Important issues on agenda for Diocesan Synod

Last Updated on Wednesday, 29 February 2012 09:10

The first Sheffield Diocesan Synod of 2012 will take place at the Elim Christian Centre, Effingham Street, Rotherham, on Saturday 25 February (9am) attended by bishops, clergy and laity from the Diocese.

An important issue on the agenda for this Synod is the referral by General Synod of a motion on the Anglican Communion Covenant to Diocesan Synods. Along with all other Church of England dioceses, Sheffield will be asked to “approve the draft Act of Synod adopting the Anglican Communion Covenant”.

The Covenant seeks to provide a framework in which relationships between Provinces can be worked out within the Communion. It is almost five years since the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, began to set out his thoughts on creating new agreement around an Anglican Covenant.

Members will hear a report of the recent General Synod gathering at Westminster and also receive an update on the work of a Commission which involves the possible re-organisation of several Church of England dioceses in the Northern Province.

The Bishop of Sheffield, Dr Steven Croft, will deliver a Presidential Address to Synod Members [copies of his speech will be available on the day].