Arquivo12 Journal: First South American Diocesan Synod of the Free Church of England (September 2018)

This synod was very special since it was the first diocesan synod of South America. It was held on the 29 and 30 of September, 2018 and it had members coming from different parts of Brazil. Unfortunately there weren't members from Venezuela, given the current though situation the country is in but hopefully there will be an event in which we all will meet.

Summary of the Synod 2018

FIRST SOUTH AMERICAN DIOCESAN SYNOD OF THE FREE CHURCH OF ENGLAND

On the sunny morning of the 29th of September, 2018, the members of the Free Church of England in Brazil start to gather at Bom Pastor Chapel, in São Paulo City for the first South American Diocesan Synod. Some of them coming from near towns and some coming from distant States of the country, such as Pernambuco and Rondônia, both Northern Brazil; Unfortunately there are no members coming from Venezuela due to the country’s problematic economic and political situation. In the chapel the ambient is positive and rejoiceful as there are greetings and chats all over the place. Each participant gets many texts and leaflets also a book about the 500 years of the Protestant Reformation, which has some clergy of the church as co-authors. Rev. Marcos Bessa then check the credentials of all attendants and at 10am the synod is initiated with a prayer. Bishop Josep Rosello gives an introduction speech and the first election of the day is held with new occupations for positions in the standing committee and some other commissions. Rev Regis then takes the place of Rev. Marcos Bessa at the main table once Rev. Regis is the new elected secretary. Bishop Josep reads his report which is approved by the attendants, the same happens to the Secretary’s, Synod’s Task Force’s and Financial report the latter coming with a wake-up call for the leaders to manage better their reports so there can be more organisation and mutual help when necessary. The participants show much interested in what’s being presented and participate actively, being important to mention the high number of female attendants, one of the higher percentage of the last synods. The next stage is the presentation of proposals, all of them seem positive and promising, well welcomed by members. When lunch time comes the fellowship continues as we all walk together to a nearby restaurant. Back to the chapel, the Synod goes on with interesting discussions about the Anglican identity and the priority of being a biblical Christian above all names, divisions and denominations. It was also mentioned the project of producing the Book of Common Prayer in Portuguese, started by Bishop Josep. After a period of questions and answers and a final speech by Bishop Josep, a final prayer is made by Bishop Francisco Buzzo, closing that Saturday of meeting, discussion and important decisions. The next day would come with ordinations and Holy Communion, as the positive ambient and fellowship remain among the participants. During the afternoon Bishop Josep and some other church members head to the central area of São Paulo City to take part in the Marcha Pela Vida (Marching for life), a pro life event held by leaders of several denominations. It was a blessed and productive weekend and we are all glad to be part of what we consider History as that was the first South American Diocesan Synod and we hope and pray that God will bless us to keep growing wisely and strategically while we spread the good news of Jesus Christ, obeying the commandment of making disciples wherever we go.