Diocese of Rochester: General Synod Elections 2015
Be Properly Represented 'BPR'
An initiative to make sure that you are properly represented in
your church ...and an invitation to lunch!
Although there are encouraging signs that legislation to allow women bishops will have been
passed before the next Synod is formed in 2015, there will be many other issues on which you may
want your voice to be heard. These are likely to include:
• Issues related to marriage, gender
• Worship and sexuality
• Mission and Evangelism in our multi faith society
• How we pay for ministry
• Ecumenical and Anglican communion
• Christian Ministries with Young People
• Interfaith relations
• Social justice
Be Properly Represented is an initiative by 3 former General Synod members who are not standing
again. Its overarching aim is to promote active engagement in the processes that lead to the
election of General Synod members so that, between them, the elected members fairly represent the whole diocese (geographical spread, age, gender, race etc.) respecting the spiritual depth and intellectual breadth of the Church of England..
The BPR initiative has three strands in order to:
• Encourage a wide range of clergy and laity to stand for election to the General Synod
• Ensure that Deanery Synod members know that they are the people who elect members to
the House of Laity of the General Synod, and that they exercise their right to vote.
• Raise awareness among all church members in parishes and deaneries, so that they can ask
questions, make nominations and take an active interest in Deanery, Diocesan and General Synod elections.
A few facts:
• Rochester has 5 lay members and 4 clergy members of the General Synod.
• There are 7 men and 2 women
• Their ages range from 47 - 79
• Most live in the Tonbridge Archdeaconry - see map
• None live in the Rochester Archdeaconry
• In the 2010 elections 99 clergy out of a possible 288 and 214 lay deanery synod members
out of a possible 532 did not use their vote.
• Deanery Synod elections are in March 2014
What can you do?
• Think about standing for Deanery or General Synod
• Look around, think about people you know who would be good Deanery Synod or General
Synod members and encourage them consider standing.
• Ask those who are standing for election what they think about issues that concern you, so that you
can use your vote wisely.
• Remind Deanery Synod members to use their vote in the General Synod elections in 2015.
Map: The small red stars show where current 9 members of the General Synod live.
How can we help? If you are interested in standing for General Synod please:
1. Get in touch with one of us
2. Pray about it and ask close friends what they think
3. Come to the Synod Enquirers lunch on 29th March 2014 at Bishopscourt, 12.00 - 2.00pm.
There we will give a brief talk on what is involved, how to stand for election etc, and answer
any questions that you might have. This will not commit you to anything, and may even
convince you that it's that last thing you want to do! To sign up for the lunch contact Bridget Langstaff.
Who are we?
We are all previous General Synod members who will not stand for election again.
Bridget Langstaff - lay member for Birmingham 1990 - 2004
Brian McHenry - lay member for Southwark 1980-85 & 1987-2005, now a parish priest in Rochester
Gordon Oliver - clergy member for Rochester 1995-2013
General Synod Enquirers Lunch: 29th March 2014 12.00 - 2.00 Lunch served at 12.30
At: Bishopscourt, 24 St Margarets Street, Rochester, ME1 1TS
Let Bridget know if you would like to attend, and whether you have any dietary requirements. Please feel free to bring a friend. Some parking is available.
Emails: bridget.langstaff@btinternet.com Mobile: 07816 828439
canongordon.oliver@gmail.com and brian@mchenry.co.uk
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