SYNOD 2003 REPORT
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REPORT ON THE
ANNUAL SYNOD Part 1 Part 2 |
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Part 1 This year, Elizabeth George and I had the privilege of being the two lay delegates to represent the Bahrain chaplaincy at Synod 2003. This report is a modest summary of events, not a definitive record of the proceedings. My intention has been to communicate the essence of Synod to suit a variety of readers’ tastes: Part 1 highlights the speakers’ addresses in literary form; Part 2 summarises Synod procedure and business mechanics. Financial reporting has not been included although references to certain items have been made. Anyone seeking detailed information in this regard is invited to look at the Synod booklet which is available in the Cathedral office. This contains the Diocese of Cyprus and The Gulf’s Actual and Budgeted Income and Expenditure Statements for the periods 2000/1 and 2001/2, together with the budgets for 2002/3 and 2003/4. One lay delegate from each parish was called upon to make a verbal presentation of some two to three minutes, the intention being to focus on a chosen theme from the parish’s written report. In this regard, Elizabeth gave a vibrant and impressive presentation. Since this was very much a personal piece, those who are interested in what she had to say are invited to ask her for a verbal summary and/or text: cathedra@batelco.com.bh. I hope that readers who were not able to attend Synod will feel a sense of participation in the varied events, albeit belatedly.
On the final morning of Synod, the Dean of St. Christopher’s Cathedral, the Very Rev. Alan Hayday, called his own “flock” from Bahrain – clergy, delegates and observers – to attend a de-briefing session. There was consensus that the daily worship blended with a rich selection of music had been a very rewarding and inspiring part of Synod. For some people, it had been the most significant aspect of those few days. Each day began and ended in worship: Morning Prayer or Evening Prayer, alternating with Holy Eucharist. These services were celebrated in a new function room (constructed during the last year and adjacent to the main conference hall) which ideally lent itself to being transformed into a temporary chapel, complete with an altar and piano. Spacious enough to seat more than 100 people, and distanced from the bustle of the hotel lobby, this setting provided everyone with the opportunity to focus on a variety of liturgy and music, and to reflect quietly in private prayer. While formally closing Synod, Bishop Clive thanked Archdeacon Dr. Ian Young for the care and thought he had put into preparing the forms of worship we used each day. The penultimate Eucharist of Synod was celebrated at St. Helena’s Church, Larnaca. THE BISHOP’S WELCOME & OPENING ADDRESS Synod 2003 officially began on Tuesday, 28th January at 11.15 a.m., the earlier part of that morning together with the previous afternoon and evening having provided delegates and observers the opportunity to meet and greet each other. The Most Reverend Clive Handford, Presiding Bishop of the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East welcomed delegates and observers to Synod 2003. “As Christian disciples, we live and work in two contexts: the context of the church, and the context of the world. We must have our feet in both, and our eyes in both. This can be taxing. We cannot be aloof from the church or the world. We must be prepared to be immersed in both. Sometimes we must get our shoes dirty. Sometimes compromise is necessary.” Bishop Clive remarked that he had been given a reminder of the life of the church during the last two months, firstly by visiting Echmiadzin in Armenia, the spiritual home of the Armenian Orthodox. Talks were about faith, drawing from our own traditions and concentrating on heresy which dates from the 5th century when there was a split over the Council of Calcedon in 451 AD. If the member churches accept the commission’s findings, that breach will be healed. “We are one of the 38 churches of the Anglican communion. We should not be apologetic about that. We must share our heritage with those of other heritages. We are called upon to stand for something on behalf of others. There is a need for us to be authentic.” Bishop Clive’s second reminder of the life of the church was in the context of the Lambeth Quadrilateral. We live in stirring times. We are in the prayers of many people. In Cyprus there opened up some weeks previously, the possibility of a settlement to the divided island situation. “As the weeks have gone by, there is quite a mixture of hope and fear in all parts of the island. Yet we all live in hope and fear.” Throughout the Province, “we are tied up with what is going on in Palestine and Israel. Recently, a missile landed on a church and a paediatric clinic in Gaza. It was an indescribable tragedy to have happened in the land we call Holy. The City of Peace seems to be anything but. “We are facing the possibility of an attack by the USA on Iraq, with the UK. There is a build-up of troops and war is more imminent. We are seeking to address a situation that has been in existence for twelve years. Sanctions put immense pressure on the Iraqi people. War on Iraq cannot be justified. It is hard to say that the USA and the UK are acting in self-defence. “The Arabs are more concerned about avoiding a war than tackling the wider issues. If there is a war, there will be hostility towards Christians in some form. But there is a ray of hope: the Muslim/Christian dialogue.” An extensive list of greetings received from those unable to attend Synod was recorded. Among the greetings were good wishes from the former Dean of St. Christopher’s Cathedral and his wife, Keith and Pat Johnson. an address by Canon Sam Van Culin following the morning Eucharist on Wednesday, 29th January Introduction: The Bishop welcomed Canon Sam Van Culin, an American priest who has many years’ experience of the World Church. Before an active retirement, he was the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion. He now divides his time between Canterbury and London where he is an associate priest of the Church of All Hallow-by-the-Tower. Referring to the works of Jung and William James, Canon Van Culin began by commenting on the effort we make to describe a “mysterium tremendum; the effort we make to relate our human experience with that of the “mysterium tremendum”, the Holy “other”. An experience in Japan when standing in front of a Buddha carved in stone had a profound effect on Canon Van Culin, although he commented that this was not as surprising as it might first seem given the fact that he grew up in Hawaii and that he was partly Polynesian by birth. He had grown up with the figure of Mawi, a mythological figure who is reputed to have created the world and who, so legend goes, pulled up his net and drew the eight islands of Hawaii out of the water. This is a God image. Canon Van Culin loved the idea of the image of being drawn up by a net, just as Jesus uses this image in the context of creation. One could spend a long time discussing different aspects of God that are vivid and alive now. One example is the season of Epiphany, a new revelation of God. The Virgin and child are part of the building of the images in the West. This is no longer the only interpretation of the image of God. “Why does the God image change? Everyone here has gone through the process of change in our lives. An image will change with socio-political-economic and community change. Jesus’ ministry was appropriate for people who, at that period of history, lived in scattered mobile communities but with the structure of Rome imposed upon them. Caesar had created trade routes. There were many other ethnic backgrounds in these communities. The Yahweh image of God was not adequate. So God sent his son to be a new image. God was inter-acting within the historical development of the world.” When Canon Van Culin visited a leper colony in Okinawa, he learned of a leper who became a lay reader. During that time he translated scripture into Japanese. Such translation of scripture into the vernacular has been an extraordinary development in the change of a God image. The first human being to translate the Bible from Greek and Hebrew to English was Tyndale. His work gave the English people a rich text since his translations eventually came into the life of Shakespeare and the King James’ version of the Bible. Sadly, Tyndale was executed before he finished translating the Old Testament because he was seen to be against the Establishment. This was a time of tremendous disruption. Nevertheless, Tyndale’s versions of the Bible were contained in a pocket-sized book, printed in Antwerp. People found themselves in the midst of a power struggle: of having to go through an ecclesiastical structure versus reading the word of God for themselves. Canon Van Culin moved forward in time to the Lambeth Conference where the place of women was considered in a three-fold context. The Roman Catholic “Dogma of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary” expanded in doctrine the image of the Trinity, namely that there is a female presence in the Godhead. If we take this seriously, we must take on board the image of a female presence. This is no longer the Virgin and child, or the mystical mother but a participant in the Godhead. In conclusion, Canon Van Culin remarked that in the context of Images of God, we are speaking of a lifetime of change. a presentation by architect Tom Hornsby following the morning coffee break on Wednesday, 29th January The Archdeacon, the Venerable Dr. Ian Young introduced Tom: ‘Places on a Journey’ is the chosen title of the presentation. This journey began when the Qatari Government gave land to the church to build what is to be called an Anglican Centre. To start the process, Ian went to London to meet Tom Hornsby an ecclesiastical architect of considerable repute. Their meeting took place in a disused tram shed, now a restaurant where during the course of their lunch, Ian persuaded Tom that he should visit Qatar and be the architect of the new church. He accepted the challenge, read up both the history of the Gulf and its context before Islam, and then put pencil to paper. “Tom, you are a man of prayer, vision and talent. Please take us on your journey.” For an hour-and-a-half, Tom enthralled the assembled gathering with a Power-Point computer presentation which accompanied his equally compelling commentary: St. Georgio, Venice, one of Tom’s favourite places, is a pilgrim church, always journeying, always moving towards the laughter and joy of heaven. In England, George Carey’s first church is now being turned into a “Learning Village”. So why alter or build an extension to a church? Perhaps it is too small, too big, it has no physical services, a change is needed, or there is inadequacy in its nature and arrangement. Why bother with buildings? Our concern is Communion with God. Where is this God to be found? Richard Baxter wrote: “In the assemblies of Saints that worship him, in Holy Communion, nowhere is God so near as in Jesus Christ. Nowhere is Christ so familiarly represented to us as in the Holy Sacrament.” Bernard of Clairvaux, an 11th century Cistercian monk declared: “We can learn more about God from trees and stones than from books”. Tom therefore posed the question: how do we provide places which enable people to be themselves? His hypothesis is this:
Tom concluded his presentation by sharing Un Ange Passa which broadly translated is an awkward or anxious moment or pause. This was a reference to his opportunity to visit the occupied area of northern Cyprus, including the Church of the Nestorians in Famagusta and the Abbey of Bellapaix which, despite its ruined condition, remains hauntingly beautiful and peaceful (as we saw on the screen). However, the main focus of Tom’s attention was the Rev. Anthony Fletcher’s parish of Kyrenia where, for 27 years a ghetto-complex church has continued to grow: that of St. Andrews. As Anthony reported: a new extension is being built, replacing the East end which literally fell off the edge of the rock. Due to the existence of a nearby road and the imposition of Government regulations, the only way to extend was to dig out the area which collapsed and create a basement room as the foundation to the church’s new extension. When complete, the church will seat 130 people. Reverend Anthony Fletcher drew Synod’s attention to the need for CY£100,000 to complete this work. He was hopeful that a contribution will be received from all the Chaplaincies in the Diocese. Reports were received from three Chaplains: The Rev. Stephen Miller - Ports of Dubai and the U.A.E The Rev. Victor Salve - Port of Bahrain The Rev. Canon Michael Jones – Port of Limassol Both the reports from the Arabian Gulf chaplains contained harrowing stories of financial hardship, human rights abuse and illness, the substance of which shocked many delegates to Synod. It was the Rev. Stephen Miller who, this year, told the most traumatic and moving story. The drama had begun in India when the owners of an un-seaworthy cargo ship had insisted that the captain and his crew should sail the vessel to Arabia, despite the risk that the ship would break its back and sink. Before the inevitable happened, the stricken sailors’ mayday call had been intercepted by an American warship which, by the Grace of God, was able to locate and rescue the seafarers from the Arabian Sea. Little did they know that their ordeal had barely begun. Upon being safely relayed and landed on the shores of one of the Northern Emirates, the crew was arrested and jailed. Without their ship, the seafarers were considered by the authorities to be illegal immigrants. The legal and financial struggles which ensued were difficult. Yet, due to Stephen’s determination and persistence, he was able to bring this heart-wrenching episode to a conclusion. Most of the seafarers were repatriated to their home countries. For one young sailor, this was not an option. He had to find work at sea again, his family having invested their savings and faith in his training so that he could provide the means to support them all. The Mission was able to help him secure a second chance. Tragically, for both Stephen and Victor, this type of situation is not an isolated incident. Variations on a similar theme happen too often, requiring their persistence and patience to solve seafarers’ problems with practical support, and their faith in God. For many attending Synod, the Gulf Chaplains’ accounts were a sombre eye-opener. Those who may wish to read full accounts of their reports, contact: The Rev. Stephen Miller – e-mail: flyangel@emirates.net.ae The Rev. Victor Salve – e-mail: vsalve@batelco.com.bh In contrast, as The Rev. Canon Michael Jones observed, Mission to Seafarers’ activities in the port of Limassol are considerably milder, mostly involving cruise liners. He did remark that since September 11th there had been a marked down-turn in this business. After Mattins on Thursday, 30th January, two coaches left the Lordos Beach Hotel to transport Synod delegates, guests and observers during their Quiet Day programme. The monastery of St. George Mavrovouniou at Troulli was the first destination, about half an hour’s drive away. Set apart from a winding road and built on the lower slopes of a hillside, this peaceful location provided an ideal setting for such a place of contemplation. Having entered the courtyard garden, visitors were able to explore the church and gallery-cum-museum, not forgetting to call in at the shop stocked with books, postcards and gifts.
The Church
of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the centre of Athienou village was the
setting for the second visit. In contrast to the monastery’s isolation,
this church is but a short distance from the barbed wire fence which
separates the village from the occupied north of the island. After being
welcomed by our Orthodox host, for almost two hours Canon Sam Van Culin
conducted two thought-provoking Quiet sessions allowing each individual to
respond privately as they wished during a silent period of reflection. The official attendance of Synod comprises representatives of three “houses”: ¨ HOUSE OF BISHOPS\ The Most Reverend Clive Handford ¨ HOUSE OF CLERGY - serving the following parishes:
Abu
Dhabi (not represented pending clergy appointment) Total: 17 delegates Lay Members of the Standing and Finance Committee:
Canon Peggy McGinley (Gulf)
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HOUSE OF LAITY Total: 22 delegates ¨ Diocesan Representative to the Provincial Synod: Mrs. Maureen Morgon ¨ GUESTS & OBSERVERS Forces Chaplain: The Rev. Nick Barry
JEMT (Jerusalem and the East Mission Trust) – Cyprus: Mr. Brian
Hopkins
From Cyprus – 37 guests & observers
From the UK
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8 guests & observers Total: 71 guests and observers
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Diocesan Staff -
based at
St. Paul’s Cathedral Office, Nicosia Total: 5 members of staff TOTAL ATTENDANCE: 119 Following usual procedure, the formal business of Synod was conducted during the course of six Sessions. Following the Bishop’s Welcome and Address, and the recording of Greetings (summarised in Part 1), apologies for absence were recorded, the minutes of the previous year were accepted and matters arising discussed. The Report of the Standing and Finance Committee was presented. Motions were tabled and passed to approve the Annual accounts 2001/2002, and the Budget for 2003/4. Each chaplaincy presented a report. As mentioned earlier, Elizabeth George spoke on behalf of the chaplaincy of Bahrain. A letter expressing concern regarding the envisaged invasion of Iraq was drafted and approved by Synod to be sent to the Anglican Communion News Service, the Chaplaincies of the Diocese, the President of the USA, the Prime Minister of the UK and the Secretary-General of the UN. The text is as follows: The Synod of the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, representing the Anglican Churches within the region, can find no theological and humanitarian justification for the proposed invasion of Iraq.
We strongly disagree that war is the solution to the present stance of the Iraqi regime or to the suffering of the Iraqi people. The Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf encourages people of all faiths to work together for lasting peace and justice for Iraq. PROVINCIAL SYNOD STANDING COMMITTEE President Bishop Clive reported that throughout the Province there was solidarity regarding the ghastly situation in Palestine and Israel. However, in other respects, things were not rosy. Whilst the Dioceses of Egypt, Iran and Cyprus and the Gulf were able to get on very well with each other, there was disharmony with the Diocese of Jerusalem. There were two ways of tackling this: just allow the situation to drag on, or to make efforts to heal the breach. Towards the second end, President Bishop Clive had invited the Bishop of Jerusalem to meet him at a time and place of his choosing to discuss a way forward towards achieving harmony and unity. This meeting was scheduled to take place in Amman, Jordan, on Saturday, 1st February, immediately following Synod. The Archdeacon, Director of Ordinands, reported that several readers were in training, including Margaret from Limassol, and Trevor and Jack from Paphos. A number were training within the Canterbury Group. Two people were going through the process of discernment. INTERNATIONAL ANGLICAN LITURGICAL COMMISSION This meets every two years. The next meeting is to take place in Oxford this year. FRIENDS OF THE DIOCESE OF CYPRUS & THE GULF Jane Wilson, representing Mary Banfield, reported that the membership was reasonably stable. New members are always welcomed. The annual reunion service would take place at All Hallows on Monday, 4th August at 10.30 a.m. The retreat-cum-reunion would take place at Pilgrim Hall in April or May. Contributions to The Olive Branch are always welcomed by the editor, Val Taylor. Jane Kellart, a Trustee of the Jerusalem and East Mission Trust based in the UK, presented her report to Synod on how the investments were faring. She said that not a lot has changed since last year. Despite the FTSE being so low, the fund was running fairly well. Commitments are being made to St. Paul’s Nicosia and Kyrenia, albeit that there is almost no income coming in at the moment. The building of the church in Qatar is considered to be a current priority. Brigadier Nigel Speller, Chairman of the Cyprus & Gulf Liaison Group based in Exeter, began by expressing his appreciation of all that had been done to make the companionship live. Among events and achievements in 2002, the Exeter Liaison Group “fielded a dozen chaplains and their wives where applicable. This included both the Gulf and Cyprus.” For those who would like to read the full text of Nigel Speller’s report: e-mail: nibspeller@eclipse.co.uk Tel/Fax +44 1297 552665 Once again, the highlight of fellowship was the Synod Dinner held at the Lordos Beach Hotel on Thursday, 30th January 2003. Bishop Clive used this opportunity to express his thanks to the Diocesan staff for all that they had done during the year. In particular, he thanked his secretary Georgia and office assistant Anetta for the efficient organisation and smooth running of Synod. All the Diocesan staff were presented with thank-you gifts as a gesture of appreciation. To conclude the closing of Synod and the final Eucharist held on Friday morning, 31st January 2003
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
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