The United Ecumenical Catholic Church
Synod
7th - 9th August 2009,
All Saints Pastoral Centre, London Colney
Members of the United Ecumenical Catholic Church from around the world gathered at All Saints Pastoral Centre in London Colney this summer. Delegates came from the UK, Canada, America and Australia.
We are an emerging church and respond to growth and change as the Holy Spirit challenges us. Meeting in Synod we explored the themes of "Mission," "Integrity" and "Vision."
Mission : This first open session discussed and made proposals regarding Incardination, the discernment process and Parish audits
Integrity : Our second Plenary session considered and made proposals for Clergy Training and Education, Formation, Sacraments, Liturgy, Archives and Titles.
Vision : Our final Plenary session identified issues related to Church growth, Religious Orders, Women Clergy and Internet presence.
Next Synod : It was agreed that the next Synod will be held in August 2013, in Australia. At that Synod, Most Rev Ronald Langham will be installed as the UECC’s Presiding Bishop
Bishop Terry installed as the presiding Bishop of the UECC
left to right : +Roger (UK), +Jack (Hawaii) +Don (New Zealand) +Terry (UK) +Bruce (USA) +Ron (Australia)
left to right : Rev Deacon Philip. Rev Bro. Luke EFO,Rev Fr. Brizz & Rev Fr. Paul, Rev Fr. Greg,
A message from one of our delegates...
"Our feet haven't touch the ground yet. How could they after the Sunday Mass ? It was almost a second Pentecost. An absolution swept over everyone and a massive healing seemed to take place where everyone felt such a sense of family and love...."
A message from Archbishop Bruce...
"I was truly impressed by the sense of purpose of those gathered in the vineyard along with the spirituality that accompanied it. The great sadness is that we can't get together weekly as that. It makes me want to come to England in the future just to be with you all. As a lowly Bishop, I contribute what small gifts I have to those who might want them. As with you all, my love of Terry seeing him in his new role only served to heighten my own sense of gratitude for God urging me to call him to Episcopal Orders."
A message from Bishop Don
"Over my 29 years as a priest, I have been to many Synods, but none have moved me like this one. There were many highlights, the meetings were fruitful, people did not always agree, but disagreed in love, the Liturgies all expressed our ecumenical nature. It seemed to me that the Liturgies all led to one another as the power of the Holy Spirit took hold and led us to that very moving Sunday Service. Thank you all, +Jack, +Terry and +Ron for your inspiration, your encouragement, and for sending us out to spread the "Good News" in our own areas."
A message from Archbishop Terry Flynn...
"In 33 years of priesthood I have never experienced so fully what that picture of me at the top of this page shows - rapture in the presence of Jesus. He walked with us in the gardens, sat with us at table and socialised, presided at our discussions - allowing me to keep his seat free - and above all allowed us to sense his presence and love of the Father as He worshipped and we joined in.
NEVER to be forgotten, but now a demand on all of us to share such riches."
Our Synod also gave us opportunity to get to know each other better
"The UECC, is a prophetic sign in this country, and indeed the world, of how the church of Christ could be. Change has to be created by people generous enough to pursue the vision of an inclusive ‘catholic’ church. If prophetic individuals and groups can show how the Church of God could be then maybe this will bring about a real vision of hope."
Our Synod photo album