Dear Friends,
After much thought and discussion with the Synod Secretary and District Administrator, I have taken the decision to cancel Synod this Saturday, following the death of our monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. We find ourselves in a period of national mourning, with Parliament not meeting and many decisions being taken regarding different events, that it feels the right decision for us at this moment.
During this sad and historic period I feel it is important to release people to witness or engage with the events as they unfold in the days leading up to the State Funeral. I hope you understand and appreciate my decision at this unprecedented time.
With regard to the business of Synod, we are obliged by our Constitutional Practice to meet once a year and so we will gather as planned on 22nd April in Chandler’s Ford for our Spring Representative Synod. In the meantime, there is some business which we will complete via email and we will be in touch about this in the days after the late Queen’s funeral.
We are grateful to the Dorset South & West Circuit who were due to host us and thank them for all their work in preparation up to this point. We hope to return to Dorchester on another occasion, and to invite our keynote speaker to join us at a future Synod, as he is unable to be with us following the events of last week.
Please be assured of my prayers as you prepare for your own local services, to gather with family and friends to watch the State Funeral, or to be with your own thoughts and reflections.
Every blessing
The Revd Andrew de Ville l Chair of DistrictSouthampton District | The Methodist Church