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Diocesan Synod update
The meeting began with worship led by the Diocesan Council for Partnership in World Mission. This was followed by a presentation from the Council on ‘Living Faith world wide’. Members heard from partners around the world and were invited to discuss how we learn from the experiences of Christians in other contexts.
After coffee, the Dean of Christ Church presented an annual report from the Cathedral. There was then the chance to learn about the planned celebrations and events surrounding the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. Richard Fisher, Chief Executive of the Bible Reading Fellowship, and Yvonne Morris, Diocesan Children’s Advisor, spoke on the work they were doing around this, which includes the publication of resources for children, ‘God’s Big Story’, which will be freely downloadable from the diocesan website and available after Easter.
Next there was a presentation on ‘The Church, the Diocese and Big Society’. Tony Baldry, Conservative MP for Banbury and Second Church Estates Commissioner; Liz Brighouse, Leader of the Labour Group on Oxford County Council; and Francis Davis, from the Mayor of London’s office, all spoke. Members discussed a background paper written by Alison Webster, Diocesan Social Responsibility Adviser.
Brian Newey, the Chair of the Board of Finance, commented on the out-turn for 2010, and the steps taken to manage the unexpected deficit. He said that the intention remained to break even in 2013. “We don’t have the first quarter’s result yet, but we’re not aware of going off track.”
Two newly elected General Synod members, Julie Dzeigiel and Vicky Russell, spoke about their recent experience learning the ropes. The meeting ended with a reflection by Edward Weiss and closing prayers by the Bishop of Oxford.