There was a very full agenda, but thanks to good chairmanship and strict adherence to the timetable, we managed to fit in every item and finish by 4pm. We were also very pleased to have Bishop Henry with us for Synod, a celebration of the Eucharist and a Confirmation.

The theme of the Synod was certainly Ecumenism. Our visiting speaker, Dr. Eduard Wildbolz of the Swiss National Council of Churches, gave us an extremely interesting historical review of ecumenical relations in Switzerland, where the differences between the Roman Catholic church and the Swiss Reformed church prevented any kind of ecumenical progress for centuries. Gradually, since the second half of the 20th century, a readiness for approach on both sides has led to a much more open attitude. The Swiss National Council of Churches is made up of members from Roman Catholic, Protestant, Reformed, Old Catholic, Orthodox and Free churches. They have now invited the Anglican Church in Switzerland to become a member. The Standing Committee motion proposing acceptance of the invitation was accepted unanimously.

Later in the meeting we also strengthened our commitment to work with the Old Catholics in Switzerland through the St Willibrord Society. As a start they will be invited to send delegates to the meetings of Synod and Clergy Chapter. In our own diocese the appointment of Bishop Geoffrey is, of course, a topic of interest. Bishop Henry, in his humorous manner, gave us a bit more personal information than appears in the official description. As was already evident in the time of Bishop John, changes in the organisation for running this enormous diocese must be made. Several proposals, such as the appointment of area bishops, are being considered. Adrian Mumford from the Diocesan Office talked about the financial implications of this.

Apart from relations in the diocese and on the wider ecumenical basis, we had to skip through several other agenda items fairly quickly. A working group will look at the organisation of the Choir Festival; a model constitution for Swiss chaplaincies is still being studied; publicity within our own network of chaplaincies and also directed towards the outside public, including via the Internet, could be developed much more. On this subject - Surely there must be an individual, or even a chaplaincy, who would be prepared to co-ordinate an exchange of chaplaincy news for our various magazines and newsletters. Let your chaplain know.

Many thanks to members of St Ursula's, Berne for their wonderful hospitality.

Miriam Keller, Secretary to Synod.