The Church of England in Norfolk and North-East Suffolk
Press Release
TO: LOCAL MEDIA
FROM: Jan McFarlane on Wednesday 17 October 2007

Diocesan Synod - Briefing Note
The next meeting of the Norwich Diocesan Synod will be on Saturday 20th October at St Luke's Church Centre, Aylsham Road, Norwich from 9.30am-1.00pm and members of the media are welcome to attend. (Please note that timings are very approximate)

The three more newsworthy items on the agenda are: The Rural Church – Millstone or Community Anchor? The Revd Lorna Allies, Diocesan Rural Adviser, will give a presentation on the role of the church in rural communities. She will be exploring the perception and value of the church in rural communities, the shape of today’s rural community including issues such as affordable housing, access to services, migrant workers and farming and she will take a look at the possible future role of the rural church within a community. (from approximately 10.45am-11.00am) Understanding Marriage – Weddings and Church Weddings : Gillian Oliver from the Church of England Communications Unit will outline the results of resent research into the modern day wedding market and why couples do – or don’t – choose to marry in church. (Apparently its because the clergy are scary!) (Approximately 11.50am-12.45pm) The Diocesan Director of Education, Mr Andy Mash, will be giving an overview of the work undertaken in our 112 church schools (Approximately 09.40am-10.30am) ENDS The Revd Jan McFarlane 07818 422395 / 01603 614172