Yesterday saw a trip to Renfrew for the Diocesan Synod. It was a synod marked by the number of DVD’s we saw. One on Aqua Boxes – this years Bishop’s Lent Appeal will be buying some; one on Back To Church Sunday; and one called the Iman and The Pastor. This last one is the story of Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye, once enemies in rival militia they have now been reconciled and work together for the good of their community. It is a remarkable story about hope and forgiveness which gladdens the heart, and while we only saw a short section of it yesterday, I hope that I will soon see it all.
Apart from a debate over Disability Access and how the church monitors it’s adherence to the legislation, the Synod was pretty run of the mill, that is until the end. At the end of Synod Bishop Idris; who is also currently the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church; announced his intention to retire at the end of July, a Bishop’s departure is never run of the mill.
