A meeting of the Diocesan Synod was held at Holy Trinity Church, Hazlemere on Saturday, 14 June.
After starting our session in worship, five questions, which had been submitted and responded to in writing prior to the meeting and were opened up for supplementary questions. These covered the diocese’s response to the Supreme Court ruling on biological sex, the upcoming debate on Living in Love and Faith (LLF), ordinand numbers, and children, young people and family workers.
Bishop Steven’s presidential address focused on time spent with young people at the clergy conference, and their concerns about artificial intelligence. Using Matthew 13:52, the Parable of the Householder, Bishop Steven reflected on the scribe training for the Kingdom of Heaven, and what wisdom old and new we can bring out of our own treasure houses.
Sir Hector Sants presented the draft budget for 2026 and a financial update. The diocese would have to pay a higher proportion of the new ministry training fund, as the formula took into account population and investment assets. Sir Hector took questions on concerns about increases in parish share and the proportion of the diocese’s budget spent on lay training.
Felix Leach and Tony Wilson presented on the annual report and accounts of ODBE noting that 95% of the diocesan schools have been categorised by Ofsted as outstanding or good. He also noted the success of the Big Spring Sing event in Marlow, and the ongoing work to support schools to be carbon net zero. The move to approve the ODBE accounts was passed.
Synod then adjourned for the ODBF AGM. The ODBF accounts were adopted, with thanks to the hard work of the finance team in preparing them.
The main discussion topic for the meeting was a conversation about Living in Love and Faith, facilitated by Bishop Mary and Bishop Dave. Each diocese has been invited by the national church to hold informal consultations on the draft proposals, and provide feedback.
The Bishops referenced John 4, where Jesus meets a woman at the Samaritan well, and against social and cultural convention, speaks with her. The inclusive theme of this piece demonstrated how to have a conversation while acknowledging and respecting difference.
Synod members began to discuss their responses to the most recent updates. National working groups are debating removing restrictions on same sex marriages for clergy, with clarity needed on timeline and process. Bishop Steven confirmed that there would be no obligation to offer Prayers of Love and Faith (PLF) in our parishes, as that was a matter for clergy conscience.
Following a procedural motion to move to the next point of business, which was voted down, Diocesan Synod members responded to the questions via anonymous questionnaires as follows:
- Almost 60% of members responded to say they were very familiar with the LLF process to date.
- 67% of those responding had had conversations about LLF in meetings (both informal, PCC, or other).
- When asked how well they understood the LLF proposals, 57% stated they understood them well or very well.
- Views on the use of PLF were largely balanced, with 44% against and firmly against, and 46% in favour or strongly in favour.
- Given the evolving picture on pastoral reassurance measures for those unable to accept PLF, the question on this was clarified to reflect this.
A summary of the responses given to this indicative questionnaire from those who attended Synod can be found here.
Canon Catherine Butt then presented the Diocesan Annual Review for 2025. Bishop Gavin delivered a reflection on the hopes and fears which were present in many of the discussions, whether from our young people, or those discerning how PLF might progress, before the meeting was closed by Bishop Steven, who paid tribute to Archdeacon Guy, who will be retiring before Synod next meets.