The Diocese in Europe’s Synod meeting was held last week in Cologne. Members representing clergy and laity of gathered from across the diocese for three days.

The term Synod means ‘walking together’, and this was embodied at Cologne where members shared worship, prayers, bible study and informal discussions alongside the business of governance to support the work of our diocese.

In his Presidential Address, Bishop Robert spoke about the role of the Church in a time of danger and division, when

“ the gospel of Jesus Christ calls us to the complementary tasks of building resilience, acknowledging interdependence, and sustaining hope.” (please view his address here or below)

We heard a moving account from the churchwarden in Kyiv, Christina Laschenko. When asked what could we do to support her she simply said: ‘Please pray for us to simply stay alive and to be able to come together to praise God’

Judith Rigby, Synod member from the Gibraltar archdeaconry said:

“The line from night prayer will always bring to mind the experiences shared by Christina Laschenko. “In peace I will lie down and sleep”...not in a bathroom, or an inner corridor or with the sound of sirens wailing...the reality of the strength and bravery of our brothers and sisters in Kyiv and our praying together for them was profound.”

The Synod discussed many areas of diocesan life including key priorities for development such as Caring for Creation and Youth ministry. Members were challenged anew to engage with this critical work. In both cases action is essential for our church today, not just tomorrow.

Updates on safeguarding, communications and fundraising were shared and discussed including the conclusions of the safeguarding Past Cases Review 2.

The key area of Living in Love and Faith (LLF) was explored and deeper discussions about diversity and inclusion with the support of Dr Eeva John who had been the Enabling Officer for the Church of England on the LLF project. The bible studies on Holiness in Isaiah were led by Bishop Jo Bailey Wells.

Revd Carolyn Cooke, chaplain at La Cote and Area Dean of Switzerland reflected:

“I loved the wider vision of the Diocese broadening our horizons, as well as deepening our understanding of issues across Europe. Also gaining a sense of belonging to a much bigger community. Sometimes we shrink into our little corners and lose sight of the bigger picture.”

The Synod Agenda includes the AGM of the Members of Diocesan Board of Finance which approves the annual report and financial statements as well as looking at the forecasts for the current year.

The meeting passed motions including that to establish a working party to look into what pattern of meetings could best be used to continue the work of Synod both online and in person. The synod also took the first steps towards amending the constitution to allow online governance meetings at all levels should a chaplaincy wish to operate in that way. These proposed constitutional changes now have to go to General Synod for approval.