Short report from diocesan synod

Diocesan synod met in High Wycombe on Saturday 16 March. The first item on the agenda was the annual report of the Dean and Canons of Christ Church Cathedral for the year ending 31 July 2012, which was given by the Dean, the Very Revd Christopher Lewis. There followed a deanery synod motion from Wendover Deanery calling on all deaneries "to develop plans to promote short training courses, including home-based online study, which will facilitate the growth in discipleship of their lay members and enable them to play a full part in local ministry particularly in situations where and when an ordained minister is not available.

It also calls on our diocese to identify, commend and if necessary develop resources to support this initiative."The motion generated a certain amount of debate, but was passed. The Synod then heard from the Revd Jeremy Brooks, Team Rector of Beaconsfield, about the new Chilterns Funeral Chaplaincy, which has been set up to ensure the provision of ministers to conduct funeral services. After coffee, Brian Newey, the Chair of the Oxford Diocesan Board of Finance, spoke about the financial year end results from 2012.

He explained that the share had not come in as hoped in 2012 and remained a considerable concern for 2013. In response, he said, two things had happened: a small group was working with Bishop Colin on possible cost savings and new sources of income. ; and clergy and staff had been informed that stipends and salaries would rise by only 1% rather than the 2% hoped for. Finally, there was a joint presentation introduced by the Bishop of Buckingham, who chairs the diocesan board of education, from the schools and mission departments on The Church School of the Future report on the role and importance of education in the mission of the diocese.

Many synod members stood up to add their support to the presentation which was warmly welcomed.