Diocesan Synod 20 - 23 April 2010, St Alban East London

A photo story. These are just a few of about 90 pictures taken by the Media Officer at Synod. The full collection is on the computer of the Bishop's Secretary, Nobuntu Mageza, in Grahamstown. If you would like a copy of any of them, please visit her at the Diocesan Office. Bring your own flash stick or blank CD.

Click here for the Synod Minutes

Click here for Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali's Charge to Synod.

The 65th Synod of the Diocese of Grahamstown began with a Eucharist at 6 pm in St Alban's Church.

The clergy of the Diocese processing in.

Canon Louis Flint, Archdeacon Mark Spyker, Dean Andrew Hunter, Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali and the Bishop's Chaplain George van der Merwe.

During the Service, Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali delivered his Charge to Synod.

Three overseas priests were observers at the Synod: from left to right Joan Anders from New Jersey, USA, Jacquelyn Rowe from Florida, USA, and Peter Mallinson from Derby in the UK.

The choir of Holy Cross Mdantsane

The congregation joined enthusiastically in the praise and worship of God!

Meal-times are important too, at Synod. This time evening meals were provided in St Alban's Hall as well as lunches. There were several serving points, which meant that queues were pleasantly short,

which left time for the important business of getting to know one another

though some did not appreciate being caught on camera.

The business of Synod includes the passing of Measures (changes to the Acts of the Diocese) and other Motions, and receiving reports and presentations from the various boards and organisations of the Diocese. Canon Richard Wyngaard (above) proposed a Motion on Climate Change, taking into account the potentially disastrous effects of global warming on the future of life on planet earth.

Climate Change: The motion, adopted unanimously, resolved that a committee be set up to collect information for parishes to use to educate parishioners on environmental issues, to provide practical suggestions to parishes on how to implement a “green strategy”, to set up a “green policy” with measurable outcomes and targets for all Diocesan properties and parishes to adhere to, as well as to ensure that all parishes adhere to these provisions. Among recommendations to parishes were the use of dual flush toilets and solar heaters where possible, energy saving lights and rainwater tanks at all church properties. In addition Synod requested the College of the Transfiguration to include environmental issues in the curriculum, and will appeal to Provincial Synod to consider implementing a similar policy in the Anglican Church in Southern Africa as a whole. See Synod Minutes, Agendum 6.

Monogamy and marriage: In accepting a motion concerning polygamy, Synod resolved to uphold the teaching of the church that marriage is a lifelong and exclusive union between two partners, and to provide teaching and support to those about to marry, married people and those whose marriages have failed. See Synod Minutes, Agendum 8.

Human sexuality: It was agreed that a series of Clergy Schools should take place in the near future, to discuss the Windsor Report leading to the Anglican Communion's Covenant document, human sexuality with particular emphasis on same-sex orientation, and pastoral ministry to those in polygamous or same-sex relationships. See Synod Minutes, Agendum 9.

Human trafficking: The Mothers' Union among other church bodies will be embarking on a campaign against human trafficking, an evil that seems to be increasing in the run-up to the World Cup. See Synod Minutes, Agendum 1 under "Motions arising from the Bishop's Charge or matters of urgency in the last six weeks".

Substance abuse: Two motions condemned alcohol abuse (appealing for better application of the existing licensing laws), and substance abuse in general. The diocese undertook to embark on an awareness campaign to educate young people about these dangers. See Synod Minutes, Agenda 10, 13.

Initiation Schools: The members of Synod re-committed themselves and their parishes to working to eradicate the abuses which occur at some initiation schools, both medical malpractice which sometimes results in amputation or death, and undesirable teaching which can lead young men to treat women with disrespect. See Synod Minutes, Agendum 7.

Synod is not all work. On the second evening delegates were entertained by a number of choirs. This one, conducted by the Revd Mzikazi Mfenyana, was dubbed "The Mamas" (and Papas!)

Many Synod Motions were accepted with little debate, but one in particular aroused strong feelings. Speaker after speaker had to have their say, until Bishop Ebenezer wisely called for a break for tea. Over the teacups the animated discussions continued, and by the grace of God when proceedings resumed the Motion had been reworded and was accepted by all! See Synod Minutes, Agendum 7.

Everyone agreed that this was a Synod in which the Holy Spirit was at work. The worship which punctuated the days was vibrant and uplifting.

You could rely on a strong musical lead from these three singing abafundisi: Revds Mfenyana, Mhlana and Gixana.

One of the most moving moments at Synod was when the two ECUSA visitors Joan Anders and Jacquelyn Rowe, pictured here with Claire Nye Hunter, affirmed a vision Bishop Ebenezer had for the foundation of a diocesan Centre for Servant Ministry and Social Services, with a college for pilgrims and hospitality centre. See Synod Minutes, Agendum 12.

In chairing the Synod Bishop Ebenezer was assisted by the legal expertise of Brenda Amsterdam, Registrar of the Diocese. Andrew Hunter, Dean of Grahamstown, is also studying Canon Law.

Smiling at the end of Synod, the admin team: Marius Wium of Intengu Communications, who took the minutes, is seen with Nobuntu Mageza the Bishop's Secretary, Mzikazi Mfenyana the Clerical Secretary, Diocesan Administrator Zoleka Maqwili, and the Revd Margaret Fourie who kept the whole show going as Synod Manager.

The formal closing of Synod at lunch time on Friday, 23 April. Bishop Ebenezer signs the Promulgation of the Acts, watched by (l-r) the Revd Randall Gallant, Tony Schnell of DSR, Diocesan Registrar Brenda Amsterdam, Bishop's Chaplain George van der Merwe and Dean Andrew Hunter.