Diocesan Synod gathered online on 13 June, beginning the day in worship before embarking on an agenda focused on mission, ministry, education and safeguarding.
The meeting marked the first presidential address from the Rt Revd Gavin Collins as Acting Bishop of Oxford, who encouraged confidence in God's faithfulness during this period of transition in diocesan life. Bishop Gavin spoke of the importance of remaining rooted in faith and shared three words that spoke to his personal calling in this moment: unity, growth and joy.
Mission and growth in Milton Keynes
A significant part of the meeting focused on the future of mission and ministry in Milton Keynes. The Rt Revd Dave Bull, Bishop of Buckingham, and the Revd Canon Catherine Butt outlined an emerging vision for "the spiritual renewal of the city of Milton Keynes by 2050".
Members heard how Milton Keynes, already the diocese’s biggest city, continues to grow rapidly. Discussion covered how the diocese can respond both to current needs and future growth, while balancing investment in Milton Keynes with the needs of communities across the wider diocese.
During questions, members asked whether the vision was ambitious enough. Bishop Dave answered: "I hope it will grow as God stretches our faith and grows our vision." Synod voted overwhelmingly in favour of the emerging strategy.
Looking ahead: leadership and discernment
Synod also received an update from the Vacancy in See Committee following publication of the Statement of Needs and consultation analysis earlier this year. Members were encouraged to continue praying for the process and for the person God is calling to be the next Bishop of Oxford.
Read the Statement of Needs and find resources to support your prayers.
Diocesan Secretary Mark Humphriss gave an update on this year's General Synod elections. With elections taking place later this year, parishioners across the diocese are encouraged to consider prayerfully whether they or others might be called to stand and help shape the future life of the Church of England.
Find out more about standing for General Synod.
Flourishing communities
Presenting his first report to Synod, Andrew Bickley, Independent Chair of the diocesan Safeguarding Panel, stressed that safeguarding success cannot be measured solely through policies and procedures, but by whether survivors are heard, risks are reduced and church culture genuinely becomes safer for everyone. Andrew encouraged continued prayer for survivors and for the ongoing work taking place across the diocese.
Education also featured prominently. Tony Wilson, Director of the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education (ODBE), gave news of positive SIAMS and Ofsted inspections, particularly in areas of inclusion and leadership.
Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust (ODST) shared plans to welcome a secondary school into the diocesan Multi-Academy Trust, while the Oxford Diocesan Bucks Schools Trust (ODBST) highlighted the vital work Church schools often do as families' primary points of contact with the Church.
The discussion came in the same week that hundreds of Year 6 pupils from Church of England schools across the diocese gathered at Christ Church Cathedral for the annual School Leavers' Service, celebrating new beginnings as they prepare for the move to secondary school. Read more about the School Leavers' Service.
Sue Scott presented the diocesan Annual Review, celebrating stories of ministry, discipleship and service from across the diocese over the past year.
Introducing the review, Sue reflected on the many examples of faith, service and growth represented within its pages, adding: "The diocese is in good heart, and we look forward with hope."
Read the Diocese of Oxford Annual Review.
A fond farewell to Geoff Bayliss
The meeting marked the retirement of the Revd Canon Geoff Bayliss, attending his final Diocesan Synod as Chair of the House of Clergy.
Paying tribute, Bishop Gavin thanked Geoff for six years of service in the role and for his wider ministry across the Diocese of Oxford, describing his contribution as one marked by "great warmth, wisdom and insight".
Reflecting on the meeting, Geoff reminded members that "Synod is the servant of Christ's Church". He noted that members had addressed "real and live issues" affecting the life of the diocese and encouraged Synod to continue holding its work, and the wider Church, in prayer.
Speaking of his own retirement, Geoff said: "My own time comes to a close with this Synod, and I give thanks to all those who have done this pilgrimage with me."
It was also announced that Revd Canon Catherine Butt has been elected as Geoff's successor as Chair of the House of Clergy.