Highlights from Bishop William Cliff’s Charge to Synod 2025

Bishop William Cliff delivered his Charge to Synod 2025 at the Synod opening service at St. George’s Cathedral.

What follows here is a detailed summary of his charge (a link at the bottom of this page will take you to the full text of the bishop’s charge):

Bishop William Cliff’s Charge to Synod 2025

1. Gratitude and Reflection

• Bishop Cliff opened with a heartfelt thanks to the diocese for their warm welcome since his installation 18 months ago.
• He acknowledged the challenges of visiting every parish but reaffirmed his commitment to being present across the diocese.

2. Theme: “Communities of Hope Through Disruptive Grace”

• The bishop introduced this theme to emphasize how God’s grace often disrupts comfort zones to bring about transformation.
• He encouraged the church to embrace change as a sign of the Spirit’s work, rather than resist it out of fear or nostalgia.

3. The Role of the Church Today

• Bishop Cliff challenged the diocese to move beyond survival mode and into a posture of mission and renewal.
• He emphasized that the church must be a “community of hope”—not just for its members, but for the wider world.

4. Facing Decline with Courage

• He acknowledged the reality of declining attendance and aging congregations but urged the church not to be paralyzed by fear.
• Instead, he called for boldness, creativity, and collaboration in ministry.

5. Collaboration and Shared Ministry

• The bishop advocated for regional cooperation, shared clergy, and lay leadership development.
• He stressed that no parish is alone and that working together is essential for sustainability and growth.

6. Justice and Reconciliation

• Bishop Cliff reaffirmed the diocese’s commitment to truth and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and to social justice more broadly.
• He called on the church to be a prophetic voice in society, advocating for the marginalized and vulnerable.

7. Looking Ahead

• He concluded with a vision of hope, urging the diocese to trust in God’s leading and to be open to the Spirit’s movement.
• The bishop reminded the synod that “we are not called to be successful, but to be faithful.”

Read the bishop’s full text of his Charge to Synod 2025.