As foreshadowed at the recent Synod, the Diocesan community gathered last week to engage in a process of reflecting on our life and ministry as a diocese, both in the present and looking towards the future. The Reverend Sandy Jones led us in reflecting on the themes of:
- BUILDING UPON FOUNDATIONS
- WHERE ARE WE NOW?
- SHAPING A HEALTHY FUTURE; and
- EXPLORING SELECTION CRITERIA FOR DISCERNMENT OF A NEW BISHOP
Five gatherings were held across the Diocese, each unique, and each very well attended. Up to 380 people were present across the five consultations. It was pleasing to see so many of the Diocesan community ready to engage in these questions. For some it was the first time to hear one another, whilst for others the gatherings were catching up with old friends. Reverend Sandy and the Bishop Nomination Board have much rich material to work with. We expect a report to be available in mid-July.
Thank you to the host parishes and to all who gathered and contributed to this rich tapestry.
For those who did not have the opportunity to attend a gathering, or who wished to make further contributions, the on-line survey has a section to enable this. Don’t forget that the on-line survey also includes a section of further questions which will also form part of the information gathering of the consultation process.
The survey is open until 5pm on July 5. You can find prayers and resources here.
