Observing at General Synod
From 7th to 11th July of this year, the General Synod of the Church of England met in York for discussion and debate of important issues facing the Church. I was able to attend along with a group of young people from across the country.
The Young Adult Observers group is invited to be present at debates and meet various Synod members, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, between sessions. This year, the group attended a fringe meeting about the launch of "Equipping", a new qualification framework for youth work, and an update on the Youth Evangelism Fund. We also organised a reception and presentation about the Church of England Youth Council, the national body that aims to represent young people throughout the Church.
It was surprisingly interesting to watch and listen to the Synod debates, particularly those concerning important issues for the Church such as the proposal to admit women to the episcopate. This issue was debated twice during the Synod, first considering its theological acceptability and then discussing how best to move forward. During the second debate one of the CEYC representatives on General Synod, Tom Pugh, gave his maiden speech encouraging Synod members to include young people in the ongoing conversations about this issue.
While in York I was also able to meet the Synod members from the Diocese of Truro, including Bishop Bill, and this was very helpful. While Young Adult Observers are unable to directly participate in debates, they can have a significant impact through fringe networking and their simple presence.
Many thanks are due to Yvonne Criddle and Peter Ball, the National Youth Advisers from the Archbishops' Council, for organising the Observers group and for all the support they provide to young people. Synod was a great experience and I look forward to going back next year.