10th June 2025 Minutes

Present

Area Dean – Rev John Carruthers, St Paul’s Church Newington
Lay Chair – Akin Akinwunmi, St Paul’s Church Newington
Treasurer – Bett Llewellyn, St Christopher’s
Secretary – Keith Potter, St Agnes, Kennington
CYP Deanery Rep – Anastasia Obeng, St Paul’s Church

Presenting Guest

Fiona Foreman, College and University Chaplaincy Development Officer
Contact Details: Fiona.Foreman@southwark.anglican.org

Parish Representatives

Rev Robin Wright, St Agnes Kennington
Rev Levi Santana, St Michael’s Camberwell
Rev Desrene Swaby, St MIchael Camberwell
Francis Okuusu, St Michael’s Camberwell
Maureen Egbaka,
Rev Delorine, St Hughs & Southwark Cathedral
Michael Aspell, St Hughs
Matilda Taylor Young, St John’s Walworth
Clare Penton Jones, Southwark Cathedral
Fiona Andrews, St George the Martyr
June Lewis, St Agnes
Andrew Mumby, St Peter’s Walworth
Rev Alan Wilde, St Peter’s Walworth
Cheryl Bartels, St Peter’s Walworth
Rev Ellen Eames, St Christopher’s
Alex Garzillia, St Christophers, Walworth
Biyi Odusanya, St Christophers, Walworth

Apologies

Rev Stuart Labran, St Mary’s Kennington

Presentation by Fiona Foreman – Higher and Further Education Chaplaincy,
Contact details – Fiona.Foreman@southwark.anglican.org

Report

1. Overview of Chaplaincy in the Church

• Chaplaincy is gaining recognition across various sectors, including education, healthcare, military, prisons, and universities.
• The Church of England is actively elevating the profile of chaplaincy, with Bishop Ruth Horsley serving as the Lead Bishop of Chaplaincy.
• Dr. Josh Hunt has been appointed as a chaplaincy specialist, particularly focusing on schools and Further Education (FE) colleges.
• More than 20 dioceses have financially invested in chaplaincy development, highlighting its growing importance.

See the full report here…

Discussion and Reports Re Carroty Wood and IONA

Mother Ellen and Father Andrew talked about two CYP initiatives this year. We’re raising funds for the trip to IONA a beautiful and holy island retreat in Scotland.

Last year we had up 20 young people from St Peters and St Paul’s who stayed there for a week. We are looking to raise £8k to take them in August this year.

Also raising funds for a trip to Carroty Wood, a Christian camping and adventure playground in Kent. Need to raise £100 per young person. 

Links to both of these fundraiser are here: 

IONA fundraiser 

Carroty Wood <– coming soon!

Brief Update from General Synod

Father Andrew summarized his report from General Synod

• General Synod Discussions:
  • Debate around racial justice and reparatory justice—especially regarding historical church investments in the transatlantic slave trade.
  • Safeguarding developments, focusing on independent oversight within the Church of England.
  • Living in Love and Faith project, exploring inclusion and same-sex relationships in the church.
    
• Encouragement for Young Parishioners Heading to University:
  • Churches are encouraged to support departing year 13 students by ensuring spiritual connections in their new university cities.

Brief Update  Diocesan Synod

Keith Potter and Akin Akinwunmi

Brief Update from Treasurer

Bett Llewelyn talked about Deanery Subs.

Parish Fundraising and Financial Management:

Mission Fund Allocation: The Deanery possesses restricted mission funds, originally secured for an initiative that did not materialize. While these funds must be used for mission-related projects, discussions suggested reintroducing a small annual contribution from churches to cover operating costs (postage, refreshments, administration).

Parish Reports

Parish Updates Summary

The discussion highlighted various updates and developments across different parishes, showcasing ongoing projects, new initiatives, and upcoming events.

1. New Appointments

• St. John’s Parish Walworth: Welcoming a new vicar, Rev Ben Vertannes with their licensing scheduled for July 3rd. This marks a new chapter for the parish after their previous vicar served for 29 years.
• St. Hugh’s Parish: Recently welcomed a new chaplain, Mother Delorine, strengthening their pastoral care services.
  
• Curate Arrivals:
  
  • St. Paul’s Parish is hosting the ordination of new curates to the Priesthood on 5th July 
  • St. Peter’s Parish is welcoming a new curate on June 28th.
  • St. George’s Parish is also receiving a new curate.

2. Educational and Youth Programs

• Deanery Youth Residential: Scheduled for August 18th, a three-day youth event at Carroty Wood, a Christian activity center. The program aims to provide young people (ages 10-18) with time away from London, faith-based development, and strengthened relationships across the Deanery.
• Young Adults’ Pilgrimage to Iona: A pilgrimage for young people is planned for the second week of August, offering a reflective and transformative spiritual experience.

3. Special Church Events and Projects

• Windrush Generation Exhibition: An exhibition at St. Anne’s Parish is open for public viewing until the end of July. The exhibition runs daily from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, with group visits available by appointment. The exhibition aims to highlight and honor the experiences of the Windrush generation.
  
  

4. Deanery-Level Updates

• General Synod Discussions:
  
  • Debate around racial justice and reparatory justice—especially regarding historical church investments in the transatlantic slave trade.
  • Safeguarding developments, focusing on independent oversight within the Church of England.
  • Living in Love and Faith project, exploring inclusion and same-sex relationships in the church.
    
• Encouragement for Young Parishioners Heading to University:
  
  • Churches are encouraged to support departing year 13 students by ensuring spiritual connections in their new university cities.
  • Strengthening relationships between local churches and university chaplains.
    

8.00pm – End with the Grace

Next meeting date notice on http://lasand.uk when its decided