Bishop Trevor Wilmott writes . . .

Who needs the General Synod? The answer is we do. We, the Church at every level of our shared life, parish, deanery, diocese and national. Why? Because the Synod, for all of its failings and shortcomings, holds within the seed of all that we are called to be as Church. God’s people, lay and ordained, meeting together, praying together, consulting together. Not a structure to help the Church be more effective – though hopefully that might be a welcome off shoot of its life. Not a place where the minority go to infuse their will on the majority. But a genuine Synod, travelling the road of Jesus Christ in shared companionship.

On this page you will find a booklet which helpfully describes the workings of Synod and encourages people to get involved. I would be grateful if you could share this booklet with others in your church. Please also look at the website: www.generalsynodelections2010.org which contains a wealth of information.

The forthcoming elections later this year will be crucial. Not solely because the next Synod may have the critical responsibility of deciding on some important issues which currently lie before us but because we need the Synod to be fully representative of our common life. I hope, therefore, that we shall have lively contested elections in each of the houses of laity and clergy. I hope that all of us will take the opportunities afforded to question those who will be standing. Above all else, I ask you to pray with me earnestly over these next months for the refreshment of God’s Holy Spirit in this vital aspect of our shared life.

With every blessing

+Trevor