Changes to the way that a new bishop is elected in the Scottish Episcopal Church were debated on day two of General Synod 2023, with members asked to decide on a second reading of a revised Canon 4.
Two years ago, Synod opted to pursue a revision of the existing Canon rather than create an electoral college, and the revised Canon was given a first reading in 2022. It then went to the seven Diocesan Synods for further discussion, with six dioceses voting to back the revised version, but Glasgow & Galloway voting against it.
The revised Canon features six significant changes:
- A single process in three stages
- Reduced shortlist at second stage
- All bishops involved from the start
- Confidentiality of shortlists
- Training for all
- Eligibility to vote (cut-off date moved from most recent Diocesan Synod to that of the issue of the mandate for election)
Understandably, opposition from the floor came mainly from the Diocese of Glasgow & Galloway, and it was led by Bishop Kevin Pearson, who said that he felt the existing canon needed a radical overhaul and that he preferred the (rejected) option of an electoral college.
The Very Rev Kelvin Holdsworth, Provost of St Mary’s Cathedral in Glasgow, also said he would be voting against the revised Canon 4, citing concerns about the issues around confidentiality. “This Canon would have the effect of stopping you being able to care for people who really need it,” said Provost Holdsworth.
Beth Routledge (Glasgow & Galloway) and the Very Rev Dr Emsley Nimmo (Aberdeen & Orkney) also stated their objections to the revised Canon 4, but Professor Alan Werrity (St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane) acknowledged that although the revised version has flaws, this was not necessarily reason enough to reject the revised Canon outright.
“Do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good,” urged Prof Werrity.
This sentiment was echoed by Bishop John Armes (pictured above with guest speaker the Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland), who had proposed the revised draft as Convener of the Canon 4 Review Group.
“It doesn’t take a genius to work out that there is going to be a succession of elections of new bishops,” said Bishop John, in a reference to the age profile of the current composition of the College of Bishops. “Which of these optionsis best – not which is perfect – for the next round of elections?”
The motion to adopt a revised Canon 4 required a two-thirds majority of all houses to be carried, and it was duly adopted when Synod put the matter to a vote.
Day two of Synod at St Paul’s & St George’s had opened with a report from Mission Board, delivered by the Very Rev Sarah Murray, Convener. The main focus of the session was the Season for Christian Life, with a joint presentation from steering group members the Rev Jim Benton-Evans, the Rev Dr Jenny Holden and the Rev Kim Lafferty.
The Season has been created “to offer to the church a season which would enliven Christian faith and life”. The Season is intended to provide a focus for three to five years, starting in 2023, and is part of the Anglican Consultative Council’s call to Churches across the Communion to have a Season for Intentional Discipleship.
Introducing the presentation, Mr Benton-Evans described the Season as a series of opportunities to tell each other and tell the world about our Christian lives.
Dr Holden, who is currently the Advisor for Christian Life for the Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney, added that the Season “isn’t here to tell you what to do, far from it – you know your context and the people in your community, but its aim is to offer resources, help you to look forward with hope, reflect on the past but focus on the future as we all continue to seek to know God more clearly, love God more dearly, follow God more nearly, day by day.”
She added: “It’s a season that has at its purpose enlivening Christian faith and life, with many entry points. Each of us are different and connect to God and express that in different ways as we each seek to follow Jesus and to learn from him, patterning our lives on his teaching and life.
“For some people it might be acts of service, others commitment to treasuring the environment, for others it might be telling others about Jesus or for others exploring different spiritual practices. There are things you do already – for example serving as a member of Synod, prayer practices, serving in a church service, campaigning on a local issue or global issues.
“The Season will not defined by one Christian tradition, rather it has the potential to be of value and encouragement in every place. The purpose is to encourage diversity, which matches the diversity of people and enthusiasms, but seen as part of whole church expression of the breadth of Christian life.”
Synod then broke into discussion groups, and the Season will be further developed at a proposed Provincial Gathering in 2024 to bring together, share stories, equip and enable those working in dioceses who are facilitating the season.
You can read Dr Holden’s full address here.
Elsewhere on a full day two schedule, business included:
- Approval of first readings for Canon 15 (admission of clergy of other churches, provinces and dioceses to officiate) and Canon 16 (others who may be permitted to officiate in churches).
- ‘Meet the Board Conveners’ session, where members could choose a session to hear about a Board’s workplan and ask questions.
- A presentation from the Institute Council on developments in lay learning, new Masters courses and a new Initial Ministerial Education 2 programme.
- A report from the Administration Board, including a Buildings Committee report on work undertaken to improve health & safety procedures and associated amendments to Canons and the Digest of Resolutions.
- Second reading approval of pastoral liturgies and first reading approval of liturgies for Lent, Holy Week and Easter.
- College of Bishops responses to questions arising from Thursday’s discussion groups.
At the end of the day’s business, the Gaelic Society of the Scottish Episcopal Church held a Eucharist at St Paul’s & St George’s (pictured above), led by Canan Iain Macrisnidh.