The whole mixed economy church needs to be represented in the Church's parliament. So says Archbishops' Missioner and leader of the Fresh Expressions team, Rt Revd Graham Cray, who has called on those involved in new ways of being church to consider standing for this year's General Synod Elections.
Speaking before the next Synod sessions in York (9th to 13th July), he said:
We need to see the mixed economy church reflected in the Church's governing body. Fresh expressions of church often attract younger people and it would be good to see them better represented too.
Elections for the 378 members of General Synod take place every five years but Bishop Cray recognised that those working hard to establish new congregations, alongside the traditional parish system, were often hard pressed and may not feel they had time for church politics.
Those who help govern our church have a real part to play in encouraging mission as a priority. We need the gifts and wisdom that pioneers – both lay and ordained – can offer as the Church goes through a significant period of change and development in the next five years,
he added.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, said:
Any healthy and mature Church is a Church where everyone feels they have a voice. Synod needs your voice because we need all voices together to discover the truth that God wants us to know for our generation, society, sanctification, our own hope and our own health.
To stand for House of Laity (195 members), you need to be
- 18 or over;
- Actual communicant in the Church of England;
- On the electoral roll of a parish or the community roll of a cathedral.
To stand for the House of Clergy (183 members) you need to be
- Ordained priest or deacon, be beneficed or licensed or have permission to officiate in the diocese or hold office in the cathedral.
Closing date for nominations is Friday 3rd September.
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