2009: Synod Observers Group

Report by Richard Hurrell

A delegation from CEYC met at the July sessions of General Synod at the University of York campus, Heslington, York, on the weekend of 10-12 July 2009.

Arriving on Friday evening, members sat in the visitors' gallery to watch the usual varied performance of the ritual Questions and Answers session played out in the Great Hall. The evening was spent in the bar, meeting numerous Synod representatives over a drink, in the varied company of Laity, Clergy and even Bishops.

On the Saturday morning, the delegation were kindly invited to join the Synod in their working groups, discussing the latest and penultimate ARCIC II report to be brought to Synod. After lunch, the group spent the afternoon listening intently on the deliberations in the chamber, most memorably on the budget discussions which are likely to affect the work of the Education Division in the near future.

Between sessions, the group made good use of the lobby by inviting as many Synod members as possible to their fringe event scheduled on the Saturday evening. When the time came, we were very grateful for a superb turnout, who came to hear about what CEYC is about, sample some delicious nibbles, wine and cake, and play party games to celebrate our fifth birthday this year.

Early on Sunday morning we were pleased to welcome William Fittall, the Secretary General of the Church of England, to our breakfast table. Quickly following we were bussed off to York Minster, for the celebration of the Eucharist, with the Archbishop of Canterbury presiding and the Archbishop of York preaching (and playing bongo drums!).

As if a breakfast and Eucharistic feast were not enough to fill our stomachs, we then tucked into lunch, in the esteemed company of the two Archbishops. Members of the group greatly appreciated the opportunity to speak personally with them and reflect on the business of Synod, and life and the Church in general.

After this was time to leave, after a short but intense weekend of practical experience of Anglican church governance. A satisfying and rewarding weekend was had by all, and the next year's observer group eagerly anticipated.