Several motions to amend the Diocesan Canons and Bylaws were presented by Chancellor Henry Schultz. These proposed:
- changes to parish governance, including a motion to clarify that every congregation must be governed by a vestry
- changes to terminology around financial matters, including removal of references to the clergy retirement fund;
- clarification of roles for Synod Officers and Executives of Synod
- clarification of diocesan indemnification authority.
The motions were all carried.
Of note was a motion Schultz put forward to remove a paragraph from a canon which provided that that the diocesan clergy list may include those clergy who from time to time may hold offices including, “headmaster or headmistress or chaplain of residential school situated in the diocese.” Schultz stated that given the history of the schools, it is clear that the paragraph should be removed, even if there never were any residential schools in the diocese. The motion was seconded by Kathryn Fournier, a member of the All My Relations Circle, who said removing the paragraph, which implicitly shows support for the residential school system, is an act of reconciliation.
The motion was carried.
The Synod honoured Justice Murray Sinclair, who led the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and had passed away earlier in the week, with a moment of silence and a prayer.
Ascension House directors working to reduce parish costs and increase services
Bishop provides guidance for parishes facing major change
Time of Prayer resources posted
Contextual mission guide online
Telling our parish ministry story
Synod renews commitment to work for housing justice
Guest speaker encourages Synod to focus on the deep spiritual question of ‘Why?’
Archbishop of Jerusalem sends greetings
Le repentir : Le chemin de la vie