Diocesan Synod in Brighton
The Diocesan Synod met at St Peter’s Church, Brighton on Saturday 6 June, beginning with worship and a Presidential Address from Bishop Will, the Bishop of Lewes and Acting Bishop of Chichester.
You can read a full text of the Presidential address here
Synod received a presentation on disability access from the Diocesan Disability Advisers, highlighting that one in four people live with a disability. Parishes were encouraged to think beyond physical access to the whole experience of church, with the aim that everyone can “turn up and worship”. Practical steps include sharing accessibility information online and making use of available grants for improvement works.
During the Annual General Meeting of the Diocesan Board of Finance, the 2025 accounts were presented and received. Gratitude was expressed to parishes for their financial support, particularly those able to increase contributions towards the end of the year. HaysMac LLP were reappointed as auditors, and thanks were given to Bill Telford as he steps down as Vice-Chair.
Synod also received an update on the Vacancy in See process and were invited to participate in roundtable discussions to comment on the results of the consultation . Work is underway to prepare the Statement of Need, informed by around 2,000 responses from across the Diocese. Members are invited to continue praying for the discernment process.
A presentation on racial justice introduced a new diocesan toolkit, structured around reflection, prayer, celebration of diversity, and action. Parishes were encouraged to identify local advocates to support this work.
A significant moment in the day was the commissioning of Kate Henwood as the Diocese of Chichester’s Ambassador for The Children’s Society. Kate encouraged parishes to support the charity’s work, particularly through Christingle services, and invited churches to get in touch for support in planning fundraising and awareness events.
Reports from Bishop’s Council and General Synod were received, and Amending Canon No. 44 was promulgated. Synod also discussed mission statistics reporting and opportunities for confirmations within Sunday worship following questions raised under SO69.
The Bishop of Horsham closed the meeting by thanking St Peter’s, Brighton for their support.