For the first time since 2019 (because of the coronavirus pandemic), the diocesan synod of the Diocese in Europe met at the Kardinal-Schultehaus in Cologne in the first week of June (Diocesan Synod - Diocese in Europe (anglican.org) ). The Chaplain-President was present as the diocese's Living in Love and Faith advocate (Living in Love and Faith | The Church of England ). During synod, Bishop Robert commissioned the Revd Dr Catriona Laing (priest-in-charge of St Martha and St Mary Leuven) as assistant dean of women's ministry in the diocese, alongside Canon Debbie Flach (chaplain of Christchurch Lille) as dean of women's ministry (Diocese appoints Dean and Assistant Dean of Women's Ministry - Latest News (anglican.org) ). The synod was a very happy time of friendship and community after the privations and sufferings of the pandemic.