The New Synod Area of Surrey and Sussex

12th June marked the launch of the new Synod Area to which we belong along with some 50 other churches.

It was an exciting meeting inspiring real hope of a Synod embracing a challenge to know what we believe in and to walk in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit and in co-operation with what God is already doing.

With the abolition of District Councils it has become clear that traditional Synods have been too distant and unwieldy. The new Synod Areas have delegated to them virtually all the powers and functions of the old District Councils and indeed more.

This first meeting was very informal and liberating with a clear intention to use its time on things that really matter and to involve all its members in genuine consultation about how we tackle the challenges of the future.

Nothing has been set in stone and there will still be occasional meetings of all the Synod Areas as “Synod Together”.

In the pages that follow you will find the opening speech of Rev Peter Flint who is the new Synod Area Leader and extracts from that of Rev. Nigel Uden who (until he leaves in October) remains Moderator for the whole of the Southern Synod.

I hope that you will read these speeches and catch the vision that is being offered to us.