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Diocesan Synod – March 2018

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Where would investment in children, youth & families work be most fruitful? 

Jonathan Richardson, Children, Youth & Families Development Officer for the Diocese gave a presentation about the development of a strategy for children, youth and families work across the Diocese.  He also shared national research on working with young people. You can find the research on the Children, Youth and Families webpage here. 

Following Jonathan’s presentation the discussion was then opened to Synod. The overall response from Synod was positive.

Mission and Ministry in covenant: an Anglican-Methodist report 

The Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Jonathan Meyrick introduced/gave an overview of the Anglican-Methodist report and background of the relationship between the Church of England and the Methodist Church.

Whilst supporting the proposal, the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham James expressed his view that the proposal is not the best way forward but acknowledged that the new report would eventually give the Methodist church the historic episcopate and Methodist ministers episcopal ordination.

Refreshing your growth plan: Lessons learnt at St Stephen’s Norwich 

The Revd Madeline Light gave an informative presentation on the lessons learnt at St Stephens while refreshing their growth plan. She highlighted some of the challenges the church have experienced – such as the major building works – but also some of the achievements such as the work of the café which provides a warm welcome to all who come through the church’s doors.

General synod update

Andrew Gray gave an update from the last General Synod which ran from 8 to 10 February in London. The update included the Mission and Ministry in Covenant, which explores a greater unity and deeper working relationship between the Methodist Church and the Church of England. Andrew also spoke about the Church of England Digital Evangelism and the Valuing People with Downs Syndrome debate.

Andrew then brought a private motion to Synod to ask for the church to develop a national strategy to tackle homelessness.

News from the deaneries

The Rural Dean of St Benet at Waxham & Tunstead, the Revd Canon Simon Lawrence shared news and information about his deanery. The deanery consists of 36 parishes and 48 churches with 8 stipendiary clergy. He also discussed some of the future challenges his deanery faces.