It may be that all this seems a little remote from the more domestic concerns of our Synod. I hope, however, we shall see that in the business before us today there are profound connections with the issues to do with the development of our urban and rural communities. Our discussion on the themes and priorities for the Archbishops' Council will open our eyes to the Church of England's determination to engage with and be prophetic about social issues, to equip people to set forward the gospel, to work effectively with children and young people and to develop the ministry of all the people of God. We simply cannot do this without learning about, reflecting upon and participating in the structures and the organisations and the processes which are changing our urban and rural environment. Throughout the prophets we find the conviction that the city or the community, however corrupted, can be restored, regenerated and redeemed, that it can be home to the exile, that it can offer sanctuary to the stranger and justice to the oppressed and persecuted.
Space becomes a place only when there are stories and hopes lodged there.
The experience of exile and captivity is the experience of being coerced into a space rather choosing to live in a trusted place. The Church has unique and privileged opportunities to create trusted places both in the city and the countryside where people feel at home, where their stories are recognised and where their community has a soul. As we are seen to be participating in that process we shall find, perhaps without realising it, that we are indeed witnessing to the living presence of Christ in our society and contributing to the building of God's kingdom.