Diocesan Synod were blessed by the presence and contributions of young people from across the diocese in their first meeting of 2026, held at Didcot Civic Hall.
Members were welcomed with sung worship led by young people from Christ Church Abingdon, who also shared a Bible reading from the day’s Come and See teaching and helped begin the meeting in prayer.
John Sykes, Chair of the House of Laity, welcomed Synod members, including several new representatives and the Ven Cassa Messervy, recently installed as Archdeacon of Buckingham. John announced that the Revd Canon Geoff Bayliss will step down as Chair of the House of Clergy in June. Synod members were encouraged to pray in the coming months as Geoff’s successor is discerned.
The Ven Jonathan Chaffey then offered a report from the most recent meeting of General Synod. The wide-ranging agenda included the licensing of Armed Forces chaplains and a “profoundly moving” debate about commemorating the Martyrs of Libya in the Church’s liturgical calendar. Jonathan also encouraged members to consider standing in the forthcoming General Synod elections, emphasising the importance of diverse voices from across the diocese’s episcopal areas and the real impact this work can have.
A Christ-like Church
The Bishop of Oxford followed with his final presidential address before his retirement this summer, reflecting on the past decade.
“Ten years ago, as a diocese, we addressed the question of our common vision. We asked first what kind of Church we are called to be. Our second question followed from the first: what are we called to do together at this time?”
As the diocese prepares to welcome a new Bishop of Oxford, Bishop Steven acknowledged that the language used to describe this vision may change in the years ahead, but expressed his hope that its heart will remain the same: a commitment to being “a more Christ-like Church for the sake of God’s world - contemplative, compassionate and courageous.”
The full address is available on Substack.
Followers of Christ
Later, Simon Hill, Head of Children and Youth Ministry, introduced a panel of teenagers from Aylesbury, Reading and Abingdon. Their conversation with Synod members formed a major focus of the day, as they shared openly about faith, church and the challenges of living as Christians.
One young person described how wanting to share his faith had led him to ask his church leader for Bibles and introductory booklets to give to friends.
“The lack of understanding about God comes from a lack of conversation about God," he said. "Some people aren’t even talking about this with their own families.”
When asked how church leaders can support young people in their faith, the panel emphasised the importance of encouragement and reassurance – and particularly the freedom to make mistakes while learning to follow Jesus.
Another offered a candid challenge to Synod members:
“We are followers of Jesus, not simply churchgoers. If we can challenge people’s perceptions [of church], we can show that Jesus is the best thing ever. I would challenge you to show young people that you are not just creaky old people - you are followers of Jesus.”
The Revd Canon Andrew Blyth then invited three speakers to reflect on initiatives the diocese is investing in to support children, young people and young adults.
Laura, who leads a YouShape community for young adults in Oxford, spoke about how the group has been exploring Christian practices together and how encouraged she has been to see participants actively living these out in their daily lives.
The Revd Stephen O’Connor, from Winslow Benefice, reflected on his experience of the Launchpad training programme.
“It helped me think more intentionally about the children I encounter and what we can do with limited resources,” he said. “It looked at practical ways we can start something small, grow it, and go from there.”
Olivia shared her experience of attending Amplify: Adventure and encouraged churches to invite young people to the next weekend away, taking place in July. Bishop Steven then drew the section to a close with warm appreciation for the young people and their contributions, sharing a personal story of how he himself found faith at a diocesan young people’s weekend away.
The next step
Synod received several updates during the day, including a financial report from Julie Dziegiel and an overview of the diocesan discipleship framework from Andrew Blyth. Much of the day was spent in group discussions, sharing personal experiences of nurturing discipleship on the ground, and discerning how and when the diocese could support and equip this vital work. Andrew also introduced the Revd Kate Stacey, who will shortly begin as the diocese’s new Head of Discipleship and Social Justice. Speaking of her hopes for her new role, Kate said:
“My hope is that I will notice what God is doing already, and that together we will take the next step.”
Geoff Bayliss, speaking as Chair of the Vacancy in See Committee, gave a short update on the process of discerning the next Bishop of Oxford. He thanked members of the committee for their work in ensuring a fair and wide-ranging consultation, the preparation of a representative Statement of Needs, and a prayerful centre to the process. The consultation results and Statement of Needs are due to be published later this month.
Ten years in Oxford
The meeting ended on a celebratory note as John Sykes and Geoff Bayliss led Synod in thanking Bishop Steven for his decade of ministry. After reflecting on the highs and challenges of the past ten years, they invited the room to join in a spirited rendition of ‘Ten Years in Oxford’, their adapted version of The Beach Boys’ Sloop John B.
Closing the day, Bishop Steven reflected on his time as bishop and gave thanks to all present for the ways in which they have “engaged in the extraordinary, both routine and demanding questions we face together.”
See more photos from the day on Facebook.
Amplify your ministry with and for children, young people and young adults
The team of Discipleship Enablers exists to support engagement between children, young people and families within the church, community and local schools. They look forward to working with you and your church community in supporting, encouraging and nurturing the next generation.
Find out more and book Amplify: Adventure
