Press Release, Church of England Media Centre.
Persecution of Christians around the world, the impact of the mental health crisis in UK and the Church’s own progress on establishing an independent safeguarding body were among subjects discussed at the General Synod on Wednesday.
Members began the day with a service of Holy communion at which the Archbishop of York preached.
Mental health debate
Most of the rest of the morning was devoted to a debate on mental health and the Church. The motion as passed calls for those training for ordination to have specific courses on how to support people facing mental health challenges, and for counselling and therapy to be available to clergy, among other recommendations.
Synod also approved the appointment of new external auditors for the Archbishops’ Council.
Safeguarding structures
Afternoon business opened with a presentation on proposals to establish a new independent oversight body for church safeguarding from Dame Christine Ryan, the independent Executive Chair of the Church’s Safeguarding Structures Programme Board. Synod then debated on a motion endorsing the “direction of travel” set out, which was approved overwhelmingly.
Commemoration of the Martyrs of Libya and Feast of God the Creator
Members then spent time discussing two pieces of liturgical business: the establishment of a new annual Festival of God the Creator and an annual commemoration of 21 Christian men who were killed for their faith by Isis terrorists in Libya 10 years ago – an example of modern day Christan martyrs. A motion to “take note” of the report of the Revision Committee was approved on a show of hands meaning that it goes forward to the next stage.
Mission initiatives code
Synod members scrutinised a new Code of Practice for Mission Initiatives, making a number of amendments. The code was then approved with a show of hands.
Finally, Synod brought forward discussion of the proposed allocation of Synod seats in the next five-year term, originally scheduled for discussion tomorrow. The allocation was approved.