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Synod Report 2023

Wendy's Impressions of Synod 2023

Synod them was “We belong to the day” and a focus of “Walking together as first and second peoples”. The latter was highlighted by Aboriginal Christian leader Brooke Prentis who gave the opening service message and provided evening theological reflections.

I was challenged to re-think my colonial outlook on history – having taken for granted the structure of the meeting venue and other western-style gathering places; rather than the first peoples meeting place around a camp fire, listening fully.

Proposals and reports had a human face – the Tongan members whose relatives are becoming climate refugees, rural parishioners whose congregation numbers are declining but welcome international seasonal workers separated from their families.

There was communication at many levels – meeting and eating at the welcome dinner on the lawn, the working group leaders encouraging all to contribute, and the consensus model listening to minority yet important voices in the group of 250 members.

The closing service where we served each other communion at our now familiar table groups, was a fitting closure to four full days. Thank you for the opportunity to attend.