Diocese in Europe

Listen online to our audio diary of the Diocesan Synod

Some 24 clergy and an equivalent number of lay delegates from around the diocese which extends from Madeira to Moscow and Finland to Morocco have been meeting for the Diocesan Synod of the Diocesan in Europe in Cologne at the Kardinal Schulte Haus.

This is the final annual meeting in this Synod’s three year history (Triennium). During the Summer months elections will be held for the Synod which will first meet in June 2010.

For the first time we have contemporary Audio Diary reports of each day’s proceedings here on the Diocesan website and trust these will offer a flavour of the speakers and topics.

There is also a photo gallery to offer a further glimpse into the life of the elected group which guides diocesan policy and strategy.

Highlights of the week have included the Bible Studies by the Right Rev Robert Atwell, Bishop of Stockport, with three thought provoking insights into the book of Jonah.

Canon Gary Willton who is the Church of England’s representative in Brussels spoke about his work with the European Commission – a timely report in the week when European elections are due.

Clergy and laity met separately for one session to discuss issues affecting them individually, not least the financial crisis which is hitting church members around continental Europe.

There were two sessions of Synod looking at progress by the Strategic Review Group which is looking at many aspects of life in the Church of England’s largest and fastest growing diocese. Decisions have to be made about planning for growth and adapting church procedures in line with local experience.

Another keynote speaker at Synod has been the Right Rev James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool who will speak about “Christian Hope in the Modern world” (Featured in Tuesday’s audio diary).

Bishop Graham Cray, until recently Bishop of Maidstone challenged Synod about “Fresh Expressions” which he now leads. Many churches and congregations in the diocese already experience new ways of “being church” and innovative worship because of their unique situations.

Synod members also moved into the city of Cologne for the ordination to the diaconate of Frances Hiller, chaplain and personal assistant to the Suffragan Bishop of Europe, in All Saints Anglican church (Featured in Wednesday’s audio diary).

The final full day of Synod on Thursday included Environmental concerns and Child Protection as well as a meeting of the Diocesan Board of Finance.

Audio diary:

Photo Gallery:

Monday

Opening service

First business session

Tuesday

Bishop James Jones