On Tuesday 8th July the Diocesan Synod gathered with St Nicholas, Nuneaton hosting.
There was a strong turn out on this summer evening and many voices from around the diocese contributed to the discussions. On synod there are representatives from every deanery, lay members, the voices of chaplains, our cathedral, parish ministers, and for the first time in over 18 months a permanent Bishop of Coventry, Bishop Sophie.
Bishop Sophie gave a presidential address where she talked of the songs that God sings over us as individuals and as a diocese. You can listen to Bishops Sophie’s message here. She also talked about the warm welcome she has received from all over the diocese in her first month of public ministry and shared a little about the upcoming seasons of different ‘modes’ and what we might expect over the next 12 months.
Keep your eyes pealed for a ‘1 month in’ video coming soon where she talks about settling in and unpacks those different modes a little more.
Synod discussed a motion from Nuneaton Deanery in response to planned changes to local government and received the Annual DBF Report and Accounts which were presented to synod by Steve Coomber, chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance. The annual report highlighted the good work achieved in 2024, that we were able to maintain our clergy numbers and the work underway to reduce the operating deficit.
Mike Draper, Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education, also shared with synod the DBE annual report and accounts. He highlighted the work happening around trauma aware practice training in our schools and the continued legacy work from ALIVE ’23 in partnership with iSing Pop.
Tim Latham the DAC secretary also presented the DAC report, which highlighted 3 new additions to the DAC panel, who join our extensive team of advisors. In 2024 our DAC processed the most faculty applications since 2015, recommending 90% of applications.
Steve Davenport also introduced the Diocesan Church Buildings team and how they help and support our parishes and PCCs with challenges and improvement projects. One example of which is our Church Buildings Funding Support Officer, Andy Duncan, who has been successful in gaining over £1.9m worth of funding in support of parish building and grounds projects over the last 4 years - from a £2.5m applied for.
More information about Diocesan Synod, Bishop’s Council and our committees.