February Day Conference
Thirty participants attended the 2007 Conference arranged by the D.E.F. Richard Turnbull, the Principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford was the main speaker. In an introductory session participants were able to ask questions of the elected representatives to General Synod who gave an outline of their impressions of various matters dealt with at General Synod meetings recently.
1.
Anthony Archer reported on the workings of the Crown Nominations Commission. He discussed the work being undertaken by the Pilling Review into Senior Church Appointments (suffragans, deans, archdeacons and residential canonries) and expressed the hope that the report would be available and debated at the York Group of Sessions of the General Synod in July.
2.
Philip Lovegrove dealt with the issues surrounding the “crisis” in the Church of England and the Anglican Communion which was not in his view fundamentally concerned with sexual relationships. The major issues revolved around the Authority of God’s Word as revealed through Scripture. In essence, do God’s people stand under the authority of Scripture or do they regard human reason based on current “knowledge” as being able to override long standing interpretation, reason and tradition to propound a doctrine of universalism. The same basic philosophy has been propounded, yet again, to question the doctrine of substitutionary atonement..
3.
Richard Turnbull
In the first session Richard discussed the major imperatives as he saw them in the training required to undergird Christians in the current climate. His major objectives were to prioritize an in-depth understanding of Scripture and to emphasize and generate a more confident approach to Evangelism. In this regard, high on the Agenda, was the need to concentrate on a sound hermeneutical approach to and interpretation of Scripture. Also, the need to inform and educate Christians so that they can be confident both in their faith and in engaging in apologetics to other people who are submerged in modern Western Cultural norms.
In the second session, Richard drew on his experience as a parish priest to set a vision to encourage parish members to engage with the local community through the schools, clubs and other local volunteer entities. He also emphasised the need to liaise and join up in partnerships with Christian communities, not Anglican, in joint ventures so “the Church” was seen to be in a “reaching out” stance to people generally.
Question and answer sessions took place at the end of each talk with an exchange of ideas as to what had “worked” in local communities where new parish initiatives had been undertaken.
General Synod - York
The major issues on the Agenda were as follows:-
1.
An Anglican Communion Covenant. This is a “post Windsor” discussion document to try and establish a process within the Anglican Communion to maintain some form of “unity”. The document contains suggested “boundaries” that need to be adhered to and respected. However, a strong body of opinion is against any prescriptive arrangements and prefers “an agree to disagree” approach thus accepting a “laissez-faire” stance to being in Communion.
2.
The Anglican Methodist Covenant Discussions. Very slow progress at the central level. Divergent views on Ministry and Bishops still make progress difficult. Local co-operation is making strides at the grass-roots.
3.
Selecting Senior Clergy. The Pilling Report suggests new processes for appointing Suffragan Bishops, Deans and other Senior Post Holders. Differences of view are being expressed about the need for change as against a “root and branch” overhaul leading towards Disestablishment
4.
Clergy Pensions. Retention of a defined benefit scheme with alterations to the rules on length of service and annual incremental discretion moving away from a link with clergy stipend increases.
Continuing concern about provision of resources for Clergy Housing on Retirement.
5.
Marriage in Church Regulations.
Concluding, hopefully the long running saga on the “qualifications” required for couples to marry in the parish church.
6.
Church Commissioners Annual Report and Good News.
Another year of outstandingly good investment results. Capital cover for clergy pensions increased yet again. More money available for “poorer” dioceses and the Parish Mission Fund as well as the Church Urban Fund.
7.
General Synod Review published by The Anglican Trust is enclosed.
Diocesan News
1.
The Dean’s Easter BBC Broadcast has elicited a substantial response from Bishop Tom Wright of Durham. It can be found on his website:
2.
The Committee were advised by a number of parishes of their decisions not to attend the Abbey for Presentations on “Fresh Expression” initiatives, a day on “Prayer and Spirituality” and the “St. Alban Festival”.
3.
Some recent appointments to parishes in the Diocese:
Martin Bailey to All Saints, Riseley
Mark Dunstan to Hundson, Widford and Wareside
Tim Robb to St Mary Eaton Socon
Brett Gray to St. Michael’s, St Albans
Pete Stevenson to Hemel Hempstead Team
Stephen Rees to Little Heath
Subscriptions 2007
If you have not yet already paid your subs a form is enclosed. The annual subscription is FIVE POUNDS per parish or individual. PLEASE will you be kind enough to return to the Treasurer as indicated on the Form – Rev. Andy Hartropp.
Website
www.stalbansdef.org.uk
Brochures
If you would like any copies of the DEF brochure please contact the Secretary, David Phillips stalbansdef@phiweb.net 01923-235111