MEETING OF THE DIOCESAN SYNOD 17th March 2022

Opening Worship, Prayers & Eucharist

Telford Severn Gorge

(11Nov  2021 online)

Action: Corrections in advance, Members to approve

“At the Group of Sessions of the General Synod held at Westminster in November 2021 the Vacancy in See Committees Regulation 1993 in the form it takes following its amendment in July 2021 was formally affirmed and proclaimed as an Act of Synod.

An Act of Synod is the embodiment of the will or opinion of the Church of England as expressed by the whole body of the General Synod. Copies of the Instrument proclaiming and affirming the Vacancy in See Committees Regulation as an Act of Synod have been sent to members of this Synod.”

Floral Foam and Sustainable Flowers:

Charles Houston would like to bring the following motion:

That this Synod calls upon the Diocese of Hereford to

1.     Bring in an immediate ban on all Floral Foam in its buildings both in weekly flowers but particularly at weddings and funerals (which will mean that outside floral contractors will have to comply).

2.     Note that flowers in church buildings and churchyards are viewed as an act of thanksgiving or remembrance and worship for God’s creation, respecting that creation, rather than simply as decoration. This means that, ideally, flowers should be sourced locally and that wherever possible, only seasonal flowers or greenery are to be used inside churches and in churchyards.

Standing Orders – Enclosure 4 sets out four motions to make amendments to Synod Standing Orders. Enclosure 5 is the Synod Standing Orders for reference

For Discussion

War in Ukraine – the motion to consider investment into fossil fuels has been withdrawn and replaced with space for the Diocese to consider how it might support refugees from the Ukraine. For example

–          The Diocese working with other organisations and charities to support refugees from Ukraine

–          To participate in the government’s proposed “humanitarian sponsorship pathway” which will enable Ukrainians without UK family ties to be matched with individuals, businesses, charities and community groups.

–          The Diocese making any empty properties available for refugees

–          Help identify parishioners who may accommodate refugees

–          Diocese staff and clergy supporting organisations and charities working with refugees

–          The DBE encouraging schools to make special arrangements to accommodate children from Ukraine.

Encl. 3.2

Encl. 4

Encl. 5

Christopher Whitmey

Ashley Buck

Bishop Richard will share the emerging themes from the Diocesan Listening Events (Encl. 4) for members of the synod to reflect on and refine.

Space has been created on the agenda for Synod members to send in questions under SOs 72-74 to the Diocesan Secretary to be received no later than Tue 8 March.

Diocesan Members of the General Synod will be encouraged to notify this diocesan synod of any matters of interest or importance from the February session of General Synod.

Encl. 7.2

General Synod members

Dean Sarah will introduce herself to Synod and share her reflections on her first six months in posts and her hopes for the future before leading the Synod in a time of prayer.

The Diocesan Synod will receive a presentation on the impact of the Intergenerational Mission Project over the past two years.

The Diocesan Synod will receive a presentation highlighting the national ‘A Voyage of Discovery’ research about deepening discipleship in Messy Church.

Diocesan Synod are to be informed of that the membership of the two remaining committees (Vacancy in See Committee, Diocesan Board of Education) have now been approved by the Bishop’s Council.

Stephen Herbert will remind the Synod of the process for requesting and receiving parish offer requests in 2023

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