Archdeacon of Lynn makes debut speech at General Synod on the joy of rural churches and support from lay volunteers

The Venerable Catherine Dobson, Archdeacon of Lynn, made a remarkable debut speech at the General Synod on July 13, 2025, as she participated in the debate on Church Growth and Revitalisation. Her speech was a heartfelt tribute to the dedicated individuals and parishes in the Archdeaconry of Lynn, who are passionately living out their faith and making a significant impact in their communities. As she began her speech, Archdeacon Dobson expressed her gratitude to the chair and to Kate Wharton for the helpful document and presentation. She also shared that this was her first speech at the Synod, despite having served for the entire Quinquennium, and that she had not initially intended to speak. However, she felt compelled to share the amazing work of God in the people and parishes of the Archdeaconry of Lynn, which she has had the privilege of witnessing and being a part of.

As Archdeacon Dobson shared stories from various parishes, it became clear that the Church is indeed alive and thriving, even in the midst of challenges and vacancies. She spoke about the parish of Roughton, where she had recently joined in worship to celebrate the opening of new facilities and the twelfth anniversary of the Open the Book team sharing Bible stories with the village school. She also highlighted the commitment of church members in Gayton, Grimston, and Massingham, who are involved in the young adults’ pilgrimage to Taize and have elected a new churchwarden. Additionally, she shared about the churchwardens, local clergy, and rural dean in Hunstanton and Saxon Shore, who are working together to discern God’s leading and running a well-used foodbank in the town. These stories demonstrate the dedication and passion of laypeople and clergy, who are living out their faith in creative and meaningful ways. Archdeacon Dobson’s speech was not just a report on the activities of the parishes, but a celebration of the ways in which God is at work in the lives of ordinary people, transforming them and enabling them to make a significant impact in their communities.

One of the most striking aspects of Archdeacon Dobson’s speech was her emphasis on the importance of laypeople and churchwardens in the life of the Church. She paid tribute to those who have been faithful to Christ throughout their lives, giving generously of their time, talents, gifts, and resources. As she prepared to admit new churchwardens to office, she acknowledged the vital role they play in the Church, often behind the scenes and without recognition. Archdeacon Dobson’s words were a powerful reminder that the Church is not just about clergy and leaders, but about the collective efforts of all members, who are called to live out their faith in the ordinary, everyday moments. Her speech was a call to recognize and support the invaluable contributions of laypeople and churchwardens, particularly in parishes that are in vacancy. By sharing these stories and highlighting the importance of laypeople, Archdeacon Dobson’s speech inspired and encouraged the members of the Synod to continue working together to build a vibrant and thriving Church.

As Archdeacon Dobson reflected on the experiences of the parishes in the Archdeaconry of Lynn, she posed a crucial question: how can we best support churchwardens and laypeople in vacancy, as they live out their faith in the midst of challenges and uncertainty? She suggested that there may be lessons to be learned from the Setting God’s People Free initiative, which could be incorporated into the document being discussed. This question highlights the need for the Church to think creatively and strategically about how to support and empower laypeople and churchwardens, particularly in rural areas where resources may be limited. By exploring new approaches and initiatives, the Church can help to unlock the potential of laypeople and churchwardens, enabling them to thrive and make a significant impact in their communities. Archdeacon Dobson’s speech was a powerful reminder that the Church is not just an institution, but a living, breathing community of people, who are called to live out their faith in the world.

The stories shared by Archdeacon Dobson were a testament to the fact that God is indeed at work in the lives of ordinary people, even in the midst of challenges and vacancies. The parishes she mentioned, such as Mattishall benefice and the Coxfords group, are examples of communities where laypeople are taking ownership of their faith and living it out in creative and meaningful ways. These stories demonstrate that the Church is not just a Sunday morning gathering, but a vibrant and thriving community of people, who are committed to living out their faith in the world. As Archdeacon Dobson so eloquently put it, “Rural may be small, but it is beautiful, and God can be found there.” Her words were a powerful reminder that the Church is not just about numbers or attendance, but about the quality of relationships, the depth of faith, and the impact that people are having in their communities. By sharing these stories and highlighting the importance of laypeople, Archdeacon Dobson’s speech inspired and encouraged the members of the Synod to continue working together to build a vibrant and thriving Church.

In conclusion, Archdeacon Dobson’s debut speech at the General Synod was a powerful and inspiring tribute to the dedicated individuals and parishes in the Archdeaconry of Lynn. Her stories and reflections highlighted the importance of laypeople and churchwardens in the life of the Church, and posed crucial questions about how to support and empower them, particularly in parishes that are in vacancy. As the Church continues to navigate the challenges of the 21st century, Archdeacon Dobson’s speech was a timely reminder of the need to think creatively and strategically about how to unlock the potential of laypeople and churchwardens. By working together and supporting each other, the Church can continue to thrive and make a significant impact in the world, even in the midst of challenges and uncertainties. Archdeacon Dobson’s speech was a call to action, a reminder that the Church is not just an institution, but a living, breathing community of people, who are called to live out their faith in the world. As we reflect on her words and the stories she shared, we are reminded that God is indeed at work in the lives of ordinary people, transforming them and enabling them to make a significant impact in their communities.