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The 135th Synod of the Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands
in the Province of the West Indies was held over the period March
29 - April 01, 2005 under the theme "Growing In Christ, Sharing
the Love of God". The Synod started with the Service of Evensong
at 4:30pm. on Tuesday March 29 at the Parish Church of St. Peter
The Apostle, Falmouth, Trelawny, at which the Rector, the Very
Rev. Michael Brown officiated.
A combined choir, comprising members from the St. Peter's Church,
Falmouth; St James Parish Church, Montego Bay; Holy Trinity Church,
Westgate and St. Ann's Parish Church, St. Ann's Bay, under the
direction of Mr. Karl Fuller, led the singing in the service and
sang the Anthem - "Christ being raised from the Dead."
The Bishop's Charge
Lord Bishop's Charge (Part 1)
In his sermon, the Lord Bishop of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands,
the Rt. Rev. Dr. Alfred Reid, delivered, the first part of his
Charge to Synod and to the nation, based on the Theme "Growing
in Christ, Sharing the love of God." This was an extremely
powerful and cogent charge to the Diocese, Clergy, Laity and Anglicans
in general and was delivered in the usual brilliant style of oratory
typical of the Lord Bishop. The Bishop used as his text words
from Ephesians 4:vv 15-16 "Speaking the truth in love
we are to grow up in every way into Him who is the Head"
He asked the Synod to focus on "Growth", - specifically
human development as a Christian imperative, "maturity"
and progress towards maturity.
In considering the matter of "Growth" he argued that
we should not be mesmerized by statistics as the present unprecedented
reign of terror and viciousness in Jamaica coincides with phenomenal
"Church growth" and it is well known that people join
Churches for various reasons, some of which has little or nothing
to do with the purposes for which the Church exists. So while
we must at all costs be committed to the eternal salvation of
every person, we should not become so paranoid about numbers that
we are tempted to use the wrong strategies to attract the wrong
people for the wrong reasons. Instead, we should seek God's grace
and power to become the kind of Church that will be an effective
instrument of His redemptive purpose in this sick and suicidal
society. Above all we should seek to become "A real church"
rather than a "Great Church". Also, there can be no
growth or progress for either the individual or the Church without
unity, as a house divided against itself is destined to fall.
The concern ranges from simple thoughtfulness, loving kindness,
forgiveness as well as mutual support and respect within our local
congregation, to a larger concern for the breaking down of social,
racial, cultural and religious barriers within our society. He
also expressed the need for the Church to have a clear, consistent
and unified position on social and theological issues, based on
the Gospel, to be able to speak with integrity, without being
co-opted for partisan and sectional interests.
[The full text of the first part of the Bishop's charge, which
was the sermon he delivered at the Tuesday evening service, is
available at the church office]
Lord Bishop's Charge (Part 2)
The Lord Bishop in the second part of his charge dealt with news
from the Province and wider Anglican Communion, highlighting:
(a) The Windsor Report
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The continued state of impaired communion with the United
States and Canadian Dioceses arising from the appointment
of a homosexual Bishop in the Diocese of New Hampshire
in the USA and approval of same sex unions in the Diocese
of New Westminster in Canada.
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The “Windsor Report” which outlines the findings
on the matter, by the Commission established by the Archbishop
of Canterbury to decide whether or how we can continue
to be one communion. This he suggested is a “must
read”.
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Following receipt of the Windsor Report, the Primates had
requested the Diocese of New Hampshire and the Diocese
of New Westminster to explain to the rest of the Communion
their rationale and to apologize for the action taken.
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The Primates of the offending Dioceses agreed to apologize
for the hurt caused but not for the action taken. This
we find unacceptable.
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The Primates from Africa, however go further and want repentance
rather than apology.
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While the matter is being resolved, the two Dioceses involved
have been asked to withdraw from the Anglican Consultative
Council for 3 years in the first instance.
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In the meantime, “impaired state of communion”
will mean in practice that:
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No clergy person from New Hampshire or New Westminster
will be allowed to function or preside at the
Eucharist or do any liturgical work in our Diocese
until further notice;
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Clergy from other parts of the USA and Canada will
be evaluated on a case by case basis and will
be allowed to do liturgical work in our Diocese
if they are prepared to state quite specifically
that they agree with our position in the matter
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The foregoing restrictions will also apply to Jamaican
Clergy persons who might be resident in the USA
or Canada.
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In any case the Bishop has to be consulted before
granting permission for visiting clergy to participate
in liturgical work in our Diocese.
(b) Upcoming Conferences
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Conference on Ecumenism in the 21st Century
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Lambeth Conference in 2008
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The Afro-Anglican Conference - July 2005- Toronto, Canada
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35th Synod of the Province of the West Indies held in Belize
in 2004
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World Council on Evangelism in Athens in November 2005
(c) Other Matters
- The possibility of a Caribbean BSA
The Lord Bishop also addressed Diocesan matters, highlighting:
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Appointment of Rev. Everton Cunningham as Rector of St.
Paul's Mission, Greater Portmore
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Possible change of name of the Church Army
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Appointment of Rev. Vivian Cohen as Canon
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Appointment of Rev. Easton Lee as Director of Hillcrest
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The Mothers' Union received a plaque for participating
in a programme with British and Jamaican Law Enforcement
agencies which saw fewer Jamaican women trafficking cocaine
to the U.K.
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St. Luke's Comfort Castle was revived by Rev. Sutton. It
now has the largest Sunday School in the Fellowship/Moore
Town Cure.
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Account #18135 has been established at the Bank of Nova
Scotia to receive contributions to assist with the restoration
efforts which have become necessary following the recent
fire at the Rio Bueno Church.
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340th Anniversary of St. Andrew Parish Church and 260th
Anniversary of St. Jago High School.
Condolences were expressed to members of the church family who
lost loved ones during the year. A moment of silence was held.
Birthday greetings were extended to Rev. Marcia Forbes, Mrs. Norma
Kerr-Clarke and Mrs. Gloria Reid - the wife of the Lord Bishop.
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Election of a Suffragan Bishop of Kingston
The President resolved the Synod into an Elective Assembly. There
were present 105 Clergy and 220 Laity, representing more than
seventy-five percent of the membership of the Synod. The President
outlined to the Synod the purpose for which the Elective Assembly
was called - that was to elect a Bishop to fill the Suffragan
See of Kingston in its redefined form. The Chancellor, the Hon.
Mr. Justice Lensley Wolfe, O.J. read the mandate from the Archbishop
of the Province authorizing the election. This for many, proved
to be the high point of the Synod.
The Bishop nominated the Rev. Canon Dr. Robert Thompson, to fill
the vacancy and went on to tell the Assembly of the reasons that
led him to make the nomination and of the benefits that were likely
to accrue to the Diocese if the nominee were elected. In the process,
he advised that glowing reports had been received in support of
Father Robert's candidacy from Professor Ian Douglas - his Professor
during his Doctoral studies in Cambridge and from the Archbishop
of Canterbury. The latter had been interacting with him in his
capacity as a member of the Anglican Consultative Council - representing
the Province of the West Indies.
Other speakers included Rev. Astley Lindo, Bishop Daniel, Mr. Crafton
Miller, Rev. Everton Cunningham Rev Robert McLean and a young
lady from Mount James. All of these presentations were replete
with encomiums in support of the candidate. A presentation was
made by Mr. Douglas Folkes on behalf of the Saint Andrew Parish
Church, and this was very well received. Although Father Robert
was the only nominee, the election process still had to take place
and in order to be successful he had to get 2/3 of the votes of
each of the Houses of Clergy and Laity and 75% of the Elective
Assembly. In keeping with established norms, the candidate was
not allowed to be in the room during the process. Before voting,
the Assembly invoked the guidance of the Holy Spirit by singing
-"Come Holy Ghost, our souls inspire".
After lunch the Assembly received the results of the election which
showed that the nominee, the Rev. Canon Thompson , received 77
of the 105 Clerical votes and 193 of the 220 Lay votes - being
more than two-thirds majority of the votes cast in both orders
and more than75% of the Elective Assembly- the President declared
that Canon Thompson was duly and canonically elected. The Bishop
- elect and his wife Mrs. Charmaine Thompson were escorted into
the Assembly and were greeted with tremendous applause.
A warm welcome was then extended to him by Bishop of Montego Bay,
the Rt. Rev. Howard Gregory, on behalf of the Clergy, while Mr.
Michael Fennell welcomed on behalf of the Laity. Father Robert
replied appropriately. He was obviously elated but took it all
in stride with great aplomb and humility.
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Financial Matters
Mr. Michael Fennell, Chairman of the Diocesan Financial Board presented
the draft financial statements for 2004 and the estimates for
2005 as follows:
Recurrent Budget
| Details |
Budget 2005
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Draft Accounts 2004
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Change (%)
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Budget 2004
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Variance 2004 (%)
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| Recurrent Expenditure |
$ 100,998,126
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$ 83,880,522
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+ 20.4%
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$ 87,961,004
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+ 4.8%
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| Income earned by the Diocese |
$ 30,860,227
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$ 22,526,499
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+ 37%
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$ 20,821,338
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+ 8.19%
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| Assessments |
$ 65,036,879
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$ 58,068,642
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+ 12%
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$ 58,068,642
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0%
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Representing:
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Variances in 2004 primarily due to:
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Significant savings in salaries resulting
from vacancies / partial vacancies
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Certain planned programmes which did not
materialise
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Significant budget surpluses brought forward
from previous years
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20.4% increase in budgeted recurrent expenditure due
primarily to a 10% increase in stipends and salaries
as well as an increase in the complement of Diocesan
personnel
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10% increase in stipends and salaries of clergy, full-time
Church workers and in salaries of administrative and
ancillary staff
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12% increase in Assessments on Churches and Missions
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Appointment of three (3) new Rectors, five (5) new
Curates, two (2) new Deacons and one (1) new Church
Army Officer
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Filling vacancies for Co-ordinator of Mission &
Ministry - half year
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Provision for the Suffragan See of Kingston - half
year
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Provisions made for the operation of four (4) Regions
Capital Budget
Capital Budget of $17.7 million is proposed for the year 2005
to finance the development of:
The Chairman lamented the slow pace of the Returns of Financial
information to Church House. At the due date of February 15,2005
only eighty-eight of the two hundred and sixty-eight congregations
had submitted returns for 2004. The Lord Bishop noted however,
that our Accounts are all "above board" and funds properly
accounted for as the Accounts are regularly audited and reported
to the Diocesan Financial Board.
Following consideration and approval of the Budget, Mr. Fennell
was re-elected Chairman of the Diocesan Financial Board.
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Education and Youth Department
The Department of Education and Youth made a presentation on the
state of the Anglican Teachers in Anglican Schools, and the resultant
reduction of Anglican influence, because of the low numbers. Our
own Miss Sasha Lumsden who is currently the Youth Director of
the Diocese reported on Youth Ministry. Rev. Michael Allen, the
Director of Education and Mr. Phillip Hamilton the Director of
Schools also made presentations. Mrs. Bridgeth Gordon spoke on
the offerings and achievements of the Church Teachers' College,
and Dr. Maureen Samms Vaughn spoke on issues in Early Childhood
Education.
Youth
The Youth Director noted that the heritage of the Anglican Church
to the nation includes:
She then disclosed that 10% or less of teachers in Anglican affiliated
schools are Anglicans. The statistics with respect to Anglican
students in Teachers' Colleges were equally if not more depressing,
as of the 641 and 647 students registered at St. Josephs Teachers'
College and Shortwood Teachers' College, only 4 and 5 respectively,
are teachers, and this seems to be representative of the position
system wide. In order to address the problem, and given the commitment
of the Education & Youth Department to "Educating and
Evangelizing for the next Generation", Miss Lumsden advised
that the Department had set itself a goal of increasing the population
of Anglican Teachers by 100 in 5 years. In this regard, initiatives
presently being considered and/or taken by the Department include:
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28 Anglican students annually for teacher training
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A Diocesan Teacher Education Fund to assist financially
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Persons to be trained as Lay Chaplains
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Ensuring that all Anglican affiliated schools have material
to formulate an Anglican ethos.
Tribute to the work of the Venerable Dr. Alvin R. Stone
The Secretary of Synod asked that the Synod acknowledge and pay
tribute to the work of Archdeacon Alvin Stone in the support -
pastoral, moral and otherwise- given to the late Rev. Javan Gentles
in the autumn years of his life. Synod agreed.
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Mission Concerns
Jamaica Church Missionary Society (JCMS)
The Chairman of the JCMS, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Daniel presented
the report on the Society. Congregations contributed $ 3.22 million,
an increase of .01% from $ 3.21 million the previous year, but
fell far short of the projected target of $4.04million.. Special
mention was made of St. Michael's, Kingston; St. Ann's Parish
Church; St.Ann's Bay; St. Luke's, Cross Roads; St. Mary's, Molynes
Road; St. Andrew Parish Church and St. James' Parish Church -
each having exceeded $100,000. Holy Trinity Church, Westgate,
Montego Bay, was again, particularly strong in their support,
as their contribution exceeded $320,000. With respect to the contribution
from our own Church, we noted that contributions for the past
three years have been steadily declining, having reduced from
$164,380 in 2002 to $145,893 in 2003 and now, $117,949 in 2004.
As in previous years allocations exceeded Contributions. Grants
were disbursed to a number of projects including Lay Training
& Missions ($1,001,677); Greater Portmore Mission ($ 250,000),
St. Michael & St. George, Free Town ($450,000); St. Patrick's
Chapel of Ease, Devon Pen, St. Mary ($515,000). For 2005 income
has been projected at $4.055million.
During the discussion on the report:
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The recommendation to change the status of the Church of
the Good Shepherd, Constant Spring, from a Mission to
a settled congregation was accepted.
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The Chairman reported that Comfort Castle Mission in the
Fellowship/Moore Town Cure has been finally restored,
having been previously destroyed by Hurricane Gilbert;
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Restoration of Devon Pen Mission is in progress;
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The Mission in Greater Portmore has been started and is
growing under the guidance of Rev. Everton Cunningham
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Concern was expressed that new communities were being built
but the Anglicans were tardy in establishing Missions
there while the other Churches both established and non-denominational
were "cashing-in" at a much faster rate. The
JCMS has undertaken to highlight the priority areas and
start Missions there.
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Appointments to the General Council of the JCMS included
our own Mrs. Marie Isaacs and Dr. Veront Satchell was
confirmed as the Deanery Representative for St. Andrew.
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The Lord Bishop re-iterated that collections on Missionary
Sunday are for JCMS only and not to be used for anything
else as this would be in breach of the Canons
Report on the Committee on HIV/AIDS
The Rev. Patrick Cunningham presented a report on the Diocesan
Aids Committee which, stated among other things, that:
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Its role in part is to promote awareness to clergy, congregations,
communities, schools and other groups to obtain commitment
and support and participation for HIV/AIDS activities.
This is now necessary as presently, there are some 20,000
persons living with HIV/AIDS (PLWA)in Jamaica, and the
Caribbean has one of the fastest rates of spread of the
disease
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Their ongoing objectives and activities include offering
current information to individuals and groups in the Diocese
to enable them to make informed choices and employ positive
behaviour change
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Information dissemination is being done with a view to
improving participation of congregations, networking and
empowerment of stakeholders, to provide social and emotional
support, counseling and care to persons living with HIV/AIDS
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In December 2004, the Committee staged a successful World
AIDS Day Events in collaboration with the Kingston and
St. Andrew Parish AIDS Association. As well, in February,
a productive Safer Sex week with the theme "Letting
go for Lent….. for Life" was staged
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The Mothers' Union has a hotline 893-2683 for voluntary
counseling and testing
In the ensuing discussions it was also pointed out that Drug Companies
are preventing accessibility to cheaper generic drugs. A suggestion
was made that Clergy be trained to deal with PLWA's who come to
them for counseling and help. Deaconess Dr. Evelyn Vernon did
a presentation on the holistic approach being considered by the
Church and the training of Church Leaders in Voluntary Counseling
Training.
State of Children's Homes
The Lord Bishop noted that while there are continuing concerns
in the wider society regarding abuse of inmates in children's
homes, the Diocese has three such homes and there are no allegations
of abuse in any of these.
Address By Dr. Patricia Holness
Dr. Patricia Holness CEO of the Registrar General's Department
addressed the Synod on Marriage Officers' Licences. Members of
the Clergy were invited to state the challenges they were facing
in their interaction with her Department. Dr. Holness dealt with
the concerns which surfaced.
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Update on Previous Resolutions / Canons
A number of Canons were amended at the Synod. The full details
of which may be requested from the Church Office. Of note were
the following changes:
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An amendment to Canon LII was passed consequent on a Resolution
passed at the continuation session of the 134th Annual
Synod. The effect of the amendment is to allow for four
regions, with the reconfiguration of the Kingston Region
and the establishment of the Eastern Jamaica Region.
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Resolution on 5 year term for Church Committee members
and Synod Representatives received lengthy debate and
was passed with the recognition that smaller congregations
could have a difficulty finding enough people to serve.
In such cases application could be made to the Bishop
to seek special dispensation. The mandatory 5 year term
to start from after this Synod
- Bills to amend Canon XXXI - Of the Church Army -Article3-
and Canon XLII -of Election Regulation - Articles 8 and 15
were approved.
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Resolutions
The Synod for the year 2005 carried on the trend of passing timely
resolutions with potentially far-reaching impact.
Resolution Concerning Family Life Initiative
This resolution argued that the continuing breakdown in family
life in our country is having a deleterious effect on the wider
society. While, in the normal course of things, this matter receives
the attention of the Church, because of how alarming the problem
has now become, the Diocese should be mandated to establish a
2 year Family Life Initiative to heighten awareness and to form
a Steering Committee giving effect such an initiative.
Resolution Concerning Missionary Activities in the Cures
In order to encourage and promote the work of Missions in Cures
and to strengthen congregations to actively develop programmes
to reach out into their communities it was agreed that funds used
by Churches to carry out special Mission projects would be deemed
to be non-assessable Income by Church House subject to certain
reporting procedures being carried out.
Resolution Concerning the State of Education in Jamaica
All well thinking persons view with great concern the state of
education in Jamaica, as exemplified by the poor quality of the
output from the educational system. Because of the implications
this has for national development and given the fact that there
are some 213 Anglican affiliated educational institutions in Jamaica
and our pioneering role of the Church in education, our voices
should be heard more in education. It was therefore agreed by
Synod that our investment in education is far too great for us
to remain a silent partner and that Synod should mandate the Board
of Education and Youth to spearhead a meaningful discussion on,
and an analysis of the Report of the Government's Task Force on
Education Reform, and to prepare and submit to Government a position
paper to include proposals to remedy some of the ills within the
system.
Resolution Concerning the Establishment of a Clergy Directory
At the present time difficulties are often experienced in "putting
a face to a name", particularly of the newer Clergy and Church
workers and this is not surprising, given the relatively large
numbers involved. It was therefore resolved and agreed that going
forward, Church House would ensure that photographs of the Clergy
and Church Workers are placed in either the Synod Journal or in
a separate Directory in order to overcome the difficulty.
Resolution For a Diocesan Environmental Project to be Established
It was agreed that the Bishop would be mandated to take steps
to pursue actions which include environmental projects that will
ensure the development of Church properties in a sustainable manner
Other Resolutions
Resolution Concerning Training for the use of Caribbean Art
Forms in Worship
This resolution noted that the Church in the Province of the West
Indies has already acknowledged the importance of enriching worship
in the Province with expression of Caribbean arts and culture
in liturgy and that this form of self-identity is a way of keeping
young people involved. It was therefore resolved that the Synod
mandates the establishment of a three-year programme to formulate
a structure and carry out the imparting of skills in the playing
of traditional and non-traditional instruments and the development
and performance of appropriate chorale music and liturgical dance
and other appropriate expressions of the arts reflecting Caribbean
spirit.
However, approval of the resolution would have had budgetary implications
for the Diocese and the 2005 budget had already been passed without
any allocations being made for such an expenditure. It was agreed
that in, principle, this was a worthwhile initiative and it was
the desire of the Synod for the work to go forward. It was therefore
decided that Churches in the Diocese should feel free to embark
on such a programme, with required funding to be arranged at the
local level. The 136th Synod in 2005 would be prepared to reconsider
the matter for Diocesan support, subject to appropriate budgetary
provisions being made.
Resolution Concerning the Change of Name of the Eastern Region
The Proposer and Seconder of the Resolution noted that Synod had
decided to establish a fourth Region and to call it the Eastern
Jamaica Region. They, however, argued that it would be more logical
to name this new Region the St. Andrew Region, given the fact
that the three previously existing Regions are called The Kingston,
Montego Bay and Mandeville Regions respectively. In response the
Lord Bishop noted that in order to ensure that we do not violate
Anglican polity the St. Andrew name should not be adopted, as
the accepted norm is to have Suffragan Sees named either after
cities or on the basis of distinct geographic groupings. As St.
Andrew is neither a city or a geographic grouping we would be
out of sync with the rest of the world should the recommendation
be adopted After spirited debate, it was agreed that the matter
be kept on the Agenda until an appropriate decision could be taken
Resolutions/Recommendations From Cluster Groups
The following resolutions/ recommendations covering various subject
matters, made by six Cluster Groups formed from the Synod Membership,
were passed and /or accepted for further consideration:
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Resolution For the Formulation and Promulgation of a
Statement on Vocation by the Commission on Ministry
(i.e. with the objective of having the education and youth
programmes strengthened and to having steps taken through
the Regional structure to have Clergy pursue programmes
of continuing education)
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Resolution For Organizing the Regions for Mission
(i.e. with the objective of assisting the Bishops to formulate
and implement appropriate action plans and mission strategies
for the Regions)
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Resolution For the New Regional Structure - Restructuring
the Mission
(i.e. with the objective of having each Region preparing
a Strategic Mission Plan with appropriate goals, objectives,
strategies and measurable targets and an on-going system
of monitoring, appraisal and evaluation)
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Resolution re Stewardship and the Management of Resources
(i.e. with the objective of granting the Bishops, with
responsibility for Regions, a substantial degree of autonomy
to manage their resources, based on job descriptions that
clearly define their areas of responsibility and accountability)
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Resolution For Congregational Development
(i.e. with the objective of encouraging each congregation
to develop an action plan that should include strategies
geared towards carrying out a programme of continuing
Christian education and engendering a deeper fellowship
among all members)
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Resolution Development of Lay Ministry
(i.e. with the objective of providing more resources to
reinforce and expand programmes of education and training
and to reinforce the Anglican identity and better equip
people of faith to strong personal witness
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Recommendation for Ministering to Communities in a Time
of Change
(i.e. with the objective of having more emphasis placed
on evangelism, with a view to becoming a more evangelistic
Church, based on the deeper spiritual awareness of its
members and the use of more vibrant worship forms
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Appointments Of Members Of The Church
Please note that the following members of our church serve at a
Diocesan Level and will welcome your input.
|
MEMBER
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APPOINTMENT
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| ALVARO CASSERLY |
MEMBER, INCORPORATED LAY BODY |
| MICHAEL FENNELL |
CHAIRMAN, DIOCESAN FINANCIAL BOARD |
| FRANK JAMES |
MEMBER DIOCESAN FINANCIAL BOARD |
| VINCENT LAWRENCE |
MEMBER, INCORPORATED LAY BODY |
| SASHA LUMSDEN |
YOUTH DIRECTOR |
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Closing Remarks
Each day started with Matins at between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 am,
followed immediately by the Holy Eucharist. Between 5:00 p.m.
and 6:00 p.m. each day the sessions closed with Evensong -with
evening sessions commencing at or about 8:00 p.m., after supper
break. This helped to set the tone for the Synod and this time
spent with the Lord was essential and invaluable.
Friday afternoon the Bishop thanked those who had made the Synod
possible and had laboured long hours. He again congratulated Canon
Thompson on his election and asked the Synod to pledge their prayers
as he undertakes his challenging work going forward. He further
indicated that once he returns to Church House, he would be sending
the required documents to the Archbishop of the Province of the
West Indies advising of Canon Thomson's election as Bishop of
Kingston. Thereafter, the necessary arrangements would be made
for his consecration, once confirmation is received from The Archbishop
and the House of Bishops. He also expressed special thanks to
The Venerable Archdeacon Stone for his support as Administrator
of the Kingston Region during the vacancy in the position of Bishop
of Kingston.
At approximately 1.45pm, with the singing of the Doxology, what
had proven to be a very involved and worthwhile meeting of the
Synod ended.
Some Final Observations
By way of a final comment, we make the observation that one theme
was clearly recurrent throughout the presentations made by six
cluster groups looking at various aspects of Vocation/ Mission.
Every single one of them aired concern about the involvement of
youth or rather, the lack thereof, in advancing the Mission in
the Church. It augurs well for the objective of Mission that this
deficiency was recognized by each group.
We were also heartened by the fact that Synod spent so much time
on this subject and dedicated much effort to mapping out strategies
for implementation of greater youth involvement in the Ministry
of the Church. We trust that this will materialize very soon as
it is our considered view that greater involvement is critical
to not only attracting but also retaining the young people in
the Church, with their abundance of energy and multitudes of talent.
Now as we go forward together, may we all continue to grow in
Christ and share in the love of God.
Lay Representatives to Synod 2005
George Bullock
Douglas Folkes
8 April 2005
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