The Church of England’s General Synod met last week to discuss and debate important issues including slavery, the persecuted church, our path forward towards carbon net zero, church governance and more.
The Diocese of Leeds had a full complement of representatives at the session, and we have asked some of them to reflect on their experiences of the week.
The Revd Canon Rachel Firth, Vicar of Huddersfield and General Synod member, said: “One of the things I realised as I listened to debates at this Synod was the importance of language which unites rather than divides.
“I know this sounds simplistic, but in the context of the Church, there is no ‘them’; there is only ‘us’.
“As we look forward to a Synod term where we will continue to engage with challenging and controversial issues, I think a commitment to talk always about what is ‘ours’ – about what ‘we’ do and about who ‘we’ are – is really important.
“We are the body of Christ.
“Some of the people at Synod I have always found myself most vehemently disagreeing with – I have found myself agreeing with in the Chamber.
“This feels odd at first but really reflects the diversity of people and issues we are dealing with – and I think holds a mirror up to what we imagine ‘Anglican’ to be.
“Anglicanism has always been about finding the via media, focussing on common purpose in Christ – and there is a powerful sense of that happening, despite the undoubted existence of a tribalism which sometimes to deny logic.
“So, when you’re there, you have to ask yourself about the integrity of every decision, however seemingly small.
“Each amendment we debate can seem like small stone dropped in a pool, but everything Synod does has ripples which can become tsunami.
“You become more conscious of the privilege and responsibility of being elected to the chamber, not less.”
Canon Jane Evans, General Synod member, said: “General Synod is at once exciting, fascinating, and slightly overwhelming.
“Exciting – to be making decisions, not only about the shape of our church, but also actual changes in the law, because General Synod is a law-making body.
“Fascinating – the range of subject matter is immense, from achieving carbon net zero by 2030 to supporting persecuted Christians around the world; from dealing with the scar that is racism in our church, to discussions about who gets to play a part in choosing a future Archbishop of Canterbury (not that the current one is going anywhere just yet!).
“And speaking of the archbishop, what a privilege to receive communion from him.
“He said my name as he gave me the wafer, which gave me such a strong sense of the love of Christ – even though I knew he was just reading it from my badge!
“Overwhelming – there’s so much to learn, especially about how things are done.
“Because we are a legislative body, all the discussions and decisions have to follow very clear protocols.
“Fortunately, there’s lots of kind and good-humoured people to help us along.
“And with 60% of this Synod being newly elected, we are definitely all in it together.” 
During the most recent session of Synod the Rt Revd Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Ripon and Synod member (pictured) gave her maiden speech, as part of a debate on a report into church governance from a group chaired by the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines.
As part of her speech Bishop Helen-Ann said: “Our governance should be about enabling God’s mission rather than hindering it.
“At this stage in the process, one of the enabling factors is this Synod.
“We are being asked today to show our support for the direction of travel, anticipating that aspects of this support in the future will speak to, and involve the Synod’s legislative function.
“However, this Synod can also cause death by 1000 amendments.
“Please let it not be that.
“It is only right and proper that we take seriously the treasure that has been entrusted to us, in order that we may both enable God’s Kingdom to grow, and ensure that God’s Church is entrusted to generations that will follow.
“In all of this, God goes before us, even into the legislative detail and small print.
“Members of Synod, let us not pass over this opportunity.”