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General Synod Update – Wednesday June 20, 2007
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What happened today…
The delegates heard from the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, who advocated moderation, treating each other with gracious magnanimity rather than on the basis of the “letter of the law”. He also said that human sexuality must be understood and talked about in the context of Christ. Later in the day, Abp Sentamu was involved in smaller group “conversations” on the Windsor Report and is reported to have told delegates that, “He who travels fast, travels alone; he who travels far, travels with others.” He also referred to the fact that the Dar es Salaam communiqué and the Windsor Report, etc were unanimously endorsed by the primates.
In the afternoon, the Council of the North (which includes, not just northern dioceses, but sparsely populated parts of the south) described the difficulties of ministry in these regions and the need for financial assistance.
The delegates were involved in smaller group “conversations” in the afternoon on the topics of same sex blessings, Windsor Report and governance. However, delegates reported these “conversations” were, in fact, a series of presentations with little time for questions, and no time for discussion.
Other highlights of the day:
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Bishop Michael Ingham introduced a motion that would allow the Diocese of New Westminster to continue blessing same sex unions regardless of General Synod’s decisions. |
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Dr Andrew Goddard gave a presentation on the proposed Covenant in the evening that was attended by over 100 people. |
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Media interest remained high – and generally positive. |
What’s coming up Thursday…
Thursday is focused on the joint sessions with the Lutheran Church – which, incidentally is wrestling with similar issues at their biennial convention also currently underway in Winnipeg.
Our blog is getting about 5000 “hits” a day. And more photos have been posted to the webpage.
Please pray:
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For godly wisdom for our leadership as they consider, pray and plan for appropriate responses to the various possible outcomes to the votes later this week. |
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For our team working on strategy around motions to be brought to the floor of General Synod. |
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For our godly prayer team who tirelessly uphold General Synod, delegates and the ministries of AEC and others before the Throne of Grace. They are in the frontlines of the battle. |
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Also for those at our booth who are interacting with delegates and, in some cases, having to absorb negative comments. |
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For courage, wisdom, clear thinking and gracious speech for delegates committed to advancing the Kingdom of Christ on the floor of General Synod. |
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For physical endurance for all the team – volunteers, staff, leaders and AEC-friendly delegates – as everyone is putting in long days with little sleep. |
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For good fellowship this evening, as a like-minded group of Lutherans will meet with us (Anglican Essentials). Also, please remember the Lutheran church in its biennial convention which is dealing with similar issues. |
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For representatives of the Prayer Book Society, Barnabas Fellowship and Anglican Renewal Ministries who also have displays and are striving to have a positive witness at General Synod. |
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For our brothers and sisters in Zacchaeus Fellowship who have so much to contribute to the same-sex debate but have, so far, not had their voices heard. Pray for excellent opportunities for them to give witness and testimony to the power of God in their lives. |
Please give thanks:
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That the AEC team has been working well together and for the gracious and loving spirit among us – a tone set by the local volunteers who are serving us so selflessly and faithfully. |
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For the many following our Blog – even the dissenters! |
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For the good number of delegates coming to our evening fellowship times where they hear the speakers we have arranged. |
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For the ministry Dr Andrew Goddard has had. (Also pray for him as he returns to England today.) |
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