Annual Report - Caterham Deanery Synod

The Caterham Deanery Synod acts as a channel of communication between the Southwark Diocesan Synod (the main policy making body in the Diocese) and the parishes of the Deanery, namely the Caterham and Warlingham Team Ministries. Information and decisions go up and down the chain. Appointments are also made when necessary to the Boards and Committees of the Diocese. It is important that the Deanery is represented on these Boards - Education and Finance are good examples - because decisions are taken which do have a considerable impact on the parishes. Synod also acts as a forum for passing on news and forthcoming events in the parishes. During 2011 the Synod met three times.

Our first meeting of the year took place in January at St. Christopher's Warlingham. Christopher Roberts gave a scholarly and very interesting talk on the historical and literary background to 'The King James Bible' first published in 1611,which was an expensive venture. It was interesting to note that much of the English language and idioms originated in the KJB, and it continues to influence English speakers. We also received a briefing on Women in the Episcopate where there would be a Diocesan Synod Vote at their November meeting.

At the June meeting held at St. Paul's Woldingham we said goodbye to Rev. Alan Middleton the Area Dean on his retirement from Ministry and were delighted to hear that his successor is to be Rev, Duncan Swan. We welcomed Rev. Nigel Stone, the Diocesan Olympics Adviser, who talked to us about the initiatives taking place in parishes and schools, and the attempt to bring back the cultural side of the Olympics. We were told that the Chaplaincy team would be multi-faith. April Alexander, our General Synod link, gave some background to the Anglican Communion comprising 78 million Christians in 44 different churches under the leadership of the Archbishop of Canterbury, which is currently the subject of discussion.

The final meeting of 2011 took place in October at St. Mary's Caterham. The Lay Chair, Mr John Parkes, welcomed Rev. Duncan Swan to his first meeting as Area Dean. . Important elections took place and John Parkes and Christopher Clementi were re-elected as Lay Chair and Diocesan Board of Finance Representative respectively. Rev. Chris Chapman, the Southwark Diocese Spiritual Formation Adviser, gave a presentation 'A House of Prayer - putting spirituality at the heart of the church's life and mission'. Its aim is to deepen our spiritual life through prayer. He gave ways in which we can enable more of church life to flow from a place of prayer and gave examples of how to build bridges with local people who are seeking meaning in their lives.

We have had an informative and thought provoking 12 months covering a wide range of topical subjects.

Chris Clementi
Hon. Treasurer Caterham Deanery Synod
Lay Deanery Representative on the Diocesan Board of Finance

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