|
The 133rd Annual Synod of the Church in Jamaica and the Cayman
Islands in the Province of the West Indies was held over the period
Tuesday April 22 to Friday April 25 2003 under the theme:
-
"We are the body of Christ, An Instrument of God's Spirit
Herald of God's Reign"
The Synod commenced at 4:30 p.m. in the Trelawny Parish Church,
Falmouth with the service of Evensong at which the Lord Bishop
the Rt. Reverend Hon Dr. Alfred Reid delivered the first part
of his charge.
In delivering his charge the Lord Bishop selected his text from
I Corinthians 12:12 & 27
"As the Body is one and has many members, and all the members
of the body being many are one body, so also is Christ…for in
one spirit we are all baptised into one body"
He pointed out that as our country and indeed the world slips deeper
and deeper into crisis and chaos many people ask the question
"What is the church doing to help?" Some he said have
"even" stated that the church has failed, and that an
easy answer would be to say it is not the church that has failed
but that individuals, societies, institutions and nations have
ignored or rejected the church's message.
The Lord Bishop pointed out that it is not that Christianity has
been tried and found wanting but that it has been found to go
against the values and wishes of the world, and not tried.
The success he said, consists in never giving up on ourselves,
our country, our church and keeping our eyes on the prize however
long the march may be.
In closing the Lord Bishop challenged the members of the church
to renew themselves in the faith, worship and fellowship that
have been given to us in Christ. Our own morality he pointed out
must be unquestionable. We need to clarify what we really believe
and to whom we are committed. (Copy of full text available on
request)
Back to Top 
Business Session of Synod
The second part of Synod which dealt with the business of the Diocese
was conducted at the Starfish Trelawny Hotel presided over by the
Lord Bishop.
The Agenda included:
- Daily Worship - Morning Prayer, celebration of the Eucharist
and Evensong.
- The Lord Bishop's Charge Part II
- Tabling of Reports - Boards, Committees, Organisations
- Reports on resolutions 2002
- Taking of Amendments to Canons
- Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure 2003
- The Jamaica Church Missionary Society's Report
- The Department of Education and Youth
- Election to Diocesan Boards and Committees
- Closing Remarks Courtesies and Blessing
Back to Top
Lord Bishop's Charge Part II
The Lord Bishop in the second part of his charge highlighted:
Casino Gambling
Noted facts and figures on Casino Gambling from many cities
showing earnings from taxes to be far less than social gains,
hence failure to bring economic development.
The War in Iraq
Statements from Heads of Churches - The Archbishop of Canterbury,
Head of the Roman Catholic Church in England, The Jamaica Council
of Churches all together showing remarkable unanimity among mainline
churches against the war in Iraq.
Election and Enthronement of the Rt. Rev. Rowan Williams Archbishop
of Canterbury
The ceremony attended by himself, the Chancellor of the Diocese
Hon. Lensley Wolfe and Canon Robert Thompson who is a member of
the Anglican Consultative Committee. In passing he noted that
Canon Robert has now been appointed a member of the Anglican Trust
Fund (in the wider Anglican community)
Provincial Matters
- The Lord Bishop noted the establishment of the Provincial
Head Office in Barbados thus centralising the administration
of the Province.
- Tabled a communiqué on the War in Iraq issued by the
House of Bishops at its recent meeting in Barbados (Copy available
at the Church Office on request)
- The Caribbean Council of Churches now having its headquarters
in Trinidad
- The Jamaica Council of Churches holding consultation on discipline
in schools-being presided over by Bishop Howard Gregory
Diocesan Matters
The Lord Bishop welcomed new members of the Synod including
the Rt. Rev. Dr. Howard Gregory attending his first synod as Bishop
of the region. Named nine newly ordained Deacons and three priests
all of whom were introduced to Synod.
- He referred to the consecration of the Bishop of Montego Bay
being the high point of the year's activities.
- Offered thanks to Archdeacon Lynch for administering the region
prior to Bishop Howard assuming office.
- Noted the retirement of Sister Norma Thompson as head of the
Church Army, now succeeded by Sister Phyllis Thomas
Announcements
The under mentioned appointments came into effect during the
year:
- Rev. Louis Hurst - Priest-in-Charge, Mavis Bank/Woodford Cure
- Rev. Sydney Moore - Curate, Christ Church Vineyard Town
- Rev. Richard Tucker - Curate, St. Luke's Church, Cross Roads
- Rev. Andrew Reid - Assistant Curate, The Cathedral Spanish
Town
- Rev. Marion Sutton - Priest-in-Charge, Fellowship/Moore Town
Cure
- Rev. Kenute Francis - Rector of the newly established Cure
of St. John's Ocho Rios
- Rev. Leroy Johnson, Rector Church of Reconciliation Bridgeport
- Rev. Everton Cunningham, Curate in Charge, St. Andrew Parish
Church
- Rev. Witson Williams, Rector St. Matthews Church, Allman Town
succeeding Canon Weevil Gordon who retired
- Canon Ewart Gordon - retired and reassigned as Hospital Chaplain
to Kingston Public Hospital succeeding Rev. Maj. Egbert Schloss
- Rev. Dr. Edmund Davis - appointed Dean of Kingston succeeding
Rev. Canon Weevil Gordon on retirement
Congratulatory remarks and Commendation
The Lord Bishop commended the organisations of the church for
their work and contribution naming the Women's Auxiliary for their
support in particular to the Pastoral Aid; the Mothers Union,
the Brotherhood of St. Andrew and the Anglican Youth Fellowship
for their faithfulness in ministry.
- Noted that all students at the United Theological College
had been successful in their final examination
- The Awards of Honour received by several members of the church
community
- The Rev. Sirrano Kitson was successful in a Doctoral Degree
from the University of the West Indies
- The arrival of a daughter to Dr. and Mrs. Nigel Elliott and
a son to Rev. and Mrs. Kenute Francis
Obituaries
Condolences were expressed to members of the church family who
lost loved ones during the year. Synod observed one minute of
silence in their memory.
Back to Top
Proposed Budget 2003 and Review of Performance 2002
Mr. Michael Fennell, Chairman of the Diocesan Financial Board presented
the 2003 Diocesan Budget as well as a review of the performance of
the 2002 budget.
The review of the performance for 2002 indicated actual expenditure
of $61,948,648 against a budget of $64,664,521 while the budgeted
expenditure for 2003 indicated $77,963,992.
The 2003 budget represents a 25.9% increase over 2002 actual expenditure
(15.5% prior year) the major causes of which are a full year's
salary for the Bishop of Montego Bay and his Secretary, filling
of vacancies for clerical and lay workers, significant increases
in the costs of health insurance and utilities.
Summary of Major Items of 2003 Budget
i Employment of five new rectors, one new assistant priest, three
new deacons and two new Chaplains
ii Filling of vacancies for one Divisional Director of Youth, one
Diocesan Inspector of Buildings as well as one Senior Accounting
Clerk
The Budget is predicated on the following assumptions:
- 7 ½% inflation rate
- 10% increase in stipends and salaries of Clergy and Church
workers
- 7.5% increase in salaries of administrative and ancillary
staff
- Average foreign exchange rates of US$1 = J$55, Can$1 = J$34.925
and £1=J$83.325
Assessments
The amount to be raised by assessments to fund the budget is $58,068,643.
This represents an increase of 8.5% over 2002 (14.3% prior year)
Capital Budget
A proposed Capital Expenditure of $10.8 million will focus on
refurbishment of upstairs offices and lunchroom at Church House,
as well as on the continued improvement in computerisation and
communication with congregations thereby enhancing reporting efficiencies.
Landscaping of the grounds of Church House and other general improvements
to walkways and fencing will also be attended to. Other Capital
expenditure will provide improvement to Hill Crest Retreat Centre
and Bishop Swaby Camp in Negril. It is of note that Churches and
Missions are not being called upon to make any contribution to
these costs either by assessment or otherwise as the costs will
be met from interest already earned.
Diocesan Properties
Major remodelling and refurbishing of the Bishop of Jamaica's
residence has been substantially completed with security alarm
systems and furnishings to be addressed this year. Major repairs
are also to be effected to the residence at University Crescent
and for the new Church Army officer/Hospital Chaplain in Montego
Bay.
Synod unanimously approved the Budget 2003 and after commendation
to the Chairman Mr. Michael Fennell for a great performance in
his short tenure of office was unanimously elected for the ensuing
year.
Audited Financial Statements Year Ended 31st December 2002
The Audited Financial Statements for year ended December 31, 2002
by Paul Goldson and Co. Chartered Accountants were presented and
approved. It was noted that an inventory of Freehold Land and
Buildings was not available for audit, however Synod was informed
that a fair amount of work had already been done and is continuing.
Paul Goldson and Co. was elected auditors for the year 2003.
Back to Top
Reports
Many Reports on the status of various committees were tabled for discussion
among which were:
The Jamaica Church Missionary Society
The report on the Society was presented by its Chairman the Rt.
Rev. Dr. Harold Daniel. The report recorded its appreciation to
the many congregations that supported the Society in 2002 with
an increase in contribution of eight percent over 2001. Special
mention was made of those, which were consistently generous including
St. Andrew Parish Church, which contributed $164,380. Increasingly,
the Society is being asked to assist Missions to build new facilities
or to do necessary restoration work or to support the church's
mission work in general. Additionally the Society continues to
supplement the operational expenses of varied outreach programmes
including our own St. Andrew Settlement and provides grants to
Development projects such as Greater Portmore Mission, Diocesan
Retreat Centre, Browns Town, and Bishop Swaby Camp among others.
Bishop Daniel and his team received commendation for a laudable
report. A suggestion by our Youth Rep. Nomali Lumsden that a representative
be commissioned in each congregation to promote the work of the
missionary society was well received.
Education and Youth Department
The report highlighted the work of the Departments' respective
divisions, i.e. Christian Education, Schools and Youth.
A number of additional responsibilities were assigned to the office
of the Executive Director as per the revised job description.
These were
- organizing and facilitating the production of all department
publications
- facilitating the development of the Department's resource
facility
- organizing the Annual Teaching Conference
- revising the out of print handbook for Anglicans (being vigorously
pursued)
Accordingly the Department has since acquired a number of resource
equipment such as overhead projector, video, camcorder, books,
videotapes and television set.
The prayer book for children has been accomplished. A Christian
Teaching Conference was held at the Runaway Bay Hotel preceded
by a one-day seminar both highlighting the theme "Helping
Our People Endure/Emerge in a Time of Crisis"
Division of Christian Education
Sunday School
The year 2002 was declared The Year of the Sunday School Teacher.
Accordingly six residential storytelling Workshops, six Bible
Literary Seminars and two Regional Courses for Superintendents
were accomplished. The formulation of a new curriculum for Sunday
Schools is in progress.
Adult Christian Education
A programme to prepare Christian Education Facilitators within
their respective Deaneries is being promoted.
The Alpha Programme, which utilises the method of small group encounters
as a tool of evangelism, is currently being promoted in the Deaneries
of St. Andrew and St. Thomas.
Christian Education in Schools
Regular meetings are now being held with Principals of Anglican
Schools and Anglican Principals of Government Owned Schools with
a view to broadening the Chaplaincy programme in our Schools.
There have also been meetings with teachers of Religious Education.
The objectives of the Adult Education programme for 2003 were highlighted
as follows:-
- Formulation of a new curriculum for Sunday schools
- To commence the Deanery Christian Education Programme in the
Portmore area
- To further hone the skill content and confidence of these
Christian Educators by trying out the Adult Sunday School
Programme
- To continue the Alpha Programme in the Deanery of St. Andrew
and begin in the parish of Clarendon
Division of Youth Ministry
Plans to continue programmes aimed at Youth membership of
our congregations were made in the hope that a Divisional director
would be found to spearhead the Ministry. Persons interested in
being the Divisional director should contact the Church House.
Several areas were outlined for action and implementation among
which were:-
- providing training in leadership for the general membership
of youth Fellowships
- organizing and facilitating the running of the diocesan Youth
Camps and training of camp personnel.
- Facilitating the promotion of Diocesan Youth Week and organizing
the activities for the return of the Anglican Youth Rally
Efforts were made to strengthen the network viz the role of Deanery
Coordinators. These Deanery Coordinators would work in collaboration
with Rectors and Priests-in-Charge to ensure the viability of
the Youth Ministry Network at all levels.
Provincial Youth Gathering
A Provincial Youth Gathering is Scheduled to be held in Antigua
August 9 -17, 2003. The Diocese of Jamaica is expected to send
22 persons to include 18 Youth and 4 Chaperones one of whom must
be a priest involved in Youth Ministry.
The Appointment of a Youth Director and a sustained programme
of education outlining the benefits of a vibrant youth ministry
are objectives that must be met in the year ahead.
Division of Schools
A presentation was made on the work being carried out in Anglican
Schools. It highlighted training sessions and seminars targeting
principals and chairpersons with special mention of a seminar
on "worship in schools". Extensive repairs were done
to teachers' cottages which have since been occupied by their
respective teaching staff. Information is being gathered on Church-owned
Basic Schools and the Division intends to work closely with the
Resource personnel in the Ministry of Education in getting these
schools to acceptable standards.
In concluding the report of the Education and Youth Department
Rev. Grace Jervis in impassioned plea for support to the youth
highlighted statistical data on criminal activity among teenage
youth. She proposed the way forward to include:
- Identification and commissioning of Youth Ministers;
- Establishment of mentorship programmes;
- Establishment of social integration Centres;
- Utilization of Diocesan Communication Network.
The Education and Youth Department report concluded with the launch
of a "Children's Prayer Book", received with wide acclaim
which are available at the Church house at a cost of $500 each.
Back to Top
Stewardship
Coordinator of the Stewardship Committee Rt. Rev. Harold Daniel tabled
the report of the Stewardship Committee.
The report highlighted:
- The Policy Document which has been revised. This will soon
be made available in a printed booklet form.
- The expanded version of the original Stewardship study guide
is being revised to convert it into a user-friendly resource
for congregations engaged in continuing study of Christian
Stewardship.
- Consideration is being given for the production of a video
to accompany the manual.
- Mention was made that Canon Robert Thompson, a member of the
Committee, is on two years study leave with effect from January
2003.
Back to Top
Resolutions
The following is the list of resolutions passed:-
RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Concern was expressed that members of our Church did not know
enough about the gifts of the Holy Spirit and therefore were not
able to adequately recognize and use them for the common good.
It was resolved that the Bishop in Diocesan Council commission
a study that would provide guidance for laity and clergy in the
recognition and exercise of the gifts of the Spirit including,
among others, those in the context of 1st Corinthians 12-14. Moved
and Seconded by Nomali Lumsden and Yolande Whitely respectively.
RESOLUTION CONCERNING MINISTERIAL & SPIRITUAL FORMATION
AT U.T.C.W.I.
There is a concern that UTCWI does not adequately address
the Anglican Church's emphasis on spirituality and priestliness.
This resolution authorizes the Bishop in council to appoint a
committee to assess the current process and formulate a comprehensive
training programme for the preparation of persons for priestly
vocation which would complement the academics of UTCWI.
RESOLUTION CONCERNING EUCHARISTIC LAY-MINISTERS
It was resolved that the Bishop in Diocesan Council take steps
to examine the introduction of a ministry in which licensed Lay
Persons are used to take the Sacrament of Holy Communion to the
sick and shut in members of our Church.
RESOLUTION CONCERNING APPRECIATION TO THE REV. CANON RALSTON
SMITH
The Reverend Canon Ralston Smith, who has been faithful in
his offering of inspired prayers at the opening of Synod for many
years, demits office as the Warden of Anglican Students at the
United Theological College of the West Indies at the end of the
2003 academic year and will no longer be available to offer his
service in that capacity. Synod by way of resolution recorded
its appreciation for his distinguished contribution and extended
to him sincere wishes for many more years of fruitful service
to the glory of God.
RESOLUTION CONCERNING NAME CHANGE OF THE "JAMAICA CHURCHMAN"
In an effort to increase the awareness of the identity of
this Anglican publication and to make it gender inclusive a resolution
was passed which allows for the name of the Jamaica Churchman
to be changed. A competition may be held to come up with a name
but suggestions from the floor of Synod included "The Anglican."
RESOLUTION CONCERNING THE JAMAICA CHURCH PENSION SCHEME
It was resolved that a number of amendments be made to the
pension scheme which would result in among other things (1) pension
being based on the "final pensionable salary" which
would be the greater between the average of the three highest
consecutive years of salary and the annual rate in the month of
retirement or death; (2) Interest being calculated and paid where
a full pension is not payable (3) triennial instead of quintennial
valuations for pension schemes and contributions and (4) the membership
of the scheme to specifically acknowledge male and female persons
e.g. "Lady workers" changed to "Lay workers"
The resolution was moved by Mr. Michael Fennell
Back to Top
Night Sessions
On Wednesday night Mr. John Aarons made a very interesting
presentation on the historical "treasures" that belong to
our Church including statistical data, photographs, artwork and other
artifacts. He gave some goods points on how to preserve such items,
enlightened us on the history of some of the church buildings and
stressed the need to give historical documents to the National Archives
which is the safest environment for them.
On Thursday night The Rt. Reverend Hon. Dr. Alfred Reid
warmed our hearts and awakened our minds when he shared with us
the vision for the "Cross Roads property" being the
land on which the Church House and the Deaconess House are situated.
It would be a large scale multi-million dollar venture which would
see the re-establishment of an Anglican College for the further
training of our UTCWI students and the clergy and laity at large,
as well as a home for the aged, a "Half-way" house and
apartments. He shared with us the story of how the Anglican Church
obtained this property and how it seemed ordained to be located
where it was. The Reverend Bishop in an act which showed total
reliance upon our Lord stated that we should not be discouraged
by the fact that we could not readily see where the funding would
come from as the Lord would provide same if it is His will.
Back to Top
Nuttall Hospital
The hospital continues to struggle but a presentation was made by
our Dr. Vincent Lawrence, Chairman of the Nuttall Board, during the
Thursday night session which indicated that Specialist Diagnostics
Limited - a group of Jamaican professionals in Florida - had approached
the Hospital with the desire to establish a major diagnostic laboratory
and imaging center on the compound. Due diligence has been carried
out on the organization and steps are being taken to put the plans
in place. This would go a long way in making the hospital financially
stable.
Statistical Data
The registered assembly at Synod consisted of 312 persons comprised
of Bishops and Clergy 99, Lay Representatives, Church Army Officers,
Ex Officio, Youth Representatives, Diocesan Organisations and
United Theological Students 213.
Attending from St Andrew Parish Church were:
- Rev. Everton Cunningham - Curate-in-Charge
- Mrs. Marie Isaacs - Lay Representative
- Miss Yolande Whitely - Lay Representative
- Miss Nomali Lumsden - Deanery Youth Representative
- Mr. Michael Fennell - Chairman Diocesan Financial Board
- Dr. Vincent Lawrence - Member Incorporated Lay Body
Elections to Boards and Committees
The under mentioned members of St. Andrew Parish Church
were elected by Synod to serve as indicated: -
- Mrs. Nicole Elliott - Church Army Council
- Mrs. Elsie Aarons _ Board of Mission and Ministry
- Ms. Yolande Whitely - Canons Committee
- Mr. Michael Fennell - Chairman Diocesan Financial Board
- Dr. Vincent Lawrence - Chairman Nuttall Memorial Hospital
Closing Remarks
The Lord Bishop thanked all who participated and worked
hard including the staff of Church House to make the 133rd Synod
a success.
A vote of thanks was moved by the Venerable Hollis Lynch Archdeacon
of Montego Bay after which the Lord Bishop's Blessing and the
Doxology brought Synod to a close at 1:15 p.m. on Friday April
25, 2003
---
Prepared by:
- Marie Isaacs
- Yolande Whitely
Representatives to Synod 2003
May 21, 2003
|
