Diocesan Synod 2010


The Diocesan Synod meets from 24 to 28 May at Kardinal Schulte Haus in Cologne,  Germany (see photo below). Close to 70 clergy and lay representatives of our 7 archdeaconries will be joined by the bishops and the diocesan staff for this annual meeting. About 1/3 are new members elected at the start of this new triennium.

The agenda includes the discussion of a report of a communications audit undertaken at the request of the Communications and Publications Committee, which has examined the present vehicles for diocesan communication and the unique challenges we face in serving 45 countries. Several key recommendations will be considered as a communications strategy for the future is framed.

A major report will be received from the Strategic Review Group which was set up in 2008 to investigate the resources required to implement the model for a leadership structure in the diocese which was approved by the Synod that year, a structure centred on a diocesan bishop, two suffragan bishops, four free-standing archdeacons supported by area deans.

The work of the Ministry Team which oversees the work of vocation, selection and training of lay and ordained ministers will be presented. This is one of the major programmes of the diocese which is coordinated centrally.

During the Synod the Annual Meeting of the Diocesan Board of Finance is held.

Morning and Evening Prayer and the Holy Eucharist are celebrated daily. Bible studies will be led by the Revd Stephen Tucker, the Vicar of Hampstead. The Secretary General of the Church of England, Mr William Fittall and the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham James, will be special guests.

For a 3 minute interview with the Diocesan Secretary, Mr Adrian Mumford, about this year's synod, follow this link for an audio podcast.

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