Presidential Address
“I know it’s not quite Advent, and it’s certainly strange behaviour since, actually, I don’t really like Christmas carols very much, but around this time of year and including this week while driving around the diocese, I often turn to my Spotify Christmas Carols selection. And this week – again, not a carol I particularly like very much – See Amid the Winter’s Snow came up, and one line really struck me – the final line:
Teach us to resemble Thee,
In Thy sweet humility.
“And as we look, or begin to look towards Christmas, as we look back on what has been a difficult, challenging, and tumultuous year for the Church of England and one that has impacted me personally in all kinds of wonderful, but also difficult and painful ways, these Advent words seem more important and relevant than ever.
Read the full presidential address on our news pages at dioceseofyork.org.uk/news.
Safeguarding Report
Diocesan Secretary Canon Peter Warry shared the latest safeguarding report and confirmed that summary notes for the Archbishop’s Council will now appear at every Synod meeting as a standing item.
In response to the Stokesley Deanery motion (July), Synod noted the INEQE audit, which gave independent assurance of current practice and suggested areas for improvement. Recruitment is underway for an additional Safeguarding Adviser to strengthen diocesan support.
Safeguarding Week was a huge success, with nearly 500 people taking part (up from 360 last year), showing strong commitment across the diocese.
More parishes are now using safeguarding hubs and dashboards, and extra training and support for Parish Safeguarding Officers is planned.
Synod was reminded that the safeguarding bulletin remains a key resource for PSOs: dioceseofyork.org.uk/safeguarding.
Living Christ’s Story
Dr Mark Scott, Head of Programme Delivery introduced the Project Delivery Framework, which will guide progress and help ensure the programme has the greatest possible impact.
Mark highlighted the need for a clear strategy and defined outcomes so that success can be measured effectively. Current work is focused on improving data collection to support this.
Synod also received an update on the national bid timeline and how this will progress.
Financial Overview and Draft Budget 2025
Director of Finance Kathryn Rose shared an overview of our current financial position and introduced the draft budget.
Free Will Offerings have seen a 4-5% increase – the highest in over 20 years. Many parishes are meeting or exceeding their contributions, and Synod was asked to thank parishes for their commitment and encourage any outstanding pledges.
General Synod Report
Lucy Gorman and the Revd Dr Christian Selvaratnam gave a report on the July sessions of General Synod (GS).
Key discussions included the £1.6 billion three-year spending plan, long-term funding strategies, and clergy pensions, with GS approving measures to improve financial support and calling for an independent review of retirement provision.
GS made significant legislative progress, including final approval of the National Church Governance Measure, Armed Forces Chaplains (licensing) Measure, and national redress scheme.
GS voted to remove “Issues in Human Sexuality” from the vocations process and reaffirmed opposition to assisted suicide, calling for better palliative care funding.
Vocations and the future of ministry
Revd Canon Sam Taylor, recently appointed Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Adviser on Vocations, outlined the current picture nationally and locally, noting that fewer candidates are coming forward for stipendiary and self-supporting ministry. While diocesan numbers remain low, ordinations are expected to rise from six in 2026 to ten in 2027.
Plans for 2026 include Vocations Roadshows and initiatives to support younger vocations, such as the Stepping Up event in March. Revd Sam also noted that encouraging vocations begins with prayer and personal invitation. Vocation Sunday (26th April) in particular offers an opportunity for churches to share stories of calling, both lay and ordained.
Question time
Tina Pownall (York Deanery) asked what pastoral support had been offered to LGBTQIA+ clergy and lay people in the diocese since the House of Bishops’ statement on LLF (15 October). Archbishop Stephen responded that LLF Listeners were appointed to provide confidential support. Mona-Karina Theodosius, Diocesan Adviser in Pastoral Care, remains available. He emphasised that pastoral care continues to be offered confidentially and that bishops’ doors remain open to anyone affected by the LLF process.
Sammi Tooze (General Synod) asked whether, under Canon B5.2 (subject to B5.3), ministers may devise and use suitable forms of service for occasions where no authorised provision exists. The Archbishop confirmed that Canon B5 allows limited discretion, provided services do not depart from Church of England doctrine. He noted that Prayers of Love and Faith remain commended for use under this discretion.
Elections 2026
Diocesan Secretary, Peter Warry, outlined the election processes for the next triennium, including parochial representation on Deanery Synods.
Peter also noted that General Synod elections will take place in 2026 and thanked current members for their commitment and service. The electorate for General Synod will be those elected to Deanery Synods at the 2026 APCMs.
Growing younger news
Angela Brymer, Children and Youth Adviser, shared encouraging stories of children and young people’s growing involvement in diocesan life, and invited more young adults to take part.
Angela highlighted support for parishes through online training and planned in-person sessions, thanked those who have helped collect data to improve resources, and encouraged sign-up to the Children and Youth mailing list on our website.
Angela also presented findings from our first Listening Process, designed by young people in our GROW groups. She shared video clips from some of those involved. The final report is available on our website at https://dioceseofyork.org.uk/nw9l
Next meeting: Saturday 14th March 2026
in-person event, venue to be confirmed
