Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was lamented by the General Synod on Monday, after a debate that focused on the importance of justice, negotiation, and peace-making.<\/p>\n
Several amendments were made to the motion, which had been introduced by the Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, on Friday afternoon. One proposed amendment \u2014 to change the call for a \u201cnegotiated peace\u201d to a \u201cjust peace\u201d \u2014 was rejected by a margin of ten votes.<\/p>\n
The debate began on Friday, but was adjourned owing to the delay caused by a climate protest by the Christian arm of Extinction Rebellion (News, 8 July). It resumed on Monday morning.<\/p>\n
On Friday, Bishop Baines said that, although there might be disagreement \u201cabout the specificity of particular policies\u201d, this \u201cshouldn\u2019t dissuade us\u201d from contributing to discussions around the war.<\/p>\n
He referred to media comments about a discussion paper that accompanied the motion when it was published two weeks ago, and told the Synod that \u201ccontrary to what you may have read in the press recently, this paper does not articulate a fixed position\u201d, but rather attempts to outline debates \u201cfrom first principles\u201d<\/p>\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Archbishop of Canterbury @JustinWelby<\/a> endorsed Bishop Baines\u2019s speech. \u201cPeacemaking requires humility and sacrifice,\u201d he said, but noted that it \u201cneeds confrontation\u201d, as Jesus demonstrated \u201cwith those opposing him\u201dhttps:\/\/t.co\/ftfgdrgcI2<\/a><\/p>\n — Church Times (@ChurchTimes) July 11, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n \n