DIOCESAN SYNOD

DIOCESAN SYNOD
SATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER 2014
To be held in ST JOHN’S CHURCH CENTRE
SCHOOL LANE, HARTFORD
NORTHWICH
9.15am : Act of Worship
9.30am : EGM Chester DBF
9.40am : Diocesan Synod
11am : Refreshments
Contact details
01928 718834
www.chester.anglican.org
CHESTER DIOCESAN SYNOD 2012-2015
THE HOUSE OF BISHOPS
The Bishop of Chester (The Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster)
The Suffragan Bishop of Birkenhead (The Rt Revd Keith Sinclair)
The Suffragan Bishop of Stockport (Vacant)
Honorary Assistant Bishop (The Rt Revd William Pwaisiho)
Birkenhead
4/4
Chester
7/7
Frodsham
4/4
Great Budworth
5/5
Malpas
4/4
Middlewich
5/5
Wallasey
4/4
Wirral North
8/8
Wirral South
5/4
Bowdon
6/6
Chadkirk
5/5
Cheadle
6/5
Congleton
5/5
Knutsford
5/6
Macclesfield
4/6
Mottram
4/4
Nantwich
5/5
Stockport
4/4
Nominated by
the Bishop
THE HOUSE OF CLERGY
THE HOUSE OF LAITY
The Chair of the House of Clergy (Vacant)
Ex officio
The Dean of Chester (The Very Revd Dr Gordon McPhate)
The Archdeacon of Chester (The Ven Michael Gilbertson)
The Archdeacon of Macclesfield (The Ven Ian Bishop)
The Chair of the House of Laity Dr John Mason
Ex officio
The Chancellor (HH Judge David Turner)
The Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance (Canon Betty Renshaw)
The Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (Prof. Robert Munn)
Proctors in Convocation
The Ven Ian Bishop
Revd Alison Cox
Revd Canon David Felix
Revd Dr Rob Munro
Revd Charles Razzall
1 vacancy
Members of General Synod
(Chester Electoral Area)
(Macclesfield Electoral Area)
Dr Graham Campbell
Mr John Freeman
Dr John Mason
Canon Betty Renshaw
Prof Tony Berry
Mrs Jenny Dunlop
Mr Peter Hart
Mrs Lois Haslam
Elected by Deanery Synods
Revd Dr Joe Kennedy
Revd Wayne Lautenbach
Revd Adam Friend
Revd Hennie Johnston
Revd Dr David Lamb
Revd Colin Randall
Revd Tony Mitchell
Revd Pete Rugen
Revd Alec Brown
Revd Dr John Harries
Revd Jules Beauchamp
Revd Canon Ian Davenport
Revd George Crowder
Revd Simon Drew
Revd James Hughes
Revd Canon Graham Cousins
Revd Ken Hodgson
Revd Andrew Greenhough
Revd Dominic Newstead
Revd Gillian Rossiter
Revd Jane Stephenson
1 vacancy
Revd Carol Seddon
Revd Mike Smith
Revd Cathy Helm
Revd Stephen Southgate
Revd Roger Clarke
Revd Peter Geddes
Revd Julian Heaton
Revd Lynn Boyle
Revd Ed McKenna
Revd Janet Parker
Revd James Ambrose
Revd Derek Guest
Revd Rob McLaren
Revd Lynne Cullens
Revd Pamela Soult
Revd Angela Speedy
Revd Nigel Atkinson
Revd Simon Gales
Revd Jane Parry
Revd Veronica Hydon
Revd Dr Gordon Welch
2 vacancies
Revd Libby Lane
Revd Steve Rankin
Revd Barbara Sharp
Revd Alex Sanders
1 vacancy
Revd Alison Cox
3 vacancies
Revd Canon Bill Baker
Revd Peter Bradbrook
Revd Ralph Powell
Revd David Brewster
Rev Canon Elaine Chegwin Hall
Revd Michael Turnbull
1 vacancy
Revd Canon Diane Cookson
Revd Andrew Lythall
Elected by Deanery Synods
Miss Beryl Edkins
Mr Tony Endean
Mrs Rachel Barlow
Canon Dr David Blackmore
Dr Alan Dowen
Dr Julie Reid
Mr Ted Owen
Mr Vincent Whitehead
Mr Ian Buckley
Mrs Joan Sears
Mrs Jocelyn Squires
Mrs Ruth Clarke
Mr Peter Crump
Dr Graham Campbell
Mrs Rosalind Campbell
Mr John Freeman
Miss Ann Hughes
Mr Geoffrey Prince
Mr Ian Halliday
Mr Brian Jones
Mr Alan McGraa
Mr Paul Nelson
Mr Stephen Fletcher
Mr Basil Keys
Mrs Kirsty Allan
Mr Robert Chilton
Mr Paul Edwards
Mrs Jenifer Kidd
Mrs Julia Mann
Mr John Roberts
Dr David Beveridge
Miss Fiona Goode
Mr Graham Lowcock
Mrs Kath Cliffe
Mr Ralph Hands
Mrs Joice Nixon
Mrs Sue Broadbent
Mr John Grainger
Mrs Alison Walsh
Mr David Marriott
Mr Richard Raymond
Mr Lawrence Robinson
Mr Ian Johnson
Mr Fran Marsden
Mrs Isobel Burnley
Mrs Janet Fraser-Smith
Mr Roberts Howells
Mr Mark Baxter
Mr Michael Coupe
Revd Canon Michael Walters
Revd Canon Taffy Davies
Mrs Angela Klabou
Revd Glynnis Lautenbach
Revd Chris Slater
Revd Philip Sayle
Revd Graham Shaw
Revd Tina Upton
2 vacancies
Revd Michael Ridley
2 vacancies
Revd Alan Ward
1 vacancy
Revd Jane Turner
Revd Jacky Wise
3 vacancies
Revd Dr Eddie Scrase-Field
2 vacancies
Revd Canon David Taylor
Revd Paul Withington
Revd Canon Prof Roger Yates
1 vacancy
3 vacancies
Mrs Barbara Molyneux
Mr Richard Neale
Mr John Scrivener
Mr John Stockdale
Miss June Willis
2 vacancies
Mr Chris Taylor
Mrs Christina Westwell
Miss June Hargreaves
Miss Elaine Hulton
Mr Michael Noden
1 vacancy
2 vacancies
Canon Betty Renshaw
Mrs Christine Wetherell
Mrs Lesley Young
1 vacancy
Dr Elly Macbeath
1 vacancy
Mr Alan Hewitt
Mr John Legg
Mr Andrew Turner
Miss Judith Shiel
1 vacancy
Mr Philip Wadsworth
1 vacancy
Mr Douglas Wisener
Mr George Wood
Miss Deborah Woods
Dr Wendy Yates
1 vacancy
Dr Stephen Swinfin
2 vacancies
2 vacancies
Mr Kevin Owen
Dr Jim Shepherd
Mr David Griffiths
Mr Ian Roberts
Mr Josh Owens
186. July 2014
DIOCESE OF CHESTER
DIOCESAN SYNOD – 15 NOVEMBER 2014
______________________________________________________________________________
NOTES
1. VENUE AND CAR PARKING
St John’s Church Centre, Hartford is situated on School Lane, Hartford. The post code is CW8 1NP. (see
map attached). There is parking for 30 cars at the church centre and also parking in the surrounding street
area.
2. SEATING
There will be reserved seats for the Suffragan Bishops, the Archdeacons, members of General Synod and
the proposer and seconder of any motion on the Agenda paper.
3. TAPE-RECORDERS
The unofficial use of tape-recorders or other devices to record all or part of the proceedings of the Synod is
not permitted.
4. TIMETABLE
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
The meeting will start promptly at 9.15am with an Act of Worship.
An Extraordinary General Meeting of the DBF will start at approximately 9.30am.
The meeting of Diocesan Synod will start after the EGM of the DBF at approximately 9.40am.
There will be a break at 11.00 am when coffee and tea will be served.
The meeting should end at 1.00pm at the latest.
5. DEBATE AND VOTING
Only members of Diocesan Synod may speak in debate and vote. Subject to Standing Order 58, and to
the right of the Chairperson to vary the length of speeches, no speech shall exceed 10 minutes or, in the
case of a member introducing a report, 15 minutes (s.o. 38). Subject to Standing Orders 64 and 68, every
question shall be decided by the votes of all the members of the Synod (s.o. 62) present and voting.
6. AMENDMENTS
Amendments to motions before Synod are required to be in writing and delivered to the Diocesan
Secretary at least seven days before the meeting, although the chair may, in his or her discretion, allow an
amendment to be moved when notice has not been given. An amendment which would have the effect of
increasing expenditure (other than with the consent of or on behalf of Bishop’s Council) shall be out of
order.
7. SYNOD AGENDA ITEM 3: QUESTIONS
Members may ask questions of any officer of Diocesan Synod or of the Chair of any of its Committees. In
accordance with standing orders, at least seven days notice of any such question must be given to the
Diocesan Secretary in writing.
8. REGISTRATION
Members are no longer requested to complete and sign an attendance slip, but will be asked to sign the
register at the entrance to the hall.
9. FUTURE MEETINGS
-
Saturday 14 March 2015 Morning
Saturday 13 June 2015 Morning
Saturday 14 November 2015 Morning
Maps for St. John’s Church Centre
© Crown copyright and database rights 2014, Ordnance survey opendata.
DS(14)A4
DIOCESE OF CHESTER
DIOCESAN SYNOD – 15 NOVEMBER 2014
AGENDA
Opening Worship
The EGM will take place at this point.
Following the EGM the business of the Diocesan Synod will proceed as follows
1
MINUTES
Paper DS(14)P13
To confirm the minutes of the meetings of Diocesan Synod held on 21 June 2014.
2
MATTERS ARISING
3
QUESTIONS
4
BISHOP’S COUNCIL
Paper DS(14)P14
The Chair will move:
“That the minutes of the meeting of Bishop’s Council held on 22 September 2014 be received”.
5
BISHOP OF STOCKPORT
6
ELECTIONS
Paper DS(14)P15
Chair of House of Clergy
Vacancy-in-See Committee casual vacancy
To consider the numbers to be elected to Diocesan Synod from Deaneries in 2015
7
PROMULGATION AND PROCLAMATION OF AMENDING CANON NO. 31
8
PROCLAMATION OF GENERAL SYNOD’S FINAL APPROVAL OF THE ACT OF SYNOD
RESCINDING THE EPISCOPAL MINISTRY ACT OF SYNOD 1993
9
STANDING ORDERS
Paper DS(14)P16
To make minor amendments to SO22 and SO26.
10
SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Paper DS(14)P17 to be tabled
The Chair will move:
“That the draft policy be approved.”
NB The paper will be sent by email next week. Those wishing for a paper copy to be brought to Synod for
them should request the same from Joanne Ridley by responding to the email or ringing 01928 718834 x252.
11
FINAL 2015 BUDGET
Paper DS(14)P18
The Chair will move:
“That the final Budget for 2015 be approved.”
12
CATHEDRAL REPORT
13
STRATEGIC PAPER re. CENTRAL CHURCH FUNDING
To receive an update on plans for strategic development funding.
14
MINISTRY DEBATE
A presentation for discussion on, “Prioritising Scripture”
Paper DS(14)P19
DS(14)P13
DIOCESE OF CHESTER
DIOCESAN SYNOD – SATURDAY 21 JUNE 2014
Minutes of the meeting of Chester Diocesan Synod held on Saturday 21 June 2014 in St John’s
Church Centre, Hartford, Cheshire, CW8 1NP, starting at 9.15am.
PRESENT:
The Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster (Bishop of Chester) (President)
The Rt Revd Keith Sinclair (Bishop of Birkenhead)
Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs (Vice-President) and
30 members of the House of Clergy
46 members of the House of Laity
APOLOGIES
were received from 26 clergy and a further 16 laity members
IN ATTENDANCE:
Mrs Helen McFall (Diocesan Registrar)
Mr George Colville (Diocesan Secretary)
Revd Canon Dr Christopher Burkett (Diocesan Director of Ministry)
Mrs Liz Geddes (Diocesan Director of Human Resources)
Mrs Janice Mason (Director of Social Responsibility)
The meeting began at 9.15am with an act of worship, led by the Revd Canon Dr Christopher Burkett
(Diocesan Director of Ministry)
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MINUTES
The minutes of Diocesan Synod held at St Peter’s Church Hall, School Lane, Elworth,
on the 15 March 2014, and those of Diocesan Synod held at St Laurence’s Church,
Frodsham on 21 May 2014 were received and signed by the Chair.
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MATTERS ARISING
From the March 2014 Minutes, Rev Cathy Helm publicised the “Serving Your Local
Schools” Day on 11 October, advertised on the Diocesan website.
From the May 2014 Minutes, it was noted that all Diocesan Synods voted to approve the
proposed Women in the Episcopate legislation.
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QUESTIONS
There were no questions.
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BISHOP’S COUNCIL
The Synod received the unconfirmed minutes of the Bishop’s Council meeting on 21
May 2014.
Revd Tony Mitchell (Frodsham) asked whether it would be possible to delay the
appointment of the next Bishop of Stockport to allow women to be considered. The Rt
Revd Dr Peter Forster (Bishop of Chester) responded that had it been clear at the
beginning of the process that a November date for the passing of the legislation was
likely it would have been a matter for discussion but as the process has now started he
would be reluctant to interrupt the process. If, however, by September the advisory
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group is not clear on the right person and the process has to recommence, it will be
possible to reconsider.
Revd Hennie Johnston (Chester) asked whether the new Vulnerability and Safeguarding
Officer has yet been appointed. She has: Pauline Butterfield takes up her post in July,
joining us from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Shrewsbury.
Canon Dr David Blackmore (Chester) asked about the review of the See House. Canon
Betty Renshaw (Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance & General Synod Member &
Wirral North) explained the work of the Bishoprics and Cathedrals Committee which
routinely assesses See houses prior to the retirement of Diocesan Bishops.
Miss Elaine Hulton (Malpas) spoke in glowing terms about the Lay Conference and
encouraged attendance at future events. Bishop Peter endorsed Elaine’s comments,
and explained that it was intended that Bishop’s Council discuss what form the
conference should take in the future.
Mr John Scrivener (Chester) asked a question about the Compensation of
Dispossessed clergy. Mrs Liz Geddes (Diocesan Director of Human Resources)
explained the position.
Mr Peter Hart (Nantwich) asked about the Restore Crewe project. The Ven Ian Bishop
(Archdeacon of Chester) described the vision to work with a small group of people under
the leadership of Revd Tim Watson to breathe new life into the redundant building of
Christ Church in Crewe, creating a new worshipping community in a Fresh Expression
of church. Rev Watson will be visiting Deanery Synod and Chapter soon to update them
on the project. Bishop Peter commented that Revd Watson will be licensed to the
Deanery but employed by the DBF on a short term contract using Mission development
funding.
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APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS
The Synod received the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31
December 2013, as approved by the Diocesan Board of Finance.
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INITIAL BUDGET DISCUSSIONS
Canon Betty Renshaw (Chair of the DBF) updated the Synod on the 2015 budget
process. Hopefully 2015 will see a breakeven budget – so far the 2014 budget is on
course to break even. Parish Share collections are key: predictions depend on
achieving at or over a 95% collection rate. The Pastoral Account looks healthier with a
good safeguard. There will be further detailed work in the Finance and Scrutiny
Committee and Bishop’s Council on the 2015 budget prior to November’s Synod.
Archdeacon’s Visitations will be asking parishes about their reserves: we do not
currently have enough information on these to build up a clear picture of the situation.
Overall, the DBF’s finances are slowly improving but there is no margin for
complacency.
The following spoke: Rev Libby Lane (Bowden), Mr John Freeman (Middlewich), Rev
Tina Upton (Chester), Rev Veronica Hydon (Macclesfield), Canon Dr David Blackmore
(Chester), Dr Stephen Swinfin (Macclesfield) and Mr Paul Nelson (Wirral North).
Topics covered included:
-
the need to check on the rate at which Parish reserves are drawn on as well as their
current levels.
verification that Parish Share will not rise by more than 3.5%.
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DS(14)P13
S12/54
concerns about the use of the Mission and Development Fund for Diocesan rather
than parish purposes
the funding of curate posts in the Diocese
whether the national financial situation has been factored into discussions.
the importance of looking at the figures in real terms.
The positive experience of a recent stewardship campaign in their parish
CSR REPORT
Revd Jenny Mayo-Lythall, the new Transforming Lives Together development worker,
was introduced by The Ven Ian Bishop (Archdeacon of Macclesfield). (TLT is a joint
project by the DBF and the Church Urban Fund.) Revd Mayo-Lythall presented the
findings of the recent TLT poverty survey and concluded that everyone can pray for the
work of TLT into helping those in poverty, and ask for a vision to work together, for
insight into how each of us can tackle poverty and for dreams for the future of our
communities.
Contributions were received from Revd Dominic Newstead (Wirral North), Mrs Christine
Wetherell (Wirral North), Revd Alison Cox (General Synod & Mottram) and Revd Alec
Brown (Great Budworth).
Contributions covered:
-
-
the percentage of respondents, (at over 60% TLT felt that a good proportion had
responded: not only UPAs: TLT is keen to reach non-respondents too.)
There is a Wirral charity which recycles and redistributes furniture etc to those in
need, an idea which could be shared and replicated elsewhere.
Parishes which have received Church Urban Fund grants in the past might need
guidance. There is still money available: the ‘mustard seed’ grant is now the
‘Together’ grant. TLT can offer help with raising money and will seek to share good
practice and link parishes where the need in one place is complemented by a good
scheme running elsewhere.
A certain amount of scepticism about whether there is enough political engagement
to make a real difference. CUF does have a voice on a political level. On a local
level we are seeing the Kingdom grow in acts that look like mustard seeds but that
will endure : very often projects that endure are church-run and something which
seems inconsequential like a mums and toddlers group may be the only contact or
support a single mother has all week.
Bishop Peter thanked Revd Mayo-Lythall and commented that TLT’s work is core to the
wider work of CSR.
Before the meeting broke for coffee Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs (Vice-President) introduced EIG’s new
Clergy Legal Protection Policy which provides cover against legal costs in an employment dispute
and legal expenses protection for proceedings under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003 at a cost
of £50 annually per member of the clergy.
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COMMITTEE FOR MINISTRY
Revd Canon Dr Christopher Burkett (Diocesan Director of Ministry) explained the
statistics presented to Synod on ‘Mission imperatives in formation for ministry’. (See
attached.)
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DS(14)P13
He highlighted in particular
- the large numbers of people who had completed a Foundations For Ministry course.
About 65 percent had opted for University accreditation.
- the shift away from more traditional training routes. More than 70 percent now
trained at All Saints, St John’s, or St Mellitus
- that younger women are underrepresented in the ordinands
- the Diocese was bucking the trend in terms of numbers
- that Pastoral workers overwhelming women
He commended the work of Revd Ray Samuels as he retired from his work as Diocesan
Director of Ordinands, and asked for Diocesan Synod to hold the future work of the
committee in its prayers.
Contributions were received from Revd Libby Lane (Bowdon), Mrs Rachel Barlow
(Chester), Revd Charles Razzall (General Synod), Miss Fiona Goode (Cheadle), Prof
Tony Berry (General Synod & Macclesfield), Canon Dr David Blackmore (Chester),
Revd Canon Prof Roger Yates (Knutsford) and Mrs Kirsty Allan (Bowdon).
Contributions included:
- Vocations among younger women seem low (this is a national trend) and we must
work to encourage a higher number, looking at modelling and mentoring especially.
- Many female readers have completed their studies around having a family. Each
ministry is always investigated in its own particularity, although sometimes people do
move from non-ordained to ordained ministries.
- Possibly the dip can be attributed to the career break many women take when
raising a family and is therefore to be expected and not a problem. However, we
shouldn’t communicate to women that childrearing is in itself a preventer to explore,
train or be ordained. We are in danger of losing potential candidates if they hear
from us that it’s not possible.
- The meaning of the acronym ASCMM was queried (All Saints Committee for Mission
and Ministry, a joint provider in Chester, Manchester and Liverpool Dioceses of nonresidential part time training with degrees awarded by Liverpool Hope and Chester
Universities.)
- A query about whether we put anyone forward to the religious life. At the Vocations
Day Conferences there is always a religious present, and the DDO should have it on
their agenda when speaking with candidates.
- It is good to see an increase in younger people putting themselves forward for
Reader training. Incumbents should be encouraged to offer ministerial experiences
so that people can see what it’s like to ‘do worship’. If anyone has ideas that are
working in their parish, please share them.
- A query about how the Committee for Ministry meets the needs of individuals, the
Diocese, and the churches in the light of the national policy of reimagining ministry?
- Specific training is needed for sector ministries such as prison chaplaincies – is our
training too generalist? Our model is ministry focussed in the local church – maybe
this is not adequate but it is what we are doing. The accredited training is not all that
we offer, however: other training with partner organisations across the Northwest
exists.
- Youth, Family and Children’s workers often go on to be ordained.
- Self-Supporting Ministers and Ministers in Secular Employment are a group often
forgotten but make a great contribution to the work of the Diocese.
- The thoroughness of the process was commended by a Synod member who has
undertaken Foundations for Ministry and Pastoral Worker training, and investigated
calling with the Director of Ordinands. The Committee for Ministry and Diocese do
think outside the box.
- The Committee for Ministry provides training which is of a high standard. Owing to
the partnership with the University the inclusion policy is rigorously assessed. A
road to Higher Education is open to people who don’t have A-levels – one of only a
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DS(14)P13
-
few ways to obtain a degree without them as there is only a requirement to prove
ability, not qualifications.
We want missionaries for Christ’s Church – our training leads people towards that.
Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs (Vice-President) thanked Revd Canon Dr Burkett for his
presentation, and all involved in the work of Committee for Ministry.
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PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS
Each summer I give an address to the Diocesan Synod, which gives me an opportunity to take stock
about the Diocese and the wider context in which we exist. This year I am visiting each of our 18
Deanery Chapters, to talk with our clergy about the challenges and opportunities which we face, and
that is proving to be a helpful exercise. It is a useful background to this address.
Let me begin with a slight expression of relief. As we have heard, the diocesan budget is expected
to be broadly in balance this year, and, barring the unexpected, in the years beyond. We have
completed the initial digestion of a new parish share system, against the background of a prolonged
and unexpected economic and financial crisis. That’s no excuse or encouragement to relax or
become complacent, and I certainly won’t be doing that, but I will be disappointed if, after 2015, we
need to request rises in parish share contributions which are significantly greater than the increases
in stipends and salaries which will track the national recommendations.
As you will all know, our parish share system seeks to make a transparent and realistic assessment
of the actual costs of ministry – our main cost, by far – and to fund this by equally transparent and
realistic requests for parish share contributions, adjusted according to a rough assessment of the
relative wealth of the parishioners. As such, it has illuminated situations where the income doesn’t
cover the corresponding parish share, and this in turn has led to an increasing amount of pastoral
reorganisation in some parts of the Diocese. This has happened largely by agreement, and not
least because the system is designed to empower parishes to negotiate the best arrangements for
themselves, rather than being caught up in some top-down diocesan plan which feels foisted upon
them.
The new Archbishop of Canterbury has begun a process of review and reform in some of the central
areas of the Church of England, and as part of this we have been asked to indicate how many
clergy we expect to have in post in 10 years’ time. Actually, we don’t know the answer. We can
extrapolate current trends, but the actual number of stipendiary clergy in post in 10 years’ time will
depend upon the outcome of numerous local discussions and decisions, as clergy retire or move on
to new posts.
Interestingly, the net effect of our approach in recent years has been to see the relative number of
stipendiary clergy in the Diocese rise, as compared with neighbouring dioceses.
This rather flexible approach to decisions about clergy deployment has gone hand-in-hand with a
flexible approach to ministry itself. It has led to a relatively high proportion of our clergy who are
neither full-time nor entirely non-stipendiary or self-supporting. In fact, we have the highest number
of part-time stipendiary clergy in any Diocese in the Church of England – around 30, out of a total of
stipendiary parochial clergy of around 250.
I welcome this flexibility which has emerged in our understanding and deployment of ordained
ministry in the Diocese.
In addition to our stipendiary clergy, there is an excellent group of licensed self-supporting clergy
(who used to be called NSMs), back up by a substantial number of active retired clergy (nearly 200),
and a large number of Readers and Pastoral Workers whom I licence (nearly 400).
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Overall, as I look round the Diocese, there is quite a sense of stability but that must not be a cause
of complacency or inaction. It should provide a platform for that constant process of reappraisal and
renewal to which God constantly calls the Church. Church life should be like the boat in which our
Lord embarked with his disciples, and then told them to ‘put out into the deep’.
What might this mean for us? Let me run through a few of the issues which we currently face, or
should face.
If all churches need to be in a dialogue with the culture in which they are set, this will apply with
particular sharpness in the case of a Church which has that recognition by the state which we call
establishment.
This is a dialogue with a culture which, in our case, is increasingly plural by nature. We sometimes
hear it said that modern society is more secular than used to be the case, and I believe that’s true,
but even more fundamental, I think, is the plurality of modern culture. You see it between the
generations in the role which social media like Facebook and Twitter (and other thing I probably
haven’t even heard of yet) play. But it’s a phenomenon which exhibits itself in our society in all sorts
of ways, including in relation to religious belief, and the forms that religious belief take. In many
ways our culture is rather mixed up, and unsure of what, if anything, it believes.
In this context, we need to be light on our feet, in all sorts of ways. I think every parish in the
Diocese needs consciously to adopt a mixed economy of worship, for example, because ‘one size
fits all’ just doesn’t apply any more. We need to balance the fact that our Faith is as old as the hills
with the need for it to be new every morning too. We need to ask what we need to learn from the
Fresh Expressions movement, with its Messy Church and much else besides, but not to be captive
to just one style or form of Christian expression, and not to neglect the rich heritage of the past. We
need also to recognise that the generation which learned the rudiments, and the language, of the
Christian Faith in school assemblies, or in Sunday School, is progressively a thing of the past. One
way or another, we all need to be Evangelists now.
I welcome this fact. That we are having to commend the Gospel in the plural and increasingly
secular context of modern Britain forces us to be transparent and honest, and clear, in our
proclamation.
So, overall, I do not complain about the sharp critique of Christianity which has emerged in recent
years, the so-called New Atheism associated with Richard Dawkins and others. It puts us on our
mettle, refines our preaching and our apologetics, and reminds us that the Church of God will
always be in a fight, one way or another, if it knows what it is to take up its Cross and follow its Lord.
Turning to another matter which I believe is important as we move forwards, I believe we need to be
honest about our church buildings. I am struck by the fact that 17 years into my time as Bishop
there are nearly as many church buildings in the Diocese as when I began. I want to honour the
extraordinary local efforts which maintain our churches, and look after them – including, for
example, the largely unsung army of people who provide and arrange the splendid flowers which I
admire week by week.
But it’s essential that we don’t just maintain our buildings as they are, but that we have the courage
and energy to adapt and renew them for the 21st Century Church, as our Victorian forebears did in
their day. Much of this work is happening, and I pay tribute to the many schemes to add toilets and
kitchen facilities, and to make our Church buildings more adaptable for a range of services and
activities. There have also been some imaginative schemes to add or refurbish major extensions
and parish halls. But there is more to be done, and I can assure everyone that we now have a DAC
and Chancellor who will view any proposals primarily in the light of the basic purpose of any church
building, which is to further the mission of the Church.
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If I may be permitted to voice a personal view – or call it a prejudice if you prefer – I tend to think
that 90% of our churches would benefit from the removal of the pews and their replacement with
suitable chairs. Certainly, I have never come across a church which has removed its pews, and
which has expressed regret later.
Let me conclude with some comments on the question which I have discussed before in these
addresses, how the unity of the Church can be maintained in the face of the seemingly entrenched
diversity of opinion, honestly held, within the Church.
I shall say little more about the prospective advent of women as bishops, as we recently had a
special Synod on the subject, except to emphasise that the proposals will make two contrasting, and
demanding, calls upon different groups. Can those who do not wish to accept the ministry of
women bishops nevertheless accept that, if the current legislation is passed, then women bishops
will have exactly the same jurisdiction and legal authority as male bishops, while provision will be
made for suitable male bishops to have spiritual and sacramental authority in those parishes that
request this?
On the other hand, and equally important – and, I think, equally demanding - can those who will
warmly welcome the consecration of women to the episcopate graciously accept that the Church of
England wishes to provide a structure in which those who are opposed to women bishops and
priests can flourish?
There are big demands here, on both sides – but it’s what the Church is in the process of agreeing,
and we need to face that squarely.
We are also about to embark on the next stage of discussion and debate over the difficult question
of how the Church of England responds to the very different attitudes towards sexual relationships
which have now firmly established themselves in our society. I hope the debate isn’t too narrowly
focussed on same-sex relationships, but also addresses the wider, heterosexual aspects of the
sexual revolution over the past 50 years. This impinges on all our lives, and the lives of our families,
one way or another.
The General Synod has agreed that there should be ‘facilitated conversations’ on this subject,
between those of different views – paralleling somewhat the ‘facilitated conversations’ which
followed the rejection in November 2012 of the previous proposals to admit women to the
episcopate. My understanding is that these new conversations will be organised on a regional
basis, with each Diocese asked to nominate a group of participants. We shall hear more in the
autumn, I think, but I hope we can approach this process with a generosity of heart and mind. We
need to talk to each other, and we need to listen to each other, praying that through this process we
might all hear what God is saying to the Church today.
At this point in the process, I would like to make just two points. The first is that patience is a
fundamental biblical virtue. God is portrayed in the Bible as infinitely patient and long
suffering. Patience is a key characteristic of love, as St Paul points out in his famous description of
love. But patience is not particularly evident in our culture’s list of virtues. Ours is an instant, and
instantaneous, culture, driven by information which is exchanged at the speed of light. That’s partly
why such a fundamental conflict is emerging between the Church and modern culture.
Even if you are someone who welcomes the introduction of same-sex marriage, could it have been
right to introduce this without any electoral mandate – without the proposal even being in the
Queen’s Speech at the beginning of the session of Parliament concerned? Ours is an impatient
culture, which likes to take the waiting out of wanting.
I don’t think the current disagreements and debates in the Church over human sexuality will be
quickly resolved, and nor do I think that they should be quickly resolved. We need time, time to see
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DS(14)P13
the wood for the trees, and time to listen to the Wisdom from above which is given to us in our Lord
Jesus Christ.
My second comment covers all matters of controversy in the Church, where sincere Christians, in
good conscience, are drawn to take very different views. We see through a glass darkly in all our
knowledge of God, however clearly and firmly held. We are told that on the Last Day the first shall
be last and the last shall be first. We shall all be surprised by God’s judgement, as were those in
the great parables of Matthew 25.
We should not expect to resolve all issues of dispute here and now. In this life, this provisional life,
everything is in some sense provisional, and looking towards the new heaven and new earth which
is promised to us. Now, on our journey with God and to God, we have to live with difference and
disagreement. That doesn’t mean that the life of the Church should be an ecclesiastical version of
Cole Porter’s Anything Goes. We have to take decisions, to maintain appropriate disciplines and, in
my view, adopt a cautious attitude if major changes in our Christian understanding are proposed,
but let’s do so in a basic spirit of openness and generosity, and certainly not believing we
individually have all the answers.
Again, we have to be aware of the wider dangers in the culture around us. Successive
governments in Western culture have had an exaggerated belief in their ability to solve all sorts of
problems, at home and abroad. Current events in Iraq are a sharp reminder on the international
front. The seemingly ingrained and endemic presence of poverty, in all its forms, in modern British
society and further afield is a reminder nearer to home.
Humility and patience belong together.
But let me end on a positive note. There is a great deal in the life of our Diocese for which we can
only be deeply grateful. Next week I shall ordain 21 new deacons, 11 for immediate stipendiary
ministry, and others may well transfer to stipendiary ministry later. All have been sponsored for
ordination from within the Diocese.
Let’s face the future together in this Diocese, confident, and rejoicing in the Lord, who is our Peace.
Peter Forster June 2014
S12/57
CLOSE OF MEETING
Thanks were given to Hartford for hosting the meeting. Bishop Keith is about to go on a
three month sabbatical and was invited to close the Synod. He thanked the Diocese for
allowing his sabbatical, which would include visits to Aru and Boga in Congo, and
Wales, and is looking forward to the invigoration that can come from our brothers and
sisters in other Dioceses across the world. Bishop Keith closed the meeting with prayer.
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DS(14)P14
DIOCESE OF CHESTER
BISHOP’S COUNCIL – MONDAY 22 SEPTEMBER 2014
The unconfirmed minutes of the meeting of the Bishop’s Council held on Monday 22 September 2014 at
2.15pm at Bishop’s House.
PRESENT:
The Bishop of Chester
The Archdeacon of Chester
The Archdeacon of Macclesfield
The Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs
The Revd Julian Heaton
The Revd Libby Lane
The Revd Wayne Lautenbach
The Revd Michael Ridley
The Revd Canon Prof Roger Yates
APOLOGIES for
absence were
received from:
The Bishop of Birkenhead
The Dean of Chester
The Revd Canon David Felix
The Revd Simon Gales
The Revd Andrew Greenhough
The Revd Dr Rob Munro
The Revd Michael Smith
The Revd Canon Michael Walters
IN ATTENDANCE:
Revd Canon Dr Christopher Burkett
Mrs Janice Mason
Pauline Butterfield
Dr Graham Campbell
Mrs Rosalind Campbell
Dr Alan Dowen
Mr Paul Edwards
Mr John Freeman
Miss Fiona Goode
Mr John Legg
Mr David Marriott
Canon Dr John Mason
Mrs Melanie McCombe
Mr Richard Neale
Canon Betty Renshaw
Mr Ian Roberts
Mr George Colville
(Diocesan Secretary)
Mrs Liz Geddes
The meeting opened with prayers and a reading from 2 Corinthians.
Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs was thanked for his unparalleled contribution to the Diocese during his time as Chair
of the House of Clergy, and congratulated on his forthcoming appointment as Bishop of Huddersfield.
B14/31
Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2014 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.
B14/32
Bishop of Stockport
The Bishop of Chester updated the Council on the process so far. Bishop Peter explained that it
was important to have balance and diversity on the staff team. It was now expected that a new
Bishop would not be in place until 2015. The possibility of having an “Acting Bishop” to provide
cover was discussed.
-1-
B14/33
B14/34
DS(14)P14
See House
Additional representatives were requested to attend a visit by the Church Commissioners’
Bishoprics and Cathedrals Committee to Chester on Thursday 25th September to review the
suitability of the accommodation provided by the Commissioners for the Bishop, a standard preretirement review usually prompted by the current Bishop reaching the age of 62. Richard Neale
offered to attend.
Safeguarding
The Council welcomed Pauline Butterfield, newly appointed Vulnerability and Safeguarding Officer,
who presented the draft Safeguarding Policy and spoke briefly about her work. Compulsory
training will be provided to clergy, lay workers in relevant areas and Parish Safeguarding Officers,
and PCCs could adopt the policy which would be updated as necessary.
The policy would now be finalised and then taken to Diocesan Synod for approval.
B14/35
Strategic Paper re. Central Church Funding
The Council discussed a paper presented by Ian Bishop. He explained that Archbishops’ Council
and the Church Commissioners were asking dioceses to bid for funding. The aim was to enable
projects to be scaled and accelerated and therefore it was important to show diocesan commitment
to go ahead with the projects. It would be important that any bid was in accordance with the
strategy adopted by the Diocesan Board of Finance and had demonstrable outcomes.
The Council asked whether parishes and deaneries should be asked to submit ideas. It was
explained that this process was much more about enabling strategic decisions at a Diocesan level
and it was important not to raise expectations. The Budget process had allocated a limited amount
of money from the Mission and Development fund for parish projects.
It was explained that the initial thinking was around several projects in strategic locations around
the diocese, building on existing experience of successful projects.
It was agreed to seek views from Diocesan Synod.
B14/36
Lay Conference
The Council agreed that the conference was a good occasion despite numbers being down at
around 120. In future it was felt we should consider it being much more of a Diocesan event with
an investment in and appeal to all lay people not just those in lay ministry roles. It would be
appropriate to consider additional financial support from the Diocesan Board of Finance and
greater involvement by Diocesan staff. There had been limited funding available this time but even
so it was difficult to encourage take-up of the free places. Questions regarding the perception of
the event, the timing and nature of marketing, whether there should be an aim to have a certain
number of people from each Parish or Deanery, and Diocesan identity were raised. Ideas were
requested for further discussion at the December meeting.
B14/37
Human Resources Committee
The Council received a verbal report on the HR Committee held earlier that day.
B14/38
Replacement of Worship Adviser
The Council agreed that the Worship Adviser should be replaced on similar terms.
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DS(14)P14
B14/39
Finance and Scrutiny Committee
The Council received the minutes of the Finance and Scrutiny Committee meetings held on 7 July
and 15 September 2014.
The Council approved an extension project at Bidston as a project over £100k, see minute 1781.
B14/40
Budget 2015
The Council approved the 2015 budget for submission to Diocesan Synod.
B14/41
Diocesan Synod 15 November 2014
The Council determined the agenda for the 15 November 2014 meeting of Diocesan Synod.
B14/42
Chair of the House of Clergy
The Council agreed to proceed with an election for a new Chair of the House of Clergy, with a
postal ballot conducted by the Single Transferable Vote method if there is more than one
nomination. The cleric elected will be invited to join F&SC as well as the usual committees.
B14/43
Casual Vacancy on General Synod
The Clergy members of the Council agreed not to hold an election to fill the casual vacancy as
there is less than a year before ordinary elections.
B14/44
Vacancy-in-See Committee regulations and casual vacancy election
The Council agreed to proceed with an election for a new member of the Vacancy-in-See
committee, with a postal ballot conducted by the Single Transferable Vote method if there is more
than one nomination. Adhering to the current regulations, the Council agreed that the electoral
area should not be split between archdeaconries.
B14/45
Memorandum and Articles
The Council agreed a minor amendment to the Memorandum and Articles of Association
recommended by the Charity Commission. An EGM will be held before the November Diocesan
Synod so that synod members can pass the resolution.
B14/46
Chester and Macclesfield AMPCs
The Council received the minutes of the Chester and Macclesfield AMPCs held on 1 July 2014
and 30 June 2014 respectively.
B14/47
Future meeting dates
Council noted the following dates for meetings in 2014 and 2015.
Tuesday 02 December 2014 9:30am (morning and afternoon at Church House)
Monday 2 March 2015 evening at Church House
Wednesday 20 May 2015 afternoon at Foxhill
Monday 28 September 2015 afternoon at Bishop’s House
Tuesday 1 December 2015 morning and afternoon at Foxhill
-3-
DS(14)P15
DIOCESE OF CHESTER
DIOCESAN SYNOD – 15 NOVEMBER 2014
Arrangements for Diocesan Synod Elections in 2015
The next triennial elections to Diocesan Synod are due to take place in the summer
of 2015, with the current period of office of elected members ending on 31 July 2015.
The election process, which is set out fully in the Church Representation Rules
(CRR)1, requires every deanery synod to elect representatives to each of the houses
in accordance with procedures set by the existing Diocesan Synod. These
procedures are described in CRR rule 31(6), so that, before 31 December 2014,
Diocesan Synod must have2:



determined the numbers of members to be elected by each deanery synod.
This must be in relation to the numbers on the deanery synods (for clergy)
and to the numbers on parish electoral rolls (for laity);
ensured that in so doing the number of members will be between 100 and
270, and that the numbers of members of houses of clergy and laity are
approximately equal; and
determined which form of voting is to be used: the simple majority vote
method or the single transferable vote.
Bishop’s Council recommends to Diocesan Synod that it adopt the following
procedures (which are similar to those used for the last elections held in 2012) which
fulfil the requirements set out above, namely:

For the House of Clergy one member should be elected for every four
members (other than co-opted members) of the house of clergy of the
respective deanery synods, and the number of representatives should be
calculated to the nearest whole number subject to a minimum of four
members per deanery.

In the House of Laity one member should be elected for every 472 names on
the electoral rolls of the parishes of the respective deaneries, and the number
of representatives should be calculated to the nearest whole number subject
to a minimum of four members per deanery.

The elections shall be conducted by the simple majority vote method.
If approved, these procedures will need be communicated to all deanery synods,
together with full details of the timetable and procedure for the elections and for
notification of the result.
1
There are separate provisions for the ex-officio and for co-opted and nominated members of
Diocesan Synod, also set out in the CRR.
2
New members of synodical committees, including Bishop’s Council, will be elected in autumn
2015 in accordance with the Standing Orders of Diocesan Synod.
DS(14)P15
DIOCESE OF CHESTER
DIOCESAN SYNOD – 15 NOVEMBER 2014
Deanery
Birkenhead
Chester
Frodsham
Great Budworth
Malpas
Middlewich
Wallasey
Wirral North
Wirral South
Bowdon
Chadkirk
Cheadle
Congleton
Knutsford
Macclesfield
Mottram
Nantwich
Stockport
Electoral
Roll
1351
2866
1341
2255
1739
2143
782
3398
2128
3099
1722
2397
2594
2451
2331
1624
2447
1119
Number
Clergy
Number
4
6
4
5
4
5
4
7
5
7
4
5
5
5
5
4
5
4
18
33
15
16
12
25
10
25
17
23
19
18
18
16
15
15
17
16
5
8
4
4
4
6
4
6
4
6
5
5
5
4
4
4
4
4
37787
88
328
86
DS(14)P16
Proposed amendments to SO22 and SO26 of the Chester Diocesan Synod Functions,
Constitution, Rules and Standing Orders Revised Edition, approved by Synod on 23 June 2012
It is proposed that the wording underlined in bold be added to each Standing Order:
AGENDA
Circulation
22. The Secretary shall email, post or deliver an agenda paper to every member 14 days at least
before a meeting or, in the case of a special meeting called at less than 14 days' notice, at
the same time as the notice.
NOTICE OF BUSINESS Form
of notice
26. Subject to standing order 17, notice of any business for a meeting of the Synod shall
be in writing, signed and delivered to the Secretary by email, by hand, by post or by facsimile not
later than the period before the meeting which is specified in standing order 27. A
proposed motion from an individual member shall be supported by the signatures of a
further eleven members of Synod.
Paper DS(14)P18
DIOCESE OF CHESTER
DIOCESAN SYNOD
2015 budget
Introduction
Diocesan Synod noted the inital budget proposals at its meeting in June 2014. Since then
the Finance and Scrutiny committee has been working on the final details of the budget.
Bishop’s Council now recommends the budget to Diocesan Synod for approval.

Diocesan Synod is now invited to approve the 2015 Budget
Main Features of the 2015 budget recommended by Bishop’s Council














Parish shares to rise by 3.0% (a reduction from the 3.5% originally envisaged).
Please note that due to a reduction in clergy numbers the actual rise in parish share
across the diocese will be lower.
At present the increases in Diocesan fee income seen in 2014 appear to be being
sustained and have therefore been included in the budget for 2015.
Clergy stipends and lay salaries should be based on a 2% rise in April 2015.
Actuarial Review of the Clergy Pension Scheme. Additional payments to address the
scheme deficit are expected from 1 January 2015 and will add about £80-90,000 per
year to the budget in addition to the normal rises in pension costs.
The lay pension scheme is in surplus and therefore deficit contributions will not be
required.
We should continue to budget for a parish share collection rate of 95%
Clergy numbers included at 206 (2014 207). 12 Full time equivalent (FTE) Vacancies
Curates budget to take account of the 11 stipendiary curates who started in 2014
and is based on a total of 24 FTE in post in 2015.
Housing budget increased by 2.5%
£50,000 of mission development funding will be made available for parish bids in
2015.
A contingency has been included in the stipend budget following recent experience.
New safeguarding arrangements have been included
Most other budgets categories are similar to the 2014 budget figures.
The level of free reserves is low but the situation has been helped by the Charity
Commission giving permission given last year for an endowment fund to spent on
stipends if required.
Paper DS(14)P18
APPENDIX 1 – Draft budget
2015
Budget
Income Expenditure
£'000
£'000
Net
£'000
Income
£'000
11141
199
10870
226
Parish Share
Investment income
Central Allocations
Other income
Transfers other funds
11141
227
10
264
10
264
10
293
Stipends
Clergy housing
Vote 1 and Ordinands
grants
CFMM
PDT
Archdeacons, DAC,
ecumenical
Education
Social Responsibility
Foxhill
F&CS
National Church
Clergy Conf
907
73
8253 (7346)
1311 (1238)
827
73
28
2014
Budget
Expenditure
£'000
Net
£'000
23
10870
203
2013
Actual
Income Expenditure
£'000
£'000
Net
£'000
10
293
10426
244
9
193
7975
1267
(7148)
(1192)
964
92
7712
1274
(6747)
(1182)
83
10426
161
9
193
606
466
174
(606)
(446)
(174)
36
603
456
163
(603)
(420)
(163)
55
583
496
142
(583)
(440)
(142)
61
208
30
258
343
216
75
767
409
(197)
(135)
(186)
(75)
(767)
(409)
81
184
20
282
315
192
68
785
411
(200)
(131)
(172)
(68)
(785)
(411)
74
215
41
227
356
213
228
759
413
61
(153)
(141)
(172)
(228)
(759)
(413)
(61)
12941
12906
35
12619
12537
82
12312
12546
(233)
20
DS(14)P19
Bishop’s Council to note and agree the direction outlined below:-
Diocesan Strategy Document and Strategic Development Funding
During the summer, George Colville, Ian Bishop, Mike Gilbertson and Ian Rumsey (referred to here as
the working group) met to discuss the Strategic Development Funding that has been offered by the
Archbishop’s Council.
This funding has been given in three tranches. The first tranche went last year to the poorest
Dioceses. Bids for the second tranche need to be submitted by the end of October 2014 and the
third tranche by October 2015. The total amount available in each of the second and third tranches
is £15m split equally over the remaining two years. You can apply only once and therefore the
working group recommend the DBF apply only for funding from part of the 7.5m available in
October 2015.
The aims of the funding are:1. To advance the Quinquennium goals
2. To invest in areas of strong mission potential and/or tackle intractable areas of decline
3. To make a significant difference to Dioceses long term mission and financial strength by
supporting major growth and change projects in line with their own strategies.
Please note the stress that is placed on correlating any bid with the Diocesan Strategy Document and
therefore the working group started with our own draft Diocesan Strategy noted in outline by
Bishop’s Council in March 2014. Some adaptation of the draft Strategy Document will be suggested
to Bishop’s Council at the next meeting.
Please note that the DBF need to be specific about the projects it would like to encourage and
establish the clear strategic outcomes required. This is now being developed.
Initial ideas of where a bid should focus are to encourage mission within key urban centres that are
geographically, sociologically and economically vital for the area covered by Chester Diocese and in
line with the DBF stated aim to build strong parish communities.
The DBF intends to seek to provide ministry that will re-imagine the Church’s ministry in each
context. Each will have a different emphasis appropriate to the locality but each will be mission
centred and evangelistically driven.
Funding Note
It is estimated that the annual budget for each Pioneer project will be a minimum of £50000 pa. It is
hoped that funding can be found from the Archbishop’s Council Strategic Development Funding
Initiative. However if the bid is unsuccessful it is recommended that the DBF should investigate how
the chosen projects might be locally funded over a five year period, with each aiming to reach
financial sustainability in five years from the start of their funding period.
September 2014