Synod 2026 took place in Nelson over the weekend, with around 100 Anglicans gathering to connect and make decisions. (Here’s an explainer on what synod is if you missed it.)
“I’m grateful for the way synod progressed through our business,” said Simon Martin, bishop’s chaplain. “We paid proper attention to the serious parts, we laughed at the funny parts, and we shared our thoughts together in discussion.”
Deborah Oliver, governance support manager and synod minutes secretary, agreed there was a “special sense of collegiality” this year. “Even though there were differing views expressed in the sessions, there was a sense of a spirit of unity in the decisions made.”
Diocesan manager Chris Ward appreciated the quality of conversations, “both in the formal sessions and over a cup of tea and a cheese scone”. “I was especially encouraged by the discussion about parish governance and the shared desire to get the right outcome rather than the quickest one.”
Looking ahead, Chris Ward said our task in the year ahead is to “continue that work to ensure governance arrangements are appropriate, proportionate and fit-for-purpose.”
“I truly enjoyed the strong sense of family at synod, with everyone serving with joy, including how the kids were cared for,” Bishop Steve said. Amanda Poil, our children and families ministry coordinator, made sure children of synod attendees participated in the all-important business of play.
The bishop’s charge last Thursday inspired the people of the diocese to remember their identity as members of a wider body. “My hope is that we will once again cherish the beautiful truth of being one body under Jesus Christ and embrace the conviction that we are stronger when we stand united and reach beyond ourselves.”
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
We have invited these writers to share their experiences, ideas and opinions in the hope that these will provoke thought, challenge you to go deeper and inspire you to put your faith into action. These articles should not be taken as the official view of the Nelson Diocese on any particular matter.
Synod 2026 took place in Nelson over the weekend, with around 100 Anglicans gathering to connect and make decisions. (Here’s an explainer on what synod is if you missed it.)
“I’m grateful for the way synod progressed through our business,” said Simon Martin, bishop’s chaplain. “We paid proper attention to the serious parts, we laughed at the funny parts, and we shared our thoughts together in discussion.”
Deborah Oliver, governance support manager and synod minutes secretary, agreed there was a “special sense of collegiality” this year. “Even though there were differing views expressed in the sessions, there was a sense of a spirit of unity in the decisions made.”
Diocesan manager Chris Ward appreciated the quality of conversations, “both in the formal sessions and over a cup of tea and a cheese scone”. “I was especially encouraged by the discussion about parish governance and the shared desire to get the right outcome rather than the quickest one.”
Looking ahead, Chris Ward said our task in the year ahead is to “continue that work to ensure governance arrangements are appropriate, proportionate and fit-for-purpose.”
“I truly enjoyed the strong sense of family at synod, with everyone serving with joy, including how the kids were cared for,” Bishop Steve said. Amanda Poil, our children and families ministry coordinator, made sure children of synod attendees participated in the all-important business of play.
The bishop’s charge last Thursday inspired the people of the diocese to remember their identity as members of a wider body. “My hope is that we will once again cherish the beautiful truth of being one body under Jesus Christ and embrace the conviction that we are stronger when we stand united and reach beyond ourselves.”
Check out other articles in the
series below.
More articles in the
series are to come.
