Diocesan Synod 2015 Summary of Proceedings – A Lay Representative’s View
Diocesan Synod met on Saturday 7th March in Holy Trinity and St. Barnabas, Paisley. We were welcomed to the church and Bishop’s Court, the well-equipped hall and other facilities by Revd. Tom Wilson. Synod members consist mainly of the Clergy and Lay Representatives from each charge in the Diocese. We also welcomed guests from the main faith groups.
Following a celebration of the Eucharist, including a Charge from the Bishop, the agenda for the day was mostly focussed on business, appointing officials for the day, officers for the year and electing clergy and laity to General Synod and several Provincial positions. Synod also received reports from the Treasurer and other Officers.
Before lunch there were presentations about what two of our charges are doing under the heading Mission in Action. St. Mary’ s Hamilton gave a presentation on their project, St. Mary’s for All, which is a major building project balancing the Victorian heritage with new and informal spaces for the wide range of local groups who meet in the church and to open the building to many other community organisations. It is a major piece of work, the culmination of seven years of planning and fund raising, and will transform the capability of the congregation to work with their local community.
The second project, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, is at the exciting early development planning stage and will also reach out to their existing congregation, to the local population and to the Diocese through structural improvements and a major restoration of the organ, building on and maintaining the good name of the cathedral as a major musical venue in the City.
After lunch, Synod heard about the work being carried out across the development teams working on the strands of the Growth Strategy. It was important for Synod to be kept updated on current work and to hear of the future plans for events, publications, talks etc.
Synod also debated two motions, one from Glasgow North East Regional Council and one from the Dean. The first motion which was passed by a majority following some lively debate, was in favour of ensuring that no member of clergy should be expected to act against their conscience with a view to same-sex or opposite-sex marriage. The second motion raised the charge of St. Andrew’s Milngavie to the canonical status of an incumbency, allowing them to appoint their own priest.
Following this, the Bishop spoke to Synod about the Lent Appeal and several speakers addressed Synod regarding issues dear to them during five minute slots.
The Bishop then drew Synod to a close and offered his thanks to those who had made it a successful day.
