Synod 2006 Bishops Charge Synergy for Synod Decisions of Synod CHARGE OF BISHOP BETHLEHEM NOPECE THEME:  BUILDING ON A FIRM FOUNDATION. THE TWENTIETH SESSION OF DIOCESAN SYNOD AT ST JOHN’S PARISH WALMER 25     -     28    MAY    2006.AD.  CONTENTS: Salutations  In Gratitude  Building On A Firm Foundation  The Communion We Are  God With Us Thus Far  Ministry Goes On  Since Last Synod  In Conclusion In the name of God: Creator, Redeemer and Giver of Life. Amen. SALUTATIONS: I take this time to greet all of you here present in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen. Our distinguished guests, sisters and brothers from other Christian communities, Municipal representatives, visitors from Education Institutions, Police Service, retired clergy and members of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan community, we salute you in the name of the Lord. May we enjoy fellowship together this evening. Those of us who will continue with Synod business in the next few days, the Lord’s presence among us will surely bless us. New members of our Synod, we welcome you. The new members of clergy received by us through ordination and their spouses, together with those accepted from other dioceses, you are most welcome in the name of the Lord. IN GRATITUDE: God our Father is worthy of praise at all times. His kindness and love surpasses all understanding. He has guided our forebears through the ages past in the building of his kingdom, and in its extension. He continues to guide us still, and will continue to be with us. He is a wonderful and trustworthy God who calls the insignificant and puts them with the rulers of his people (Ps113). In our Diocese he called +Philip to be the first Bishop; then +Bruce and +Eric. They have had their share of fruitful ministry to the glory of God. They saw God’s promises fulfilled to the greater joy of God’s people. Yet they have had their share of hardship in the heat of the day from the “Sanballats” and “Tobiases” of their time of leadership. Despite all that “the people had a mind to work” in the unity of purpose to build God’s kingdom in our diocese and beyond (Neh. 4). We put our trust in that same God who made no mistake by calling us to Port Elizabeth. In his name we shall do all according to the abilities he has given us, guiding his people in the truth of the gospel we preach and in all our doings. We remain indebted to the people of God, who through the wardens continue to provide sustenance for our clergy amidst the ever growing inflation and commercial prices. We shall always be grateful. Keep it up. To our clergy, words cannot express adequately our appreciation for the ministry given in the various worshipping communities of our diocese, and the good leadership provided. Yes, we’ve had problems in some quarters. Yet we are delighted that the saving Christ of the scriptures is being proclaimed to the glory of God the Father, and to the joy of his people. May his name be praised. To the Diocesan Staff, the Diocesan Secretary and the various committees which function well with the people of God, serving with diligence for no remuneration, except for the love of the Lord, we say “mazénethole! Ukwanda kwaliwa ngumthakathi”. We cannot by any means under estimate the prompt support of the legal fraternity, both at Diocesan and Provincial level. They make us walk tall with the wider church. Many thanks. Ons is baie dankbaar. We remain indebted to USPG for unwavering, continuous support with financial resources and prayer. Their partnership with us in mission is heart-uplifting. Together we are constantly reminded of the wider church in our Anglican Communion. May the good Lord grant them more increase and blessings. The CPSA continues to give inspiration in matters of Health Care, HIV/AIDS, Wellness and eradication of Poverty programmes. We owe all this to the enthusiasm and commitment of the Metropolitan with his determination to make poverty history in Africa and our land. Sadly we have to announce his retirement in 2008. May the Lord pour his blessings on him, and grant him happy retirement, together with his loving wife sis’Hlubi and family. We continue to uphold his mother in our prayers. We congratulate with great appreciation Canon Mcebisi Xundu on his appointment as president of the South African Council of Churches. As you are aware, he is our own. There is no retirement with the yoke of Christ, it appears. We wish him God’s speed and blessings in this new appointment. We note with great appreciation and thanksgiving to the Almighty, the strides our new democratic government has made in development and service delivery to the poor masses of our land. We congratulate them for that. We deplore the set backs caused by fraud, inefficiency, dishonesty, unprofessionalism and laxity. We call upon those in public office to live up to required and expected moral standards. Adultery and promiscuity, including unsafe and unprotected sex can never be accepted as norms in a civilized society. Such behaviour is very damaging to our youth. God’s word forbids this kind of behaviour (1 Cor 6:12ff).There are still more challenges to be met in the area of HIV/AIDS, Poverty and Unemployment. The occurrences at the Zuma Rape Trial are to be regretted. They showed very clearly that the plight of women as victims of mens’ leisure, abuse and lust, is far from being over. We trust that lessons have been learnt by both parties for repentance and good moral behaviour. We continue to engage ourselves in the fight for the rights of women. So we join the call of the CPSA bishops to show our solidarity on the 9 August and the 16 days of awareness for the rights of women in November. We continue to pray for those in government authority “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness” (1 Tim 2:2ff) We pray for our State President, Thabo Mbeki, our Premier Nosimo Balindlela, and the Mayor of this Metropole, Nondumiso Mapazi, and congratulate her as first Lady Mayor of the Metropole, Ministers of State, MEC’s and local Councillors. We support and pray for the police, especially area Commissioner Ntswahlana and the Chaplains, in particular the Revd Templeton Jam-Jam. Much still needs to be done in combating crime, violence, stopping police killings and suicides. We continue to appreciate the great efforts made, sometimes under trying circumstances, to bring the criminals to book. We appreciate with thankfulness the efforts made in our Health Services. especially in the P E Hospital Complex, Social Security and Welfare, as well as Education. We congratulate Professor Roelf Stumpf on his appointment as Rector of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. We wish him and his staff many years of fruitful service and God’s blessings. We congratulate with greatest appreciation those members of clergy who have passed Diplomas ad Degrees up to Ph.D. level. We are thrilled by the ongoing clergy education. We wish to encourage you to improve yourselves academically, while taking care not to neglect your ministry. We are giving our unwavering support to Theological Education, both within our Diocese and jurisdiction and further afield in the CPSA. We extend our appreciation to Canon Livingstone Ngewu for leadership and efforts well given to make the College of Transfiguration what it is. We wish him well in his new ministry, full of God’s blessings. BUILDING ON A FIRM FOUNDATION: We are fellow-workers (Gk.sunergoi)in the building of God’s kingdom (Gk. tou Theou Basileia engiken). St Paul, writing to the Corinthian church, does not hesitate to move from the image of the field to that of the building (Gk. oikodome) (1 Cor 3:9-11). The Greek for fellow-workers seems to imply that we are working with God, or with one another in God’s service. Both these meanings have great impact on our service for God’s vineyard. It is when God is involved in all our doings that we see fruitful results. St Paul enjoys and glories in this undeserved privilege, given to him by grace ( Gk. charis) to be a fellow-worker with God and one another in the building of the ekklesia, which is just a fraction of God’s Basileia. He warns, “But each one should be careful how one builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ”( vv.10b – 11). By preaching Christ, and him crucified is the laying of a sure foundation. In the May 2006 Synod of Bishops, the bishops of the CPSA noted that “Growing the Church” is a portfolio the Metropolitan introduced in 2003 as a result of observing static growth in our church. The 1996 Census in South Africa, shows an overall Christian community comprising 74,1% of the population (about the same as 1965, compared to 77% in 1980). Between 1965 and 1996, CPSA “market share” declined from about 11% to just over 5%. The church in Africa may be seen to be thriving, but CPSA generally speaking is simply churching people instead of bringing them to commitment in Christ. In other parts of the CPSA like Mozambique, the church continues to grow both numerically and in the quality of faith. We have declared 2007 as a Year of Mission, Evangelism, Training and Development. In preparation for this we are looking at the following key strategies as adopted by the Synod of Bishops: 1. Discipling, spiritual formation and Leadership Development; 2. Teaching and Training; 3. Targeting youth, especially young adults, married couples and children; 4. Organising conferences and seminars; 5. Developing Church growth implementation teams; 6. Undertaking research; 7. Resource development and stewardship; 8. Networking with Liaison Bishop, +Martin, St Mark the Evangelist on “Growing the Church”. Jesus promised his disciples as he commissioned them, “Lo I am with you always, till the end of the age”.(Mtt. 28:20). He further warned: “…apart from me you can do nothing”(Jn. 15:5). THE COMMUNION WE ARE: In the charge addressed to the Bishop-elect by the Archbishop in the Ordinal we find, inter alia, the following statement: “My brother, you are to teach and interpret the truth as it is in Christ Jesus, to further the unity of the Church, to banish error, to proclaim the demands of justice and to lead God’s people in their mission to the world. You will not do this on your own, for as a bishop among your fellow bishops you will represent the diocese to the wider church and the wider church to the diocese” (APB Ordinal pp597/8). Unity and collegiately become of vital importance in our composition. It is my wish that amidst all that seems to threaten our life, we may be matured and stick together at all times. The Anglican Communion, of which we are part, is threatened to be ripped asunder by the homosexuality controversy. The consecration of Bishop Gene Robinson, a practicing homosexual, by the Episcopalian Church of the USA has caused the Communion a great disservice and pain. The matter of homosexuality is still debated. Waiting and sensitivity will help us move together. Those of us who take the traditional view on homosexuality continue to uphold the sanctity and validity of scripture as the whole counsel of God. Therefore what the Bible says about homosexuality holds. Yet we believe that pastoral care should continue to be exercised with those of homosexual orientation in love, and inclusiveness. Scientifically, there are still no conclusive arguments as to the cause of this orientation. I believe, though, that if God in Christ has the power of the Holy Spirit to transform the poverty of our nature in conformity with his word, then for whatever is sinful according to the scriptures, we need to repent. There are far more important matters that urgently need our attention as the communion. These include Poverty and unemployment; disease - HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria; Abuse especially of children, women and the elderly; Racism and Tribalism, as identified by SACLA and in the Millennium Development Goals. Our missionary obligations entail these. Were we to be as passionate about these as we are about homosexuality, poverty would be history, and Africa would be free of disease. We are all children of God, created in the same image, regardless of race, colour, creed or orientation. Let us endeavor to live in conformity with the demands of the gospel. GOD WITH US THUS FAR: The gospel of Jesus Christ is being preached in our worshipping communities. A growing number of parishes have established themselves as HIV/AIDS friendly and supportive of AIDS programmes. The stigma is steadily but surely, being removed. The frustration is still mainly with the Northern and Southern suburbs of the city. The AIDS committee liaise well with the CPSA. Programmes and deadlines are pursued. The disease is addressed, but more is still to be done. Very few parishes address poverty and unemployment. I hope we shall hear more success stories in this regard. Praise God for those who work tirelessly, and have opened advice offices, soup kitchens and supply food parcels. Likewise, few parishes are addressing homelessness, finding shelters for the destitute and providing community houses where people can be helped to stand on their own feet once again. Since last Synod only two parishes have established chapelries. The Cradock ministry has caused us to amalgamate the three parishes into one, viz. Christ Church in Cradock. This is due to financial constraints. Humansdorp been inaugurated into the parish of the Good Shepherd. A team ministry has been established with associate rectorship. I am very pleased to say that the teething problems of Orphans and Vulnerable Children is being addressed by the provincial MU and AWF. Pilot projects have been set up in Port Elizabeth, Grahamstown, Mthatha and Umzimvubu. The Transformation process continues, steadily but surely in bringing our sister churches together.The World Day of Prayer on June 4 is another focal point of unity among Christian communities of our metropole. Missions to Africa including Kenya, Sudan and Egypt have been embarked on by some of our local churches. MINISTRY GOES ON: The effectiveness of our ministry is much in demand. Some clergy face burnout as a result. Christ must be proclaimed the Saviour still. His sacrificial love and compassion must be shown by his fellow-workers. Moral decline in our land continues to be on the increase. Like the apostle Paul we need to realize that our own strength will carry us nowhere. Only Christ can strengthen us by his Holy Spirit. Yes, we can do all things through him who strengthens us. (Phil.4:13). HIV/AIDS, TB and Malaria must be vigorously addressed. The position of Orphans and Vulnerable Children must be attended to. Ministry that displays UBUNTU in all our doings must be continued. Unity of all Christian peoples must be embraced by giving unwavering support to the Transformation process, the SACC Moral Regeneration Movement, and partnerships with Municipal Councils and the Provincial Government. Mission, Evangelism, Training and Development will feature in our ministry. The care of our clergy, the retired clergy, and widowed spouses must be given attention. We must make sure that all our functioning is on a firm foundation, which is Jesus Christ. SINCE LAST SESSION OF SYNOD 2003 CLERGY WHO HAVE LEFT DIOCESE: Johnathin Pieterse - Suspended Andile Mbutye - Suspended Lulamile Ngesi - To SANDF Phumelele Koliti - Resigned Solomon and Diane Nkesiga returned to home country, Uganda. Ernest Cengani - To diocese of Christ the King; Maureen Lamb - For Roman Catholic Church. NEW CLERGY WHO JOINED THE DIOCESE: Mzoxolo and Lovely Doda - From Mthatha; David Sizwe and Noni Kiviet - From Umzimvubu Mxolisi Sydney and Nomfundo Somandi - From Mthatha Enoch Nkonzo and Lillian Ncula - From EEC Zandisile Templeton and Leonora Jam-Jam - From Mthatha, Police Service Chaplain; Mike and Lorna McCoy - SS - From Free State David John and Margaret Gwilliam (Retired) John Davis (Retired) ORDAINED IN THE DIOCESE: To The Diaconate 2003 - Jean Budgen 2004 - Maria Allens 2004 - Mtutuzeli Belu 2004 - Musawenkosi Daba 2004 - Nontsikelelo Memese 2004 - Anna Plaatjies 2005 - Angela Brown 2005 - Sandile Mila 2005 - Thembeka Tom 2005 - Andrea White ORDAINED TO THE DIOCESE: To The Priesthood: 2003 - David Molema 2003 - Garfield Jacobs 2004 - Mark Derry 2004 - Fiona Esterhuysen 2004 - Jogra Gallant 2004 - Sindile Mofu 2004 - Isaac Petersen 2004 - Jacqueline Trollip 2005 - Angela Brown CALLED TO ETERNAL REST: The Revd Philip Drew Jourdan The Revd Jack Colin Bramwell The Revd Madoda Hlwatika The Revd Gilbert Mayinje Mrs Natalie Rayner (clergy widow-Ron) Mrs Nomatamsanqa Makasi (clergy widow-Lifa) Mrs Sheilla van Coeverden de Groot (clergy wife-Henk) Mrs Betty Cowdry (clergy widow-Roy) The Revd Henry McGrath The Revd Joseph Lungelo Xhallie The Revd Bryan Neville Bartleet The Revd Ronald Malinga Gwentshu Mrs Ray Smithers (clergy widow-Ted) IN CONLUSION: “Giving is like depositing something, because tomorrow that same thing will come back to you” Susan Wilkinson-Maposa et al (The Poor Philanthropist) published by UCT, p110. So is our life. We give because we have been given. Let us build lives, and transform situations on the Firm Foundation, Jesus Christ until life is better for all people. God bless our efforts. God bless you +Bethlehem, Port Elizabeth. Synod Ascension,2006 AD.                                                             BACK TO THE TOP Synergy Bits and Pieces iindaba editor Frankie Simpson undertook to produce two issues of Synergy at Synod for distribution to parishes. Here on the website are a few extracts, and some photos. This is followed by a list of decisions taken at Synod. Your wish is our command   When Ruthell Johnson, rector of St Paul’s wrote on his list of ‘Special dietary needs’ “A seafood platter” he didn’t expect to be taken seriously! “Sir You did order a Seafood Platter?”   St John’s took him at his word and behold! A tin of pilchards on a platter!     Photo-call for all clergy No camera-shy clergy allowed here! Help!  Some of the file photos I have of the clergy are almost 15 years old. You’ve changed somewhat during that time!  I also don’t have photos of many of the newer clergy. Please help me to update my records filc. Before the end of synod please make sure that I have taken a photo of you - alone, or with one or two others! Thanks! Frankie Aye's and No's for Youth The dilemma was, if one voted "no" would the youth feel frustrated and neglected by the diocese, but voting "aye" had implications. Yesterday Synod voted that the diocese employ a Youth Co-ordinator. Much debate took place over the Motion on Youth and it was good to see that the younger members of synod were prepared to get up and speak. Of the five points in the motion four got the 'aye' and one got the 'no' vote. Nicolette Leonard - Youth Chaplain The Motion was brought by the diocesan youth chaplain, Nicolette Leonard and the points were voted on in seriatim. The other three points that received the 'aye' vote were that issues around young people feature permanently in the programmes of the diocese; that in these programmes young people be given the opportunity to express their views and make contribution without fear of intimidation; that funding for ministry to young people continue at its current levels.   Making his mark - Wezo Bloko of St Matthew's, KwaMagxaki speaks on the Motion on Young People. Orthodox Doctrine Lawrie Wilmot Lawrie Wilmot, priest-in-charge of Christ Church, Kamma Park, proposed a Motion on Affirmation of Orthodox Doctrine and Ethics. Giving a background of the influence of 'revisionist' teaching in the CPSA he asked synod to make a clear affirmation of our continued commitment to the historic, Biblical and apostolic faith as expressed in the founding documents of Anglicanism, together with the Creeds, Baptismal promises and Ordination promises of the APB 1989. He asked that Anglicans affirm clearly the ethical implications of our continued discipleship of Jesus Christ, especially in the areas of monotheistic worship (the First Commandment), and sexual morality (the seventh Commandment); Publicly reject and warn against the dangers of any teaching which undermines or contradicts historic Christian doctrine, regardless of the apparent authority of its source. He closed by affirming our Bishop.  Andrew Symes, self-supporting priest at St Nicholas, seconded the motion saying that we want to remain Christians according to the Bible and that the world is watching the Anglican church in South Africa as the rest of Africa are very clear on their interpretation of the Bible whereas the CPSA is not. Through my lens Frankie's pics taken at Synod The long, the short and the tall ...Rodney Redcliffe, Sipambo Ludidi, Garfield Jacobs and Samuel Sauli catching the warmth of the son during a break at synod. Adding a bit of colour! Well that's what Eddie Daniels, rector of St Saviour's in Walmer, said he was doing when he joined Terry Beadon, rector of the parish of Alexandria, and Rory Middelcote, the rector of the Parsh of the Gret Karoo, during the tea break. But then, its not always good to believe everything the Dr says! ... or did he say "Wot! Not!" Evangelical Four No I can't be seen with them! Andrew Watt, rector of St Nicholas in Charlo, Dudley Greenshields, rector of All Saints' United in Somerset East, and his lay rep, George Greenshields with David Stansbury, rector of Holy Trinity in Central. Lunch Break Zandisile Nongauza, rector of St Matthew's in KwaMagxaki, and Mthethelrli Vena, rector of Christ Church Parish in Cradock enjoy lunch together. Jenny Cowling, the Bishop's secretary, and Neville Lobb of the Diocesan Trusts Board discuss a point during debate. A Commission to be set up Synod asked the Bishop to establish a commission to investigate the implications of treating all stipendiary clergy equally in terms of the parish contributions irrespective of the Medical Aid they choose to be affiliated to. The proposer, Eddie Daniels, the rector of St Saviour's, pointed out that clergy who are on their spouses Medical Aid only receive half of the parish contribution, and they feel this is unfair. View on loos During the 1960's one of the pop groups, I think it was the Baron Knights, recorded a very amusing song entitled, "Long live the Loos of England." Suffice to say they compared loos though out Europe with those in England. On my travels around the diocese I've had occasion to visit the "Powder Room" at most parishes and could probably come up with an amusing ditty too. There are many where one feels welcome and looked after ... and it's not about how rich the parish is. Some of the less affluent parishes have still tried to make every effort to pretty-up the room and make the women feel 'pampered and feminine'. They've made sure the floor, basins, towels etc are clean, that there are pretty curtains and perhaps some flowers on a ledge. St John's has really pampered us for synod. Two beautiful bowls of flowers, moisturising liquid hand soap and luxury hand towels. Others don't seem to care - there are many where the loos are 'out of order' (don't even think of trying to flush them) and there's not always a sign to say so. Then there are the broken seats, the missing seats (seats are rather important for women!) and the dirty loos ... and hand towels ... and don't look for loo paper ... or try to lock\ the door! No, this is not a salvation issue, but, a visitor to the church may never return because she feels the place is dirty and therefore the people are dirty. Years ago when the welfare visitor called on prospective adoptive parents one of the criteria was to visit the bathroom. If it was dirty, that couple lost their chance to adopt a baby. Isn't the Name of Jesus more precious to uphold by making sure that nobody can judge His people by the neglect they find in the "Loos of churches"?                                                            BACK TO THE TOP Decisions of Synod MEDICAL AID Proposer: Revd ER Daniels Seconder: Revd NN Leonard That this Synod Requests the Bishop to establish a Commission to investigate the implications of treating all Stipendiary Clergy equally in terms of the parish contribution irrespective of the Medical Aid they choose to be affiliated to. The Motion was put and carried. AFFIRMATION Proposer: The Revd LG Wilmot Seconder: The Revd AJB Symes That this Synod Noting with deep concern the influence of “revisionist” teaching in the Church of the Province of Southern Africa which is having the effect of • Undermining orthodox Christian doctrine • Condoning immoral behaviour, and • Causing confusion and division among Christians and recognising that blessing from Almighty God derives from acting within His will, Resolves to 1. Make a clear affirmation of our continued commitment to the historic, Biblical and apostolic faith as expressed in the founding documents of Anglicanism, together with the Creeds, Baptismal promises and Ordination promises of An Anglican Prayer Book 1989; 2. Affirm clearly the ethical implications of our continued discipleship of Jesus Christ, especially in the areas of monotheistic worship (the First Commandment), and sexual morality (the Seventh Commandment); 3. Publicly reject and warn against the dangers of any teaching which undermines or contradicts historic Christian doctrine, regardless of the apparent authority of its source; 4. Affirm and encourage our Bishop in his continued role as guardian of the faith in our Diocese. The Motion was put and carried. YOUNG PEOPLE Proposer: Revd NN Leonard Seconder: Revd MN Daba Revd RA Johnson proposed, seconded by Revd RC Penrith, that the vote be put seriatim. This Synod: 1. Gives thanks to God for the ministry of young people within this Diocese and their positive contribution to the growth of the church. Their presence and full participation in the church is essential for the vision and mission of the church to be fulfilled. They are the church of today and tomorrow and the church needs to provide them with space in parishes, institutions and home, walking alongside their leaders and helping them through challenges. 2. Recognises the faithful work of the Anglican Students Federation through its ministry to tertiary Education students at our local university and their service to the community through outreach programmes. 3. We believe that: 3.1. Young people’s involvement in the life of the church is crucial for the growth and development of this Diocese. 3.2. The Anglican Students Federation is a strategic ministry in the lives of young people who need professional and spiritual guidance at the crucial stage of their lives. 3.3. The presence of a Chaplain is essential for the student’s spiritual growth and leadership development. 3.4. The church, by not engaging young people is missing huge opportunities of celebrating God’s creation through them. 4. Resolves that: 4.1. The Bishop of this Diocese ensures that issues around young people feature permanently in the programmes of the diocese and that they are afforded the necessary attention they deserve. CARRIED 4.2. That such programmes have a fair representation of young people who will be given the opportunity to express their views and make contribution without any fear or intimidation. CARRIED 4.3. Funding and supporting the ministry of young people in this Diocese is continued at its current levels, with consideration given to increased funding in the future. CARRIED 4.4. The Bishop and this Synod seek to appoint a permanent Chaplain to the local tertiary education institution in this Diocese and commit to supporting and developing this vital ministry. With the proposer and seconder’s consent the Bishop withdrew paragraph 4.4 with the consent of Synod, and the status quo remains. 4.5. That this Diocese employ a Youth Co-ordinator whose function will be to organise and co-ordinate the internal youth programme of the Diocese. CARRIED AGE OF YOUTH Proposer: Revd NN Leonard Seconder: Revd SG Nell An amendment was brought by Revd GS Ludidi, seconded by Revd CK Holmes, that the age ranges in 1.1 and 1.2 be changed to 10 – 17 and 18 – 24 respectively. The Amendment was put and defeated. An Amendment was brought by Mr W Bloko, seconded by Mr C Swartz that point 3 be extended to include “that they also fall under the Diocesan Youth Chaplain”. The Amendment was put and defeated. An Amendment was brought by the Revd CK Holmes, seconded by the Revd MN Daba that 1.3 be altered to read “25 years of age to 30 years of age to form young adult groups”. The Amendment was put and carried. This Synod: Noting that: 1. There are huge discrepancies in the ages of young people attending church youth groups. 2. There is a diverse understanding of who should form youth groups from parish to parish. 3. Effective development, nurturing and training of young people cannot take place because of the huge discrepancies in the age of those attending youth group gatherings. 4. The age group 13-17 years old is an extremely vulnerable group, but often excluded from formal youth gatherings. 5. This group falls within the formative years in developing an understanding of faith. Resolves that: 1. Clear age groups for youth structures be demarcated for all parishes in the diocese being: 1.1. 13-17 years of age to form Junior Youth Groups 1.2. 18-25 years of age to form Senior Youth Groups 1.3. 25 years of age to 30 years of age to form young adult groups 2. The Youth Chaplain of the Diocese takes responsibility of both Junior and Senior Youth groups. 3. All Young Adult groups to be under the supervision of the incumbent of a parish. 4. All parishes must appoint at least Two Youth leaders to undertake the nurturing and developing of each age group. The Motion was put and carried. HOPE AFRICA Proposer: Revd GS Ludidi Seconder: Revd ZR Tom The Revd AJB Symes, seconded by the Revd LG Wilmot, brought and amendment which was accepted by the original Proposer and Seconder. This Synod being aware 1. of the ravages that apartheid caused to our country; 2. that the people of our Diocese need greater exposure to ways and means of eradicating poverty; 3. that a vital component of our Christian discipleship and mission consists in ministry to the poor. Respectfully requests the Bishop to 1. implement Resolution 20.4 of the Acts and Resolutions of the Thirty-first session of the Provincial Synod 2005 as soon as possible; 2. engage with people to provide information about HOPE Africa. The motion was put and carried. MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENTS GOALS Proposer: Revd GS Ludidi Seconder: Revd NN Leonard This Synod 1. thanks God the Almighty for the political tolerance in our country South Africa; 2. being aware of the serious problems that affect our country, as identified in the Seven Goliaths (SACLA II); 3. being further aware of our partnership with both the African continent and the Global Village, Respectfully requests the Bishop 1. to establish a commission to study the Millennium Development Goals as prescribed by the UNDP 2004; 2. to work towards the implementation of these goals in the Diocese of Port Elizabeth; 3. to facilitate partnerships with other organisations within this Diocese involved with programmes linked to the Millennium Development Goals. The motion was put and carried. HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Proposer: Revd DJ Grobbelaar Seconder: Revd GS Ludidi The Proposer, with the support of the Seconder, brought an amendment to the motion. That this Synod, 1. Aware of the need of decent, safe and affordable housing in the area our Diocese serves. 2. Applauds the work done by Habitat for Humanity in building both homes and communities. 3. Wanting to encourage a working relationship with Habitat for Humanity in Nelson Mandela Bay. Resolves To appoint Mrs June Crichton to: 1. Liaise with Habitat for Humanity on behalf of the Diocese of Port. 2. Report and make recommendations to Diocesan Council for further action. The motion was put and carried. GENDER DESK Proposer: Revd NN Leonard Seconder: Revd ZR Tom The Proposer of the motion brought an amendment, supported by the Seconder. The Revd DP Stansbury brought an amendment which was supported by the Proposer and Seconder. The Registrar brought an amendment which was supported by the Proposer and Seconder. The Revd AJB Symes brought an amendment which was supported by the Proposer and Seconder. This Synod: 1. Noting that: 1.1. Provincial Synod 2005 requested the Metropolitan to set up a task team to investigate the possibility of the creation of a Provincial Gender desk. Their responsibility will be to produce a consolidated report on all resources, research findings, training and support strategies. It will also be their task to assist Dioceses and organisations to apply methodologies under girded by gender sensitivity. The gender desk will be asked to table an interim report at PSC 2006. 1.3. The present economic situation in the area covered by our diocese and the high Unemployment statistics impacts negatively on the stereotyped gender role placed on men to be breadwinners and providers. 1.4. Statistics from the UN for 2004 show that 75% of those affected with HIV/AIDS in Africa between the ages of 15 and 24 years old, are women. 1.5. All Institutions and groups are encouraged to embrace gender equality and proportional representation. 2. Resolves to: 2.1. Respectfully request the Bishop of this Diocese to set up a Diocesan Gender desk that will: 2.1.1. Liaise with the Provincial gender desk. 2.1.2. Make available to the Diocese and diocesan organisations the resources, research findings, training and support strategies. 2.1.3. In view of this vital ministry be sensitive to issues of gender. 2.1.4. Provide Biblical training courses, material, models for orientating men and women in the formation of Christian attitudes towards women. The motion was put and carried. DIOCESAN STRUCTURES Proposer: Revd RA Johnson Seconder: Revd CK Holmes The Revd RC Penrith moved an amendment that was accepted by the Proposer and the Seconder. Synod adjourned for lunch at 13H07. Synod resumed at 13H59. That this Synod, 1. Recognizing the importance and value of efficient church administrative structures. 2. Noting that there are serious gaps and deficiencies in our present administrative structures. 3. Concerned that the consequence thereof will be the additional cost of appointing more Diocesan staff. 4. Thus creating a sense of alienation between the Diocese and its parishes and people. Proposes that: 1. At the first full meeting of Diocesan Council, a Committee of 5 competent persons be appointed to investigate the need for new structures and to evaluate the existing structures of the Diocese with a view to improving the efficiency of the Diocese. 2. The Committee consults widely and seeks first, to involve the people of the Diocese, both Clergy and Laity, in the proposed administrative structures in order to create a greater sense of belonging and to avoid the additional expense of employing more administrative staff. 3. The Committee makes recommendations to Diocesan Council for approval and implementation of new structures to be created and of redefining the functions of the current Committees and Sub-committees. 4. The Committee shall produce an interim progress report to the annual rectors’ and churchwardens’ meeting each year until the next session of Synod. 5. The Committee shall report to the next session of Diocesan Synod on their recommendations and the actions taken by Diocesan Council on their findings. The motion was put and carried.    MOTION:       HIV/AIDS ARV ROLL-OUT Proposer:       Revd GS Ludidi Seconder:       That this Synod: 1.         being aware of and shocked by the statistics of the present HIV infection levels despite efforts made by both civil society and faith communities; 2.         and further, being aware of intervention by National Government; 3.         being pleased that those who are receiving ARV treatment are enjoying improved health,  Resolves to request the Bishop to liaise with fellow Church Leaders in the Eastern Cape in order to unite in a request to the Health Department of the Province of the Eastern Cape to accelerate the roll-out of ARV treatment.  The motion was put and carried MOTION:       THEOLOGICAL COMMISSION Proposer:       Revd RG Middlecote Seconder       Revd WD Greenshields  That we, this Synod, as part of God’s church, Joyfully and humbly accept our calling to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ in the power of His Spirit; Reject the influence of secular humanism – in that it undermines the teaching of Scripture and our tradition as expressed in the creeds;  We resolve to establish a theological commission:  1. To make recommendations regarding the formation and training of our clergy and laity so that the type of education and training being given upholds the authority of the Bible as the inspired Word of God. Ensuring that the creeds with their insistence on the Trinity; creation; the virgin birth; the death and physical resurrection of Jesus; His subsequent ascension and glorification; the work of the Holy Spirit empowering His church is being upheld and taught. 2. Establish links with other orthodox theological institutions in Africa and around the world. We ask that this Commission give a progress report to Diocesan Council within a year, and to report back to the next session of Diocesan Synod The motion was put and carried BACK TO THE TOP