Synod - A personal view
Synod was deeply encouraging and not 'flashy, according to Paul Cavanough.
One of my favourite sections of John's gospel is the raising of Lazarus from the dead (chapter 11). As I participated in the synod I found myself using the raising of Lazarus as a metaphor for the synod.
One way to look at the raising of Lazarus is to see Jesus modelling three things for us in our work. I saw these three things at the synod.
Jesus cared.
'Jesus wept' at the tomb of Lazarus. At synod there was obvious concern and respect for the individual. 'Caring' is in our being as a Christian community, and we find ways to make it visible.
The synod agenda included money (Diocesan Assessment), sex (female assistant bishops and gender equity on committees and councils of the church), and politics (climate change, low-cost housing.
Even with these big three issues there was no real hint of any individual opinion being devalued or ridiculed.
Jesus called Lazarus forth.
Jesus first had the rock removed from the opening to the tomb. He wasn't afraid of the 'stench' that might be in there. This synod continued the work of removing some obstacles that may entomb our mission and ministry as a church.
One of the key obstacles for us is uncertainty about what it is that God is calling us to become.
Bishop Stephen Hale, Diocese of Melbourne, in his opening sermon and in a presentation, clearly described a refreshed Anglican church ministering in Tasmania.
In delivering the sermon at our closing eucharist the Ven. Jill McCoy provided profound encouragement for disciples in changing times, that they continue to trust God.
Jesus, after praying, called for Lazarus to come out of the tomb.
Bishop John's address to the synod was typically his mix of deep encouragement and profound challenge. His use of the analogy of the church as the Bride of Christ preparing for the great wedding feast was full of hope for the church.
It was also deeply challenging. The challenge is to the bride that she would take a good long look at herself while there is still time.
I suppose I was thinking that some of us are too afraid of the 'rottenness' that we might uncover in the process. The address is available for our close attention at <tasmaniananglican.com>.
Jesus ordered the removal of burial clothes.
When Lazarus came out of his tomb, he was still bound by the burial clothes. Jesus ordered them unloosed. The synod did help some people get 'unbound' from their old 'clothes' (limiting beliefs, self-defeating behaviors) and put on new clothes (new perspectives, new ways of being, new actions to take.
We saw new clothes in something as basic as the financial reports. The registrar, treasurer and the support team presented fully audited financial reports which were very clear and easily understood. The bishop launched 'The Barnabas Column' for the Tasmanian Anglican and the webpage. This will be a collection of stories from parishes and organisations that will encourage anyone reading them.
Bishop Ross brought a very exciting report of the progress of the 'Imagine Project'. It was brilliant to hear the Revd Meredith Campbell report on her new ministry amongst alternative lifestyle communities in the Huon Valley.
Although this synod was not at all 'flashy', I came away deeply encouraged that God is at work bringing us out of the last decade of the pain of uncontrollable decline and melancholy.
Perhaps it is not correct to describe the diocese as having been dead and buried like Lazarus. My vision is therefore deeply personal. I sincerely believe that our grave clothes are being removed and we are putting on our bridal array.
This synod was further evidence of that for me.