So that Group of Sessions ended. The formal word is ‘prorogued’ which simply means bringing it to its end. But it felt odd to know that the Synod had ended but we were still meant to be here.
When I was a kid, going to the pictures was a bit of a bargain – unlike today – you got a film to watch before you saw the main feature, the film you had really gone to see, and, of course, you still had the adverts, for the local Indian or Chinese restaurant. They were called ‘B’ movies, they were of variable quality, sometimes rubbish, but it was something to watch or eat your sweets through. Well, this Synod has taken me back to those days in the Magna Cinema in Wigston where I was brought up and where I went with my sister every Saturday for the children’s film club.
The Magna Cinema in Wigston Magna, Leicester
The business of Synod, though interesting and important, felt like the starter to a meal, the film before the main feature. We all knew that the Shared Conversations would be the thing that we would remember most about the July Synod in York in 2016. It could be, by the grace of God, a positive turning point for the Church of England, it could be the ultimate car crash, or, of course, (and perhaps most likely) as indeterminate as most things can be in Synod life until, as with women bishop’s, the rubber finally hits the road.
So, the legislative business ended, a revision committee will look at the Amending Canon on vesture and the burial of those who have committed suicide. The talent pool will continue to be stocked with promising new people, leaders will be trained for leadership, the Archbishops’ Council will do its work, schools will continue to offer excellent education and the budget has been passed so that we can spend money creatively for mission and ministry. Life goes on.
In the evening yesterday news came through that the URC Church had made the decision, by a large majority, to allow same-sex marriages to take place in those churches who wish to conduct them. It was a timely reminder that society and the church is moving on around us and we are looking more and more isolated. I’m proud of the Methodists, some of the Baptists, the Church of Scotland and now the URC for having the courage, confidence and vision to take this step.
How do I feel as we embark on these two days? This will be my third set of Shared Conversations, so in one sense I know a bit of what will happen. But the regional one and the diocesan one that I took part in were not with people who would have to create some kind of outcome. Members of the General Synod are here to be part of the governance of the church and to make decisions about its future. We all know that. We also know that we will be together as a Synod until 2020. So it is different and I suspect it will feel different. But I entered those other two conversations positively and trusting in the Protocol and the process and my trust was well placed. So, despite all the undercurrents of negativity that sweep around Synod, I enter these conversations positively and trusting in the God I always trust and who I know loves me, for that God created me, my ultimate father, my ultimate mother.
We are asked not to blog and Tweet during the process but afterwards we can share some reflections. So, until then I’m being prorogued …. but I promise, I’ll be back!
This verse from the hymn by Jan Struther I’m making my prayer as we begin this journey.
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
whose trust, ever childlike, no cares could destroy:
be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
Amen.
Andrew Nunn's reflections from General Synod 
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