Diocese of Chichester

Elected members of the Chichester Diocesan Synod will deal with a busy agenda at their autumn meeting this Saturday (November 16) when they gather at East Sussex College in Lewes.

Following a Presidential address delivered by Bishop Martin, clergy and laity from across Sussex will reflect, among other things, on Brexit, school governor recruitment and the work of the Children's Society.

There will also be an opportunity to reflect on how churches can find ways to recover or sustain social cohesion in communities they serve in the light of the ongoing issues relating to Brexit. The agenda suggest that "during this period of unprecedented social and political change" churches can do their bit as they continue daily to bring groups and communities together.

The Synod will bid a fond farewell to Bishop Richard Jackson who has been appointed as the next diocesan Bishop of Hereford. Synod members will also hear of plans to appoint new bishops to the already vacant See of Horsham and now to Lewes following news of Bishop Jackson's departure.

A campaign to recruit new Foundation Governors for Church of England schools in the Diocese is to be launched in the New Year and the Diocesan Director of Education, Trevor Cristin, will update members on plans to fill existing vacancies in East and West Sussex.

There will also be a presentation by the Children's Society on their work and mission.

https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/

Gabrielle Higgins, Diocesan Secretary said: "This promises to be a meeting full of different aspects of our life and mission as a diocese - focusing both on outward issues affecting the life of our varied communities as well as how the church is structured to be effective for the renewal of ministry for mission into the future.”