A Saturday at Synod

07 May 2012

Over 300 met for Synod on April 21 and the agenda was packed. Bishop Victoria wrote after the event, "I decided to not read the Charge to Synod, as there had been so much misinformation in circulation about the Cathedral story (both old and Transitional) that I simply tried to put the record straight when I addressed the Synod during Morning Prayer. The conversation and debate about the Anglican Communion Covenant was honest. I thank those who spoke with grace to the topic at hand."

Another important decision was the the formation of a new parish called the Waimate District Co-operating Venture incorporating into one ministry unit three previous ministry units: Waimate; St Andrew’s and Waihao Downs. Martin Mehrtens spoke of the work the new co-operating venture would like do to better serve its community in the changing times of dairy farming with foreign workers being employed and large farm systems.

Also mentioned at Synod were the number of new housing developments and suburbs springing up in Christchurch as some of the population relocates due to the possibilities of new work and safe housing. Bishop Victoria wrote following the event, "For many years we have played with the conversation about needing to think and act differently about parish ministry. Now is the time to seize the opportunity."

A small group of protestors concerned about the ChristChurch Cathedral came and went outside the Synod meeting during the morning. Many were happy to talk and members of Synod and the Diocese spent quite some time speaking with them. Bishop Victoria also went outside during morning tea to talk with them. They were offered cups of tea and meetings were arranged for later that week with the appropriate people, to listen further to their points of view.

Architectural Design Guidelines for the Diocese were also presented at synod. These are guidelines were adopted as a framework to guide the interpretation of the design of Anglican Church buildings.

Photographs from Synod

The Bishop's Charge to Synod that was handed out, can be read here

The background documents for Synod can be seen here