THE SYNOD rejected a suggested review of church legislation as a means of enabling environmental considerations to balance financial ones when church land was sold.
A motion from Worcester diocesan synod called for “an urgent review of the Endowments and Glebe Measure and other relevant Church legislation” with a view to enabling the lawful disposal of church land “on terms which give proper weight to environmental considerations as well as financial ones”, thus strengthening the moral lead on climate change.
The Bishop of Dudley, the Rt Revd David Walker, introducing the debate last Friday morning, said: “In disposing of land, we are required to maximise the financial return, regardless of the environmental impact.” He did not think that the motion would be the “thin end of the wedge” and erode assets by requiring all manner of other issues to be weighed when selling land.
The Revd Dagmar Winter (Newcastle) wanted the need for more affordable housing to be taken into consideration. Jacob Vince (Chichester) had strong reservations about the motion if covenants were not imposed in perpetuity.
Andrew Britton (Archbishops’ Council) warned that the costs of a review would be considerable. The purpose of assets acquired was to support the ministry.
For the Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Revd John Inge, promoting the importance of the environment must be “about what we do and say”. The motion made sure it was not eclipsed by the financial crisis. But Anne Toms (Peterborough) felt that the motion was “seriously deficient” in not addressing social concerns.
The Archbishop of York, Dr Sentamu, had not heard a groundswell from PCCs and dioceses. He suggested withdrawing the motion and “coming back when we have asked them”.
The Archdeacon of Berkshire, the Ven. Norman Russell, was concerned that there were too many examples of church property sold with covenants attached but later waived. This brought the Church into disrepute. He was “very nervous indeed” about the motion.
It was lost by 98 votes to 83, with 18 recorded abstentions.
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