tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846380584667288537.post5720281948953634682..comments2023-03-26T13:57:23.263+01:00Comments on Always Hope: More thoughts on the Synod controversy (and no more)Charliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08102799923678550905noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846380584667288537.post-43370780767676325452010-10-23T15:04:44.118+01:002010-10-23T15:04:44.118+01:00For what it's worth, my comment about "yo...For what it's worth, my comment about "you thought Synod was about prayer and discernment" was a bit of a "tease":)<br /><br />I think there is prayer and discernment, there is also politics and lobbying. When people feel strongly about issues, they will take action to secure what they feel is the right path for the Church, not just their own "vested" interests.<br /><br />Does prayer, love, grace and discernment mean that we don't take the action that we feel it is right to do? I don't think so. I think given some of the very strong feelings and issues at stake, it is surprising we have not had more politics and bitterness than we have. The Cof E can be quite gracious, and I would like to see us hold on to this. With parishes electing to go to Rome, for example, I hope issues of property etc can be resolved in a positive spirit - with no recourse to the courts.Suemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03128736092253293640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846380584667288537.post-24594098206636214532010-10-23T12:14:49.423+01:002010-10-23T12:14:49.423+01:00"am I really so naive to want a group of Chri..."am I really so naive to want a group of Christians to debate in a mature and honest way? I don't think so"<br /><br />No, you are not naive - Synod is an elected body and people who are elected should be held to account. You have a perfect right to do that.<br /><br />I think your original suggestion of a code of conduct for Synod members is a good one. It seems to me that some of the comments you've had imply that it is OK for people to act 'politically' - yes it is, and people in groups will always be 'political' - that's part of how organisations make decisions. <br /><br />However, once politicians have been elected to office, they are accountable for the way in which they carry out their duties, and if they are seen to be acting purely out of self interest (as with the expenses scandal) or purely in the interests of their own supporters this is rightly censured. <br /><br />Many Christian organisations make the mistake of assuming their members, being Christians, will act correctly without the need for any formal encouragement to do so. And indeed, if we all adhered to our basic Christian codes of conduct - the 10 Commandments and the Beatitudes - that would probably be the case. As it is, though, I think that General Synod as a legislative body certainly should spell out what is expected of its members.<br /><br />Perhaps if General Synod did have a code of conduct which was effectively administered, those who don't believe codes of conduct provide protection would see that they are actually very good at delivering accountability.Pam Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03952001402591649389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4846380584667288537.post-54624128742797234382010-10-22T17:17:16.711+01:002010-10-22T17:17:16.711+01:00Bit of a pity you feel like moving on. You have so...Bit of a pity you feel like moving on. You have something worthwhile to say, even if I disagree with it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com