needed but this donation represented a huge step forward, he said. He went on to mention the RIBA Award which the buildings had received and to pay tribute to the Virgers, cleaners, and volunteers who have worked hard under difficult circumstances.

Money matters....

Canon Grahame Shaw, Vice-President of Synod, and Andrew Britton, Chair of the Board of Finance presented the 2001 Annual Report and Accounts which were agreed without dissent.

The Ven. Christine Hardman, Archdeacon of Lewisham, spoke to a paper responding to a national church consultation on 'Generosity and Sacrifice' dealing with clergy stipends and pensions and other financial matters. The response had already been approved by Bishop's Council. In short, it said that, while the Diocese was sympathetic to moving towards a £20,000 p.a. stipend for clergy as soon as possible, it simply could not be afforded, that defined benefits on clergy pensions were very important and that there was no support for abolishing guaranteed annuities. Eight members spoke in the subsequent debate after which the response was approved.

Area Councils...

The next item concerned the review of Area Councils, due to take place at the end of 2002, which it was proposed should be delayed by a year. Two new Area Bishops were to be appointed and the delay would give them experience of the existing system before being involved in the considerations. It was proposed that the matter should return to Synod in March 2004. Two speakers responded after which 52 voted in favour of the proposal (and thus the delay) with 31 against.

...and advisers

Finally, Synod considered the deployment of Diocesan Advisers and Area Mission Teams. The Archdeacon of Wandsworth introduced the item, standing in for the Ven. Nick Baines, Archdeacon of Lambeth, delayed at another meeting. The proposal was for two paid Parish Development Officers in each area with specialities in such fields as youth and children, training, evangelism, social responsibility and community development; that their priorities should be agreed within Diocesan Priorities by the Area Bishop and their line manager (the Chair of the central committee to which they relate). In addition to these specialist posts in the areas there would be a number located centrally.

The Diocesan Secretary had received two amendments to the motion - the second, a substantial amendment from Croydon Central Deanery, which it was proposed, would be taken first. The Ven. Douglas Bartles-Smith argued that in view of the size of the amendment and with no time for members to give it due consideration, Synod should not accept it for debate.

Barry Barnes proposed that, in view of late arrival of the amendment, the whole debate be adjourned to next Synod. However, the Archdeacon of Wandsworth was concerned aboutthe effects that a delay would have on the advisers, and opposed an adjournment. A vote was taken for adjournment and lost.

Bishop Tom then proposed that amendment be 'not put'. This was agreed and the amendment was withdrawn.

The other amendment was then proposed by the Rev Kim Hitch. This had the effect of noting the proposed new structure but asking deaneries for comments and suggestions. Four people spoke in the debate including the Ven. Nick Baines (who had arrived by this time!) Rev Kim Hitch responded to debate.

Before taking a vote on the amendment, Bishop Tom told Synod that the review of Area Councils would be extended to include the use and deployment of advisers, and would involve consultation with parishes. The amendment was put and lost by a substantial majority and in the last business of the day, the Ven. Nick Baines moved the original motion on behalf of Bishop's Council which was agreed without dissent.