Reconciliation and unity were at the heart of the Eastern Archdeaconry’s synod which met in Prague between 20 and 23 October as war continued to rage within its borders. The theme echoed that of the World Council of Churches Assembly in Karlsruhe in September – ‘Christ’s love moves the world to reconciliation and unity’.

The gathering heard a very moving and detailed description of what it is like to live in Kyiv from Christina Laschenko, Churchwarden of Christchurch, Kyiv, who had made an arduous journey to join the synod. This was followed by a panel discussion from the chaplaincies in countries surrounding Ukraine reflecting on the impact of mass migration of people fleeing the conflict.

There was also praise for the response to Bishop Robert’s Lent Appeal and how the monies available had been dispersed quickly and efficiently through the diocese and USPG. Synod heard that there are still funds available and were encouraged to match projects with the funds yet to be disbursed.

Later in the programme, synod members heard from our chaplain in Moscow, Revd Canon Malcolm Rogers, about the impact of the conflict there and how his congregation had fallen because members had left the country.

The impact of the war was a recurring theme. Patrick Curran from Christchurch, Vienna, noted its effect on Austrian society. And in her presentation, Kate Davenport, Deputy Head of Mission at the British embassy in Prague, spoke about how the Czech Republic and UK had responded to the war.

Bishop Robert gave his presentation on the Friday on a range of diocesan issues. He pointed to the similarity of themes at the Lambeth Conference and the WCC’s Assembly, including peace and justice, racism and xenophobia and ethical challenges. But Bishop Robert noted one big different between the two events – the presence and engagement of youth and disabled people at the WCC.

Racial justice was one of the themes of the Saturday. Archdeacon Leslie Nathaniel gave an update on the audit conducted by the Working Group on Racial Justice to assess where our diocese stands on its policy statement Breathing Life. Some chaplaincies had completed the form or sent a short report. Some are expected to respond in the next audit. Archdeacon Leslie explained that the audit had led to a shift in terminology – with the phrase racially minoritised people now being used rather than BAME because it also recognises that individuals have been minoritised through social processes of power and domination. He also set out his plans for an international conference on racism next autumn.

And Archdeacon Leslie also followed up Bishop Robert’s comments on the WCC Assembly, noting how three chaplaincies were involved – Stuttgart, Freiburg and Heidelberg - the latter two hosting ecumenical services.

On the ecumenical theme, the synod received greetings and words of welcome by Fr Petr Jan Vinš a representative of the Old Catholic Church on behalf of his bishop. It is thanks to the historical Agreement between Anglicans and the Old Catholic Church that the Anglican chaplaincy can be legally registered and acknowledged by the Czech state. And on interfaith issues, synod heard from Revd Canon Dr Arun John, who has just been appointed chaplain of St Nicholas, Ankara.

On the environment, synod heard from Ruben Jonkers of the Prague chaplaincy who challenged the gathering to ensure they appointed a Local Environmental Officer.

In addition, there were reports on safeguarding and the diocese’s updated anti-bullying policy. There was news too of chaplaincy life in Prague and Brno, Vienna, Izmir, Didim and Greece.

The Bible studies, led by Diocesan Director of Lay Discipleship Dr Clare Amos, also explored issues of reconciliation. Clare also gave a presentation on the lay learning course, ‘Walking Together in Faith’ which began at the end of September.