commission. This interim report identifies key points and offers suggestions of reflective questions based on the engagement so far. It is accepted that these will evolve and develop as more responses are gathered and thus, the shape of the Synod will be revealed. From your responses it has become apparent that the challenges identified so far by the laity are inter-generational, they cross the geographical area of the Diocese and are not bound by social or economic constraints. Therefore, the Synod will seek to respond on behalf of Paisley Diocese while being sensitive to the needs of individuals and parishes. Equally, the examples of parishes, organisations, schools, families and individuals who see of faith-filled activity and signs of hope emerging within the Church are not limited to one area. The Synod will discern how to harness this new and evolving life for the benefit of the whole Diocese. The following paragraphs offer a summary of the responses received, with questions to prompt deeper reflection on the points raised. The Synod process: communication and inclusion Responses indicated that it is important to be clear what the Synod hopes to achieve and care should be taken to ensure that the Diocese is managing the high expectations the laity have for this process, including sensitivity to people who may feel they have been Therefore, the language used to introduce the Synod ‘excluded'. should be inclusive. While the Bishop's Catechesis was an opportunity to learn, parishioners also need an opportunity to participate, not merely to listen so there should be various ways in which people can respond. Questions for reflection: What further steps can be taken to engage the Diocesan community in the Synod process? What platforms can be used to reach out to those who may feel excluded? How can we ensure that people feel that they have been heard? Supporting all of the Church to fulfil all of the Mission: It is that within our Diocese there is already an understanding of what laity means. This has been illustrated by our primary school children who have given insightful answers to questions about roles and responsibilities. For example, pupils were able to tell us that the laity are: All followers of Christ; people who work to spread the Good news; the majority of people in the Church and we can do things in the Church and for the Church. Pupils were also able to describe the job of
commission. This interim report identifies key points and offers suggestions of reflective questions based on the engagement so far. It is accepted that these will evolve and develop as more responses are gathered and thus, the shape of the Synod will be revealed. From your responses it has become apparent that the challenges identified so far by the laity are inter-generational, they cross the geographical area of the Diocese and are not bound by social or economic constraints. Therefore, the Synod will seek to respond on behalf of Paisley Diocese while being sensitive to the needs of individuals and parishes. Equally, the examples of parishes, organisations, schools, families and individuals who see of faith-filled activity and signs of hope emerging within the Church are not limited to one area. The Synod will discern how to harness this new and evolving life for the benefit of the whole Diocese. The following paragraphs offer a summary of the responses received, with questions to prompt deeper reflection on the points raised. The Synod process: communication and inclusion Responses indicated that it is important to be clear what the Synod hopes to achieve and care should be taken to ensure that the Diocese is managing the high expectations the laity have for this process, including sensitivity to people who may feel they have been ‘excluded'. Therefore, the language used to introduce the Synod should be inclusive. While the Bishop's Catechesis was an opportunity to learn, parishioners also need an opportunity to participate, not merely to listen so there should be various ways in which people can respond. Questions for reflection: What further steps can be taken to engage the Diocesan community in the Synod process? What platforms can be used to reach out to those who may feel excluded? How can we ensure that people feel that they have been heard? Supporting all of the Church to fulfil all of the Mission: It is that within our Diocese there is already an understanding of what laity means. This has been illustrated by our primary school children who have given insightful answers to questions about roles and responsibilities. For example, pupils were able to tell us that the laity are: All followers of Christ; people who work to spread the Good news; the majority of people in the Church and we can do things in the Church and for the Church. Pupils were also able to describe the job of