Lisbeth Watkin, Churchwarden of Holy Ghost, Genova, Italy shares highlights from the recent Italy & Malta Archdeaconry Synod in Linguaglossa, Sicily.

"The theme this year Archdeaconry Synod was, “In Everything Give Thanks”.

Archdeacon David Waller formally opened proceedings and everyone stood for a minute’s silence to remember the late Queen Elizabeth II, Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Bishop David Hamid talked about the damage of the Covid-19 pandemic, describing the present time as a ‘Kairos time’. He spoke of balancing rights and duties, of stewardship of creation and of how to use technology with virtual services being a lifeline for people unable to be present in Church in person, to look at our identity.

Bishop David also spoke about the 15th Lambeth Conference held this summer, at which he and Bishop Robert were present.

The former Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd John Pritchard, was also in attendance and led the Bible studies. Once again it was a thought-provoking illustration of the synod theme of thanksgiving. He suggested that we develop a discipline of thankfulness and examined ways of doing so.

The Clewer initiative's diocesan champion, Caireen Warren from Rome, presented the work of the initiative, which is combatting modern slavery - and its links with this diocese.

Archdeacon David Waller shared the developmental work towards net zero carbon by 2030 as stated in the Caring for Creation policy. David reported on the various plans of action accepted and joined by the diocese encouraging chaplaincies to be an Eco church.

Clare Amos, Director of Lay Discipleship, presented the lay discipleship course for the diocese, ‘Walking Together in Faith’, which she and others have been devising. The course is for personal development or as a preparation for worship leader or reader training.

Finally, Diocesan Secretary, Andrew Caspari, spoke of hope amidst uncertainty and spoke on the challenges facing local chaplaincies as they restore normal life. He also gave updates on safeguarding and finance.

The synod also spoke about foodbanks operating in various chaplaincies as the need increases.

Pictured: Fr. Shawn Denney and Una Frost from St. George's, Taormina, Sicily

Fr. Shawn Denney, Chaplain of St. George's, Taormina, Sicily, thanked Una Frost a member St. George's, for her 'tremendous work' in coordinating arrangements for the 2022 synod.

It was such a pleasure to meet in person at last, after two years of Zoom!"