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CTV Appendix 5London Synod CommissionInterim Report 2006
The London Synod Commission was established by Mission Council in Autumn 2005 with the following members: Revd Bill Mahood (Convener); Mrs Sheila Brain (Secretary); Revd Wilf Bahadur; Ms Rachel Greening; Revd Malcolm Hanson; Revd Heather Pencavel.
The Commission has given priority to identifying the principles underlying the suggestion of a London Synod and assessing the basic advantages and disadvantages. In addition it has given careful consideration to the process of consultation with local churches and Districts, ecumenical partners and other relevant bodies. This will clearly take time and cannot be completed in time for Assembly 2006. It is however able to bring an interim progress report this year, with a full report to be presented to Assembly 2007.
Terms of reference
1. To investigate the feasibility of creating a London Synod and to submit an initial report to the 2006 Assembly (Resolution 42, Assembly 2005).To submit a full report to the 2007 Assembly. 2. To open up a broad consultation process, in order to assess the rationale for such a change and to consider whether the advantages significantly outweigh the disadvantages 3. To consult in-depth with the Southern and Thames North Synods, and in lesser detail with the surrounding Synods whose boundaries might be significantly altered by the creation of a London Synod (Eastern, East Midlands, Wessex). 4. To consider the ecumenical dimensions of the proposal and the implications for future ecumenical work and mission in Greater London. 5. To explore alternative ways in which the URC could relate more effectively to London in mission and service. 6. To recommend practical means by which any changes might be implemented.
Progress Report
1 Principles to be established and questions to be raised include (among others): Is there a strong vision for a London Synod and what has changed since 1972? What would be its size and where would the boundary be? What happens to the churches/Districts outside and how would this affect surrounding Synods? What are the specific concerns expressed in opposition to the idea and how might these be met? Would the loss of the broad spread of church life (urban, suburban, rural) be outweighed by the commonality of interest of the churches lying within the whole Greater London Authority (GLA)? How are other denominations dealing with the London situation? What are the legal and financial implications?
2 Consultation Process
Both written and verbal submissions are currently being sought, covering a broad spectrum of all those concerned. This includes contact with ecumenical colleagues, most notably the Methodists, who have recently taken the decision to establish a London District following a major consultation process across the region. As a result of these initial deliberations the Commission plans to produce a detailed set of proposals which will be submitted to the local churches and Districts covered by the two London Synods for consideration during the Autumn, with a view to reaching a consensus on the way forward by Spring 2007. If the decision proves to be in favour of establishing a London Synod, then further work will need to be done on the practical details concerning precise boundaries and the legal requirements concerning Trusts and finance.
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