THE DIOCESE OF CYPRUS AND THE GULF meets in SYNOD 2003

Nearly 20 members of the House of Clergy, (supported by 3 other priests on locum duty from Exeter Diocese) & 2 dozen members of the House of Laity met at a residential Synod from 27-31 January 2003 in Larnaca. An equal number of observers from the Chaplaincies & else-where were also present. Synod included Eucharists & Offices using a variety of liturgies.

The Bishop in Cyprus and the Gulf opened Synod by welcoming members and observers and sending greetings to a large number of religious and secular leaders.   He reminded his audience that the Diocese has different traditions but is still Anglican – although not CofE.  Its guidelines are the Lambeth Quadrilateral first agreed in 1888 and re-affirmed in 1998.  Christian disciples have a place in both the church and the world. One way the Chaplaincies do this is by providing hospitality to Christians of varying churches.  This Ministry is being exercised in stirring times and in unlikely places. 

The Minutes of the 2002 Diocesan Synod were approved. The Bishop reported that there had been no reply to the letter sent by the 2002 Synod to the leaders of USA & UK about the Israeli-Arab differences. This Synod passed a resolution opposing war as a solution to the Iraq situation, to be sent to the leaders of USA and UK, and to the Secretary General UN. The matter of a third Diocesan Companionship is to be considered further by the Diocesan Standing Committee which meets in June.  The Bishop reported that the Provincial Structure had not yet been finalised, that there were still differences between the Dioceses and he had called a meeting of Bishops for 1 Feb 03 to try to move forward.  Nevertheless he was heartened by the interest from Canterbury in the Provincial dialogue between other Christians and faiths, which was continuing with the new Archbishop who will visit in April 2003.

Financial business included approval of Diocesan accounts to the year end 30 June 2002, which showed a deficit, and agreement to the budget for 2003/2004.  Synod also had reports from the Jerusalem and Middle East Mission Trust which owns certain church properties used by the Diocese, and the Endowment Fund which provides some support from UK. 

A Quiet Day was conducted by Canon Sam Van Culin – formerly Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council, which took place in an ancient Orthodox Church. His theme included Changing the Images of God, & lessons from the Parable of the Sower & the Seed. 

Two presentations were given on church buldings – one on ancient Cyprus Churches, & the other by the architect for the new Church Centre at Qatar who greatly impressed everyone. This is the first Christian Church there for many centuries & will provide facilities for secular groups as well. The land is given by the local ruler & the whole project will cost £2.5m. 

Reports from Diocesan and other Groups included one from the DDO and Vocations Adviser, who is supported directly by Exeter Diocese. He reminded us that four priests ordained in the Diocese were now serving in the Chaplaincies. Three Readers were completing training.  Three others in the Chaplaincies are testing their vocations.

Other reports were given about various Middle East Christian groups, by the Friends of Cyprus & the Gulf, & Exeter Diocese in which I covered our changing structures, gave thanks for the Palm Crosses, & urged greater contact between linked Deaneries and Chaplaincies.

Chaplaincy Reports were a large part of the agenda, and copies of written records are sent to each linked Exeter Deanery.  The reports indicated the wide span of congregations which make up the worshippers in the chaplaincies.  It was also interesting that besides the new church building in Qatar; Limassol and Kyrenia churches are both involved in building extensions owing to increased numbers. Regular worship takes places in Famagusta (old town) & the Ayia Napa Chaplain is also an OCF. He gave a report on the Forces Chaplaincies in Cyprus including the UN.  Bahrain Cathedral will be celebrating 50 years of ministry in March 2003. Missions to Seafarers at Limassol, Bahrain & Dubai reported,  particularly at the last two where work increases due to shipping industry problems.

Synod concluded with the Bishops blessing & his reminder that the Diocesan Synod is a sign of the fellowship surrounding the Chaplaincies. Synod 2004 is due in Cyprus; in 2005 it may be possible to go to the Gulf, perhaps Qatar.                                  

Nigel Speller, Chairman Cyprus/ Gulf Liaison Group.