Diocesan Synod 2010 went from the 2nd of September until the 4th of September. Details of the proceedings are posted below.
A photo gallery of Synod 2010 can be viewed here.
4 September 2010: Synod Update
The business of the Synod on Saturday was focused on future plans for ministry across the Diocese with a conference session and there were also motions about issues facing the community and a chance for the Synod to determine a voice on a variety of topics.
Strategic Plan
The Diocesan Synod on Saturday took another step towards a strategic plan for mission and ministry in the Diocese. In 2008 with there was a consultation process at diocesan, archdeaconry and parish level that looked at future plans for the Diocese. It was decided to wait until a new bishop had been appointed and so the process was put on hold. After taking up office, Bishop Ross and the Diocesan Council identified areas of focus and specific action points. These were presented to the Synod Delegates for feedback as part of the conference session on the Strategic Plan. Bishop Ross told the Synod that it is not his vision but he is providing the leadership to allow the vision to emerge from the Diocese.
Alcohol
At General Synod this year, there was a presentation from Professor Doug Sellman from the National Addiction Centre of the University of Otago. A motion was passed supporting his evidence based solutions to what he calls a national crisis. The Auckland Diocesan Synod had a motion to support the campaign by Professor Sellman with his solution known as the 5+ solution.
Professor Sellman described to delegates the national crisis of alcohol abuse and said a middle ground was needed between the excessive commercialisation of alcohol with the associated binge drinking and prohibition. He told the Synod that New Zealand has 700’000 heavy drinkers, which is the total combined population of Wellington and Christchurch. Professor Sellman described his 5+ solution as a way of addressing the current crisis. This involves raising alcohol prices and the purchase age, reducing alcohol accessibility and marketing, and increasing drink - drive counter.
Delegates supported the motion and were encouraged to address the issue at parish level and make submissions to Parliament. Professor Sellman said that current Government proposals will make no substantial difference and groups such as the church were a valuable voice.
Motions were also presented on child poverty and levels of incarceration in New Zealand. The Synod voted to establish a one –year task group to consider a theological understanding of punishment, crime and the place of imprisonment and alternative sentences. The Synod was asked to bring a perspective to the public debate on the issue that is currently missing.
There was a presentation of the “Seasons” grief and loss programme in the Diocese with a motion asking for funding to bring coordination to the programme across the Diocese. Ministry Units were also encouraged in a motion on sustainability to develop local initiatives on October 10 2010 as part of a global effort to raise awareness of the need to live more sustainably and reduce carbon emissions.
The First Session of the 53rd Synod adjourned until 6:30pm on Thursday September 1 2011.
3 September 2010: Synod Update
The business of the Diocesan Synod on Friday had a focus on church governance and structures. There was a number of achievements celebrated as well as planning for the future. That planning will continue on Saturday with a conference session to consider the Strategic Plan Report for the Diocese. Saturday will also involve the Synod determining a voice on social issues facing society.
On Friday members of Synod acknowledged the request from Bishop Ross Bay for an Assistant Bishop and a motion was passed asking Diocesan Council to make preparations for an Electoral College to elect an Assistant Bishop in the next 12 months. The exact timing of the electoral college is still to be determined but the Bishop hopes to have an appointment by the middle of next year with an electoral college before Easter.
The Synod considered four bills on Friday. The bills covered issues including election processes in the Diocese for bodies such as Diocesan Council as well as replacing the Faculties Statute of 1942 with a new statute to reflect current practice. A motion marked a new Trust Deed for the Auckland City Mission and marked the Synod continuing to work with the Mission in the general social work of the Diocese. The Synod also celebrated the consecration of the new church of St Chad Meadowbank in May. Other motions included a motion from General Synod to achieve best practice in all areas of employment in either legislation or through a Bishop’s letter of offer. A motion was also brought to the Synod asking for clarification about the current position as to whether there is a moratorium on acceptance of candidates for ordination to the diaconate or priesthood who are in same sex relationships. The mover of the motion made it clear it was about the process that involved the lives of people rather than what the position should be. There were presentations to Synod from Diocesan Council as well as representatives from the General Synod – te Hinota Whanui.
On Saturday the Synod will be addressed by Professor Doug Sellman of the National Addiction Centre on what he calls a ‘national drinking crisis’ and his evidence-based response that is referred to as the 5+ solution. Other issues include policies which affect child poverty as well as the levels of incarceration in New Zealand.
2 September 2010: Bishop's Charge to Diocesan Synod 2010
Delivered during the first session of Synod on the 2 September:
Bishop's Charge to Synod 2010.pdf
2 September 2010: Synod Eucharist Address
The sermon given on Thursday night as part of the Synod Eucharist by the Very Rev’d Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral:
Synod Eucharist Address 2010.pdf
2 September 2010: Media Release - Diocesan Synod 2010
"The Anglican Diocese of Auckland annual Synod begins at Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell this evening. The gathering will address issues that affect..."
Media Releases: Diocesan Synod 2010.pdf
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