Appointment of Archbishops’ Council Member.

THE General Synod approved the re-election of Mark Sheard to the Archbishops’ Council for a further term until 2027. The Archbishop of York described Mr Sheard’s contribution as “extremely valuable”; his enthusiasm was evident throughout both the national Church and his own church, St John’s, Ealing.

His was the voice asking the most challenging and important questions and championing the laity, said Archbishop Cottrell, who commended, in particular, Mr Sheard’s chairing of the Mission and Public Affairs Committee and the instrumental part that he played in the work of the Evangelism and Discipleship Group. He had also shown “wisdom, care, and a wealth of experience” in steering the charity World Vision through the pandemic.

“Mark is a joy to have as a colleague,” he concluded.

Dr Jamie Harrison was re-elected as Chair of the House of Laity at a meeting called after the Synod prorogued.