This was described as the most intense and hard working Synod for many years with some major issues to be tackled. There was little or no time for R&R with a full programme plus extra meetings of the House of Clergy and Laity and the Standing committee and clergy wives.

One of the major issues to be tackled was the projected financial shortfall in the accounts and budget which had been highlighted by the correspondence from Bahrain to both Bishop and the Diocesan Secretary.

The Annual Diocesan Accounts 2004/2005 and Budget 2006/2007 were presented by the Bishop himself at the opening session highlighting the financial problems we face. Although most chaplaincies, including Bahrain, have increased their annual contribution to the Diocese this will not immediately relieve the situation. The Synod resolved to set up immediately a task force of professionals to examine the accounts and their implications and report back to the Standing Committee by the end of April. The Standing Committee has brought forward the date of its next meeting. One short term necessity will be to draw on the interest from the Endowment Fund which has limited capacity. A late measure to begin bolstering the Diocesan Endowment Fund is for all chaplaincies to make an annual donation to the E.F. of the equivalent of ₤120 sterling (= ₤10 per month).

The Aden situation was also examined in depth. The Diocese is committed to supporting a chaplain and the eye clinic. A fund raising scheme is being put in place for this significant aspect of our diocesan outreach. In the meantime all chaplaincies are once again urged to include Aden in their annual outward giving targets. This had formerly been a policy of the Diocese but has declined over the years.
Two other main issues arose:

The desperate need for much better communication of information across the Diocese and the need to emphasize the fact that we are above all part of the worldwide Anglican Communion in ALL our chaplaincies.

Alan Hayday