Last week’s Diocesan Synod meeting included the debate of two different motions which were proposed by deaneries.
Kidderminster and Stourbridge Deanery asked us to highlight the importance of sustainable church flowers and discourage floral foam (oasis), while Malvern and Upton Deanery called on the Church Commissioners to improve their communication and consultation with parishes.
Sustainable flower arrangements
The motion from Kidderminster and Stourport Deanery was presented by Kate Hurst, Churchwarden of the Shelsleys. The motion read:
That this synod, embracing the principles of the Sustainable Church Flowers movement which encourages a living into the Fifth Mark of Mission by promoting the use of local, seasonal and fully biodegradable/ compostable flowers and foliage without floral foam (oasis).
- Encourages the use of locally grown flowers and foliage, wherever possible, throughout the churches of the Diocese
- Strongly discourages the use of all floral foam (and its substitutes) in all churches and churchyards across the Diocese.
Kate explained that the use of floral foam or oasis is relatively new. It has only been used since the 1940s and enables micro plastics to go into the water stream. The Sustainable Church Flowers group based in the Diocese are happy to support parishes in switching to the use of locally grown, seasonable flowers and foliage which is arranged without floral foam.
The motion was passed with 45 votes in favour, 2 against and 4 abstentions and will now be taken to General Synod with the hope of getting support from across the Church of England to commit to sustainable flower arranging in our churches.
Church Commissioners’ Communication
The motion from Malvern and Upton Deanery was presented by Robin La Fontaine from Great Malvern Priory. The motion read:
This Synod urges the Church Commissioners to promote informed public and media understanding of their role, and to work towards timely and pro-active engagement with parishes through their Dioceses when considering the allocation of funds not prima facie related to the Commissioners' responsibilities for the mission and ministry of the Church of England or which may adversely affect stewardship in its parishes.
Robin explained that there had been concern recently in parishes regarding decisions made by the Church Commissioners on the use of their funds, with some individuals stopping their giving to their parish church as a result, and it was important that they are aware of this. The Church Commissioners need to explain themselves better and consult more widely and they also need to consider the unintended consequences of decisions they make.
This motion was passed with 36 in favour, 6 against and 9 abstentions. Following the vote, Diocesan Secretary, Andy Todd will be writing to the Chair of the Church Commissioners to ensure they are aware of this concern and make the point clearly.
This was the first meeting of the 19th Diocesan Synod, with members standing for the next three years. Other topics discussed including approving the 2025 budget for the Diocesan Board of Finance, an update on the New Worshipping Communities priority of our transformation programme and an amended Diocesan Environmental Strategy. A full summary of the meeting will be available shortly.
Diocesan Secretary, Andy Todd said: “It was great to see members of the new Synod engaging so actively, with lively debate, motions brought forward from deaneries, and searching questions both before and during Synod. It’s a central part of the governance of the Diocese, and also a real expression of our common life and diversity of perspectives and experience.”
There are still places available for people to be part of Diocesan Synod. If you might be interested in standing, please speak to your vicar in the first instance.
