INTRODUCTION
To a Synod with little controversial on the agenda apart from the decision about the Anglican Covenant, the Primus in his charge at the opening Eucharist spoke of the economic wilderness through which society and the Church were travelling. The Covenant had been a response to the apparent wilderness of disagreement and disorder in the Anglican Communion, and he hoped that the Synod would express its deep commitment to the version of the Communion in which members were drawn closer to one another. The Scottish Church aspired to be fully engaged in society.
BUDGETS
Opening debates were about finance. While a surplus had been produced in the General Fund, this was partly due to reduced expenditure as a result of grants not being claimed and a two-year moratorium on building grants. This had given a breathing space for other cost savings to be identified. About two-thirds of the annual income of the Synod was derived from investments, which were unlikely to expand to the extent they had done in the past, and deficits were projected for the next few years. The recommendation was for Provincial Quota to be increased by 3 per cent for the coming year, which compared favourably with the current RPI Index of 3½ per cent.
PENSION FUND
In previous Synods it had been decided to fix the contribution rate of stipend at 34.9 per cent, of which 26 per cent represented the cost of current scheme liability and 8.9 per cent was the contribution to the deficit; the aim was to eliminate the deficit over 15 years. The actuarial valuation at 31 December 2011 showed that the deficit had fallen by less than had been hoped, and the extent of the liabilities had also slightly increased. The fund was still on track to eliminate the deficit within the original 15-year period and the current contribution rate would be retained. The Trustees, however, were in favour of a concept of constant review of affordability, its structure and its benefits. The Standing Committee was keen to safeguard the future of the ‘final salary’ scheme, though for future service it might be necessary to raise the age at which a full pension could be drawn or to change the accrual rate.
CANONICAL CHANGES
Canonical alterations were mainly of a minor nature. More elastic provisions for congregations to elect lay representatives to diocesan synods (Canon 63) were passed. Church Army Officers (who often occupied positions for practical purposes equivalent to an incumbent) were added to the schedule of those who could be authorised by bishops for ministry in a diocese (Canon 66). When the right of appointment to an incumbency lapsed to the College of Bishops and the incumbency was unable to provide a full stipend for a rector, greater time was to be allowed to the College to suspend presentation to the incumbency beyond the initial period of three years (Canon 130). A proposed alteration to Canon 50 to allow persons authorised for lay ministry to become lay members of a diocesan synod was passed for the first time, as was a canonical amendment that dealt with the expenses payable on an appeal to the Episcopal Synod brought under Canon 53. The change also allowed contending parties to agree to dispense with a hearing.
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION
The printed magazine Inspires was subscribed to by only about 10 per cent of those attending church, and the increased postal charges would take production costs from a broadly break-even position to one of loss. Questions had arisen as to whether the present manner of distribution remained appropriate. There was also the monthly electronic Inspires Online. Questions about which books should be reviewed in the magazine were raised. Another matter discussed was ‘tweeting’ during Synod.
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE ADULTS
With changes in the legislation, some changes in the Canons were necessary. These took account of the fact that the new Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme adopted a more proportionate interpretation of what type of work would qualify for PVG Scheme membership. The proposed changes to section 4 of Canon 65 allowed the Provincial Officer to offer advice to dioceses and congregations in situations where it would no longer be possible to apply for conviction and vetting information. The proposed changes were passed with the requisite majorities.
THE ANGLICAN COVENANT
Should the Anglican Covenant be adopted in principle? The Covenant had failed to gain sufficient support in the dioceses of the Church of England; but the Scottish Episcopal Church had to make its own decisions for its own reasons and thus it was for the Synod to debate and decide the issue. It was being dealt with by a motion to instruct the Faith and Order Board to arrange to bring forward appropriate canonical provisions for consideration on a first reading at next year's Synod. Differing views were expressed for adopting or not adopting the Covenant, among them a question of what the role of the Archbishop of Canterbury should be. A member pointed out that there was a tendency to forget that there were many differences among Anglicans, for example over the ministry of women, gay people, the authority of Scripture, lay ministry and the lay presidency at the Eucharist. On the motion being put 6 voted in favour and 112 against with 13 abstentions.
However, a motion to affirm the desire of the Scottish Church to be part of the Anglican Communion as it seeks closer union while celebrating its diversity, and to encourage the development of bonds of shared mission, respect and mutual support was passed nem con. The delegate from the Roman Catholic Church emphasised the importance of dialogue with the Muslim faith and his firm belief that the future stability of the world depended on communication with the Muslims.
MISSION AND MINISTRY BOARD
A Report from the Board was commended, but substantive changes were deferred for consideration until next year's Synod. Development of a vocations strategy for the Church and of coherent alternative models of ministry capable of application across the province were subjects for consideration. Clergy support was also a subject of debate, and the need to help clergy to reflect on their experience of ordained ministry and their present and future needs.
INTERCHURCH RELATIONS
In the debate on the Committee's Report, the Church of Scotland's delegate said that there were exciting opportunities which the Church of Scotland would hope to share with the Episcopal Church for shared training. It was the beginning of a journey into the future which would see a ministry that crossed some of the boundaries that had previously been held as sacrosanct.
OVERSEAS COMMITTEE
A motion was passed recognising in the Millennium Development Goals the aims of achieving universal primary education, of promoting gender equality and of empowering women. The Synod endorsed the renewal of support for those working to achieve these aims.
DIACONATE
A paper was presented to Synod entitled Truly Called … Two, which was received as a discussion document at all levels of the Church. It resulted from the need to respond to the second consultation on the diaconate between the Porvoo Churches and asked the Church to consider whether there were people with a calling specifically to diakonia at the heart of their ministry.
CONCLUSION
Although no radical changes were initiated by the Synod, the mood reflected the need to react to changing circumstances and for all Churches to co-operate in spreading the Christian faith at a time when church attendance was falling and the Christian faith was subject throughout the world to greater challenge. Reaction to the Anglican Covenant had shown the need for the Church to seek closer union while celebrating its diversity. It was impossible to reconcile all views, and greater tolerance of each other's beliefs was desirable. While some delegates felt strongly the need to adopt basic ground rules for the ‘club’, through the Covenant, the majority believed that by not adopting the Covenant the Church could be helped to focus on aspects of its future mission while living with and working through its differences.
