The Ecclesiastical Law Society hosted a fringe meeting at the General Synod meeting in York in July 2007. About 40 Synod members attended, of whom about two thirds were also members of the Society. The meeting was hosted by the Dean of Arches, The Rt Worshipful Sheila Cameron DCL, QC. Three speakers addressed the meeting: His Honour Judge John Bullimore and The Venerable Clive Mansell, Archdeacon of Tonbridge (both being members of the Panel of Chairs of General Synod) and Prebendary Kay Garlick, the Chair of the General Synod Business Committee. They gave lively and thought-provoking introductions to the subject, each had a different perspective and the themes of law, mission and governance were all covered.
John Bullimore addressed the need for good and precise legislation in a law based church. He explored the inherent positives of law in a church organisation, and the need for Synod to take its legislative role seriously. Clive Mansell then considered the place for mission-focussed leadership in a faith-based organisation. Synod must be mission focussed and this occasionally raises tensions with its legislative role. Kay Garlick spoke of the function of synodical systems in shaping the interface between faith and law. She explored how these systems can influence the balance between the law and faith in the Synod.
This was followed by open debate. It was good to hear contributions from lawyers and non-lawyers alike as to the legislative role of the synod, and we were especially pleased to welcome those who had not previously had contact with the Society. Their contributions added considerably to the value of the meeting as they explored with Society members how we can hold together and promote our heartfelt desire to be a mission-shaped church through the sometimes cumbersome synodical processes. Some were more openly critical of the synodical system than others, but all felt better informed and inspired as a result of the event. It is hoped to take further opportunities to host events alongside the Synod meetings in coming years.
