Friday, September 5, 2014

Watching paint dry on an overcast day?

Today we begin our deliberations as the Diocese of Christchurch in Synod. Last night we had a lovely opening eucharist at the Transitional Cathedral.

On the books are a series of motions which potentially are so uncontentious as to make paint watching on a cool, overcast day a preferable activity to sitting through quiet discussions in which the bland lead the bland.

Their lack of contention arises from a mixture of factors: parish mergers' motions that represent careful prior consideration and dialogue designed to deal with difficulties well behind the movers; GS statutes for confirmation that ooze arcane detail more potent than the most powerful sleeping pill; even an anti-fossil fuel investment motion is arguably so splendidly in keeping with the Zeitgeist that it will pass more smoothly than a quality sherry at a late afternoon garden party in the Vicarage grounds.

The waking up of the soporifically bored could occur when we discuss Motion 30, but we have no motion on that matter to cross synodical swords on.

But I could be wrong! The sun may come out and speed up the paint drying :)

One merger motion is likely to come in a new manner with a bit of bite to it. I happen to know the bite-giver well! He has helped draft crunchy motions before.

At least one of the GS statutes is stirring up the Dissenters among us.

And yours truly is contemplating asking what hypocrisy is personally involved in voting against investment in fossil fuel companies while being the archdeacon of a distant region and attempting to minister there through lots of driving rather than Skyping :)

There is also the possibility that we will discover some stirrers among us. I am sure I spotted some new faces in the synodical congregation last night ...

4 comments:

liturgy said...

Thanks, Peter.

I am one who thinks that we should vote "No" to the statute to change our Constitution. I think the other statutes also need to be sent back to General Synod to be thought through better, rather than adding further to our confusion.

Those interested can follow my points from here.

See you soon.

Blessings

Bosco

Pageantmaster said...

Prayers for your great Synodical cogitations Peter+.

Father Ron Smith said...

"On the books are a series of motions which potentially are so uncontentious as to make paint watching on a cool, overcast day a preferable activity to sitting through quiet discussions in which the bland lead the bland." - P.C.

I guess, Peter, if motion 30 had appeared up for discussion, the paint would have dried very quickly - like a blow-torch had hit it. Never mind. One day you'll enjoy retirement, like me - and not be forced to attend.

Enjoy your naps!

Father Ron Smith said...

In retrospect, Motion 30 did come up for discussion, which seemingly proceeded without a cavalry charge. I pray for the 'Way forward' group charged with its further implementation - that God's holy will may be done.