Supporting Synod members as they work to make the Church of England a safe, welcoming and inclusive church for everyone in the country is a huge exercise in patience, and the exercise of faith and hope over mistrust and despair. There is nothing I can actually do: I am parked firmly on the sidelines as …
Tag: General Synod
The Church of England and the LLF/PLF Process: Listening and Learning
Learning things involves listening. That is obvious - we listen to things we didn't know and we try and fit them into the jumble of impressions, facts, traditions and habits that go to make up the way we know anything. Descartes thought that the human mind was a bank slate, ready to receive sense impressions …
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Living in Love and Faith: a Whole Lot of Hot Air?
The story of the Church of England's agonies over sexuality, and in particular the place it gives to LGBT people and their relationships seems never-ending. It is easy to lose the thread. Here is the short version: The 1980s The Osborne Report (1989) takes evidence from gay and lesbian people The Higton Motion (1987) undercuts …
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Letter to General Synod Members before the July Synod
Dear Synod Member, Thank you for your contribution to the life of our church. I do not underestimate the amount of time that it takes for you to prepare for a Synod meeting, and to give up time for what is a very intense few days. I know too, from my time as a Rural …
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Restoring Dignity in the Church of England
It is July. It is time for General Synod in York. This is the kick-back Synod. Time for sandals and open-necked shirts, strawberries and ice cream, and clergy not looking clerical, except for the ones who always do. But the external relaxedness masks some serious business. Three pieces of business around sexuality and gender issues …
From The Quire 