Order, freedom and human flourishing
By Ian Paul, Psephizo:
At the end of my first day at General Synod for ten years, it felt as though I had been there about a week, rather than just an afternoon and evening. Time goes more slowly for two main reasons: either because things are detailed and boring; or because things are intense and exciting. Both can be found in any session of Synod. A number of the items would be reported in The Week’s regular column ‘Boring but important.’ But at least an equal number involve engaging in vital issues which generate vigorous and passionate debate.
Three things stood out for me from the first day. The first might seem surprising—it was Evening Prayer after the formal business of the day, taken from the Book of Common Prayer. To encounter the profound and straightening theology of the BCP evening collects after nearly five hours of talking and debate felt like coming across a lush oasis, in the midst of the desert of activity, information and superficiality which has laid waste much of modern culture, and to be plunged head first into its clear and deep waters.
The second highlight was the encounter with many friends and colleagues from every part of ministry over the years. I realised that, coming back to Synod 15 years after first attending, I have spent quite a bit of the intervening time swimming around the fairly small pond that is the Church of England. As a result, I have met quite a few of the other fish and got to know many of them well. It was great to renew old acquaintances—but to start making new ones too. I feel very heartened to find that there are many fascinating, able and inspiring people here, and the next five years will be very challenging and stimulating, of that I have no doubt.
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