MINUTES OF THE THIRTY-EIGHTH SESSION
OF THE GENERAL SYNOD
JUNE 19 – 25, 2007
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 2007
Morning Prayer took place in the Plenary Hall.
The Primate, Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, was in the Chair and called the meeting to order.
Orders of the Day
Mrs. Barbara Burrows, Chair of the Agenda Committee, reviewed the Orders of the Day.
Moved by: Rev. Christopher Pratt
Seconded by: Bishop Barry Clarke
That the Orders of the Day for June 20, 2007, be accepted.
No Debate List
Canon Dr. Martin Hendy, Chair of the Resolutions Committee, reviewed the procedure for placing resolutions on the No Debate List. He presented the following list (as at June 20th):
| A060 | Motion to Close Debate |
| A080 | Amendment to Canon VIII – GS Pension & Benefit |
| A081 | Amendment to Canon XII – Continuing Education Plan |
| A082 | Canon XVII – The Licensing of Clergy |
| A260 | Amendment to Regulations of Canon VIII – GS Pension Plan |
| A261 | Amendment to Regulations of Canon IX – Lay Retirement Plan |
| A262 | Amendment to Regulations of Canon XII – Continuing Education Plan |
| A160 | Auditor’s Report and Financial Statements |
| A161 | Appointment of Auditors |
| A180 | Merger of Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committees |
| A043 | The Constitution – Merger of Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committees |
| A182 | Membership of new Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committee |
| A181 | Mandate of new Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committee |
| A044 | Composition of Communications and Information Resources Committee |
| A042 | Membership of Standing Committees |
| A023 | Election… National Indigenous Anglican Bishop – 1st Reading |
| A024 | Membership of NIAB in General Synod |
| A025 | Re the Bishop Ordinary – 1st Reading |
| A263 | Amendment to Long Term Disability Plan Pre 2005 Document |
| A264 | Adoption of new LTD Plan and subsequent amendments to Regulations |
| A021 | Amending Procedures – 1st Reading |
| A022 | Procedures for Enacting Canons, etc. – 1st Reading |
| A020 | Declaration of Principles – Eligibility of Clergy – 2nd Reading |
| A040 | Constitution – Eligibility of Clergy |
| A041 | Constitution – Voting in the Council of General Synod |
| A220 | FWM – Anglican Orthodox Relations |
| A221 | FWM – Code of Ethics |
| A222 | FWM – Ecumenical Participation in Ordination (later removed from list) |
| A223 | FWM – French Translation of Liturgical Texts |
| A225 | FWM – Interfaith Education and Dialogue |
| A250 | PIM – Companion Diocese Relationships |
| A251 | PIM – Sri Lanka |
| A252 | PIM – Philippines |
| A253 | PIM – Darfur/Sudan |
| A280 | PIM – Partnership for Life |
Introductions
The Primate made the following introductions:
Head Table
Mr. Justice Ronald Stevenson, Chancellor
Mrs. Susan Winn, Deputy Prolocutor
Dean Peter Elliott, Prolocutor
Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, Primate
Archdeacon Michael Pollesel, General Secretary
Ms. Patricia Henshaw, Recording Secretary
Chairs and Members of Sessional Committees
| Agenda Committee: | Mrs. Barbara Burrows, Chair |
| Resolutions Committee: | Canon Dr. Martin Hendy, Chair |
| Expenditures Committee: | Mrs. Judy Darling, Chair |
| Nominating Committee: | Bishop Susan Moxley, Chair |
| Worship Committee: | Dean Peter Wall, Chair |
| Honorary Secretaries: | Mrs. Margaret Jenniex, Honorary Lay Secretary Ms. Kathy Hartsook, Honorary Assistant Lay Secretary Rev. Canon John Alfred Steele, Honorary Clerical Secretary Rev. Karen Chalk, Honorary Assistant Clerical Secretary |
| Assessors: | Mr. Justice Brian Burrows, Coordinator Dr. Beth Bilson, Saskatoon Canon Robert Falby, Toronto Mr. David Jones, Edmonton Rev. Alan Perry, Montreal |
Partners
| Ecumenical Partners: | The Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, General Secretary The Rev. Sonja Free and Dr. Gail Allan, Ecumenical Officer Most Rev. Emilius Goulet, Archbishop of St. Boniface The Rev. Petero Sabune It was noted that the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, would attend the installation of the new Primate on June 25, 2007. |
| Overseas Partners: | The Rt. Rev. Pie Ntukamazina The Rt. Rev. Patrick Mwachiko |
| Anglican Communion: | The Rev. Canon Philip Groves Facilitator for the Listening Process |
| Indigenous Partners | |
| Visitors: | The Most Rev. Dr. John Sentamu The Rev. Dr. Gregory Straub, General Secretary, and Ms. Bonnie Anderson, President of the House of Deputies The Episcopal Church The Rev. Canon Kenneth Kearon, Secretary General The Anglican Communion Mr. Robert J. Suderman, General Secretary |
Courtesies of the General Synod
Moved by: Bishop James Cowan
Seconded by: Rev. Dr. Stephen Hopkins
That the Courtesies of the General Synod be extended to the Partners and Visitors noted above, to the Directors of General Synod at the National Office and to:
| Rev. Canon Kevin Arndt | Past Chair, Ecojustice Committee |
| Dr. Patricia Bays | Chair, Windsor Report Response Committee |
| Mr. George Campbell | Chair, Rupert’s Land Native Council |
| Mr. Deo Moreno | Member, Anti Racism Group |
| Ms. Monica Patten | Chair, Financial Management and Development Committee |
Greetings
Archbishop Emilius Goulet of St. Boniface brought greetings from the Roman and Eastern Catholic Churches and the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops. He concluded by wishing the Synod and its members ‘good luck’.
Host Diocese Welcome
Mr. George Campbell, Chair of the Rupert’s Land Native Council, and the Rt. Rev. Donald Phillips, Bishop of Rupert’s Land, welcomed everyone to the diocese.
Point of Order
Archbishop John Clarke rose on a point of order to note the omission of Archbishop Fred Crabbe from the list of Memorials to Deceased Members in the Convening Circular. Archbishop Hutchison also noted the omission of Archdeacon John McMulkin and Mr. Tom Abel. These names were added to the list.
Resolutions
Minutes of the 37th Session of the General Synod
Moved by: Archdeacon Michael Pollesel
Seconded by: Dean Peter Elliott
That the minutes of the 37th Session of the General Synod, held in St. Catharines, Ontario, May 28 – June 4, 2004, be adopted as printed in the Journal and as approved by the Certification of Minutes Committee.
Adoption of Agenda
Moved by: Mrs. Barbara Burrows
Seconded by: Archdeacon Michael Pollesel
That the Draft Agenda #9 be adopted.
Reception of Reports
Moved by: Archdeacon Michael Pollesel
Seconded by: Dean Peter Elliott
That the reports printed in the Convening Circular be received.
Reception of Notices of Motion and Memorials
Moved by: Dean Peter Elliott
Seconded by: Archdeacon Michael Pollesel
That the Notices of Motion and Memorials, as amended, and as printed in the Convening Circular be received.
Nominating Committee Responsibilities
Moved by: Dean Peter Elliott
Seconded by: Archdeacon Michael Pollesel
That the Nominating Committee be responsible for arranging balloting and appointing scrutineers in any election where such is required.
Rules of Order and Procedure
The Primate reminded members that, in accordance with the Rules of Order and Procedure, Section 18(a) – “When the question is put, every member present, except the presiding officer, shall be required to vote on the same…”.
Moved by: Chancellor Ronald Stevenson
Seconded by: Bishop Donald Phillips
That Rule 16 of the Rules of Order and Procedure be amended by deleting paragraph e), re-lettering paragraphs f) to j) to be paragraphs k) to o) and adding the following new paragraphs e) to j):
e) A member who intends to propose an amendment to a motion that is being debated may give the presiding officer written notice of such intention with the text of the intended amendment.
f) When a motion or an amending motion has been made and seconded any member who has not spoken on the motion or amendment may move that the debate be closed and a vote taken on the motion or the amendment.
g) The presiding officer shall not accept a motion that the debate be closed,
i. if any member who has given the presiding officer written notice of intention to propose an amendment has not had an opportunity to do so, or
ii. if in the opinion of the presiding officer the motion that the debate be closed is an abuse of the rules or would deny members of the Synod of an adequate opportunity for discussion.
h) When the presiding officer accepts a motion that the debate be closed that motion, when seconded, shall be decided without debate.
i) A motion that the debate be closed, to be carried, requires a two-thirds majority of the Order of Bishops, and a two-thirds majority of the Orders of Clergy and Laity voting together.
j) When a motion that the debate be closed is carried the presiding officer shall immediately call the question on the motion or amendment before the Synod. When a motion that the debate be closed is lost, discussion shall continue on the motion or amendment before the Synod.
Amendments to Canon VIII – The General Synod Pension and Benefit Plans
Moved by: Bishop Philip Poole
Seconded by: Dean Peter Elliott
That this General Synod approve the amendments to Canon VIII as approved by the Council of General Synod by deleting the underlined portions and adding the bold portions as shown on the attached copy of the Canon.
The amended Canon VIII is attached. (See Appendix B)
Amendments to Canon XII – The Continuing Education Plan
Moved by: Bishop Philip Poole
Seconded by: Dean Peter Elliott
That this General Synod approve the amendments to Canon XII as approved by the Council of General Synod by deleting the underlined portions and adding the bold portions as shown on the attached copy of the Canon.
The amendment to Canon XII is attached. (See Appendix C)
Amendments to the Regulations of Canon VIII – The General Synod Pension and Benefit Plan
Moved by: Bishop Philip Poole
Seconded by: Dean Peter Elliott
That this General Synod approve the amendments to the Regulations of Canon VIII as approved by the Council of General Synod by deleting the underlined portions and adding the bold portions as shown on the attached copy of the Regulations.
The amended Regulations are attached. (See Appendix D)
Amendments to the Regulations of Canon IX – The Lay Retirement Plan
Moved by: Bishop Philip Poole
Seconded by: Dean Peter Elliott
That this General Synod approve the amendments to the Regulations of Canon IX as approved by the Council of General Synod by deleting the underlined portions and adding the bold portions as shown on the attached copy of the Regulations.
The amendments to the Regulations are attached. (See Appendix E)
Amendments to the Regulations of Canon XII – The Continuing Education Plan
Moved by: Bishop Philip Poole
Seconded by: Dean Peter Elliott
That this General Synod approve the amendments to the Regulations of Canon XII as approved by the Council of General Synod by deleting the underlined portions and adding the bold portions as shown on the attached copy of the Regulations.
The amended Regulations are attached. (See Appendix F)
No Debate List
The following resolutions were removed from this list:
A021, A022, A023, A082 and A181.
Canon XVII – The Licensing of Clergy – Second Reading
Moved by: Chancellor Ronald Stevenson
Seconded by: Rev. Canon Joyce Sanchez
That second reading be given to the Resolution that Canon XVII - The Licensing of Clergy - be amended as follows :
1. by re-lettering sections 11 b) to 11 h) to be sections 11 d) to 11 j);
2. by adding two new sections as follows:
11 b) Although it is not possible to set out all the circumstances in which the bishop might make such a decision, they include financial difficulties in a parish, decline in parish membership, redeployment of human resources, and the licensee’s inability to carry out his or her ministry.
11 c) Where the bishop is aware of circumstances that may establish that a licensee has committed an ecclesiastical offense under Canon XVIII, the bishop may not revoke a license instead of making, or referring to the court having jurisdiction, a determination of whether an ecclesiastical offense has been committed.
3. by amending section 11 i), as re-lettered, to read as follows:
11 i) The arbitration board shall provide an opportunity to the licensee and the bishop to make submissions in writing and orally and to respond to the submissions of the other party. It shall determine the length of notice or the amount of pay and benefits in lieu of notice to be given to the licensee including, where appropriate, financial and vocational counselling, and shall take into account prevailing practices in the secular community. The decision of the arbitration board shall be in writing and is final and binding on the licensee and the bishop.
Motion to Table
Moved by: Archdeacon Bruce Bryant-Scott
Seconded by: Archdeacon Marion Vincett
That consideration of the motion be tabled until clarification is received at a later time in the Synod.
DEFEATED
The resolution was then put and -
Merger of Eco-Justice and Partners in Mission Committees
Moved by: Bishop Susan Moxley
Seconded by: Mr. Bill Mous
That this General Synod approve the merger of the Eco-Justice Committee and the Partners in Mission Committee to create a new Standing Committee to be named the Partners in Mission & Ecojustice Committee, effective at the beginning of the 2007 – 2010 Triennium.
Amendment to the Constitution, Section 39
Partners in Mission & Ecojustice Committee
Moved by: Bishop Susan Moxley
Seconded by: Captain Rob Marsh
That section 39 of the Constitution of the General Synod be amended as follows:
(i) by amending subclause (a)(ii) to read “Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committee”;
(ii) by deleting subclause (a)(iii) and renumbering subclauses (a)(iv), (v) and (vi) to be subclauses (a)(iii), (iv), and (v);
(iii) by deleting the words “and the Eco-Justice Committee” and the word “each” from clause (b);
(iv) by amending clause ( c) to read as follows:
c) The Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committee shall consist of twenty-one members:
i) 12 members shall be elected by the General Synod
ii) at least 8 of the 12 members elected by the General Synod shall be members of the General Synod and one of those shall be a member of the Council of the General Synod
iii) 6 members shall be appointed by the Primate
iv) of the 18 members elected by the General Synod and appointed by the Primate at least 2 shall be Indigenous persons and at least 2 shall be youths or young adults
v) 1 member shall be appointed by an overseas partner church designated by the Committee
vi) 1 member shall be appointed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
vii) 1 member shall be appointed by a Canadian ecumenical partner church designated by the Committee.
Membership for the New Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committee
Moved by: Bishop Susan Moxley
Seconded by: Mr. Bill Mous
That this General Synod approve the following membership for the new Partners in Mission & Ecojustice Committee, effective at the beginning of the 2007 – 2010 Triennium.
The Committee shall have 21 members as follows:
- 12 members shall be appointed by the General Synod, at least 8 of whom shall be members of General Synod, and one of whom shall be a member of the Council of General Synod;
- 6 members shall be appointed by the Primate;
- Of the 18 members appointed by General Synod or by the Primate, at least 2 shall be Indigenous persons, and at least 2 shall be youths or young adults.
- 1 member shall be appointed by an overseas partner hurch, designated by the committee;
- 1 member shall be appointed by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fanada;
- 1 member shall be appointed by a Canadian ecumenical partner, designated by the Committee.
Amendment to the Constitution, Section 39(f) – Composition of the Communications and Information Resources Committee
Moved by: Rev. Michael Thompson
Seconded by: Rev. Canon John Fletcher
That section 39 f) of the Constitution of the General Synod be amended to read as follows:
f) The Communications and Information Resources Committee shall consist of ten members:
i) 8 of the members shall be elected by the General Synod
ii) at least 4 of the 8 members elected by the General Synod shall be members of the General Synod, of whom at least one shall be a member of the Council of the General Synod
iii) 2 members shall be appointed by the Primate, in consultation with the Director of Communications and Information Resources
iv) at least 2 of the members must be members of the Anglican Journal Board.
Amendment to the Constitution, Section 39 g)
– Membership of Standing Committees
Moved by: Chancellor Ronald Stevenson
Seconded by: Bishop Susan Moxley
That section 39 g) of the Constitution of the General Synod be amended to read as follows:
g) In nomination of persons to be elected or appointed to Standing Committees, geographic representation, expertise, experience and commitment to the ongoing life of the committee shall be the principal criteria. Consideration shall also be given to reflecting the diverse groups and individuals within the church and society. Consideration may be given to representation from churches in full communion with the Anglican Church of Canada.
Mandate of New Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committee
Moved by: Bishop Susan Moxley
Seconded by: Mr. Bill Mous
That this General Synod approve the following mandate for the new Partners in Mission & EcoJustice Committee, effective at the beginning of the 2007 – 2010 Triennium.
Mandate
The Partners in Mission & Ecojustice Committee shall:
- Engage itself and the wider church in biblical, theological and ethical reflection, listening for the Spirit and discerning God’s mission for the church and the world.
- Create an ethos of ecojustice in our church life.
- Engage and nurture global relationships with Anglican and ecumenical partners.
- Oversee policies governing mission personnel programs and financial grants to partner organizations.
- Facilitate networks and build capacity for mission and justice throughout the church.
- Journey with Indigenous peoples as we seek healing and reconciliation, and stand with them in their struggle to protect their land and rights, including the right to self-determination.
- Receive, prioritize, and respond to social, environmental and ethical issues within Canada and globally, based on established church policy.
- Report to the Council of General Synod and recommend new policies and actions.
- Participate in national and international councils of Churches, such as the World Council of Churches, the Anglican Consultative Council, the Canadian Council of Churches, and in partner organizations such as KAIROS, Project Ploughshares, the Churches’ Forum for Global Ministries, the Women’s Inter Church Council, the Church Council on Justice and Corrections.
- Educate, inform and engage Canadian Anglicans to participate in mission and justice-making.
- Communicate with other standing committees, boards and councils of General Synod, with the PWRDF, and with the House of Bishops.
- Coordinate initiatives of the Partners in Mission & Ecojustice Committee with other standing committees of General Synod, such as the Faith, Worship, and Ministry
Committee, with the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, the board of PWRDF, the House of Bishops.Friendly Amendments
The mover and seconder agreed to accept the following friendly amendments from the Rev. Chris Barrigar in b) and j) as underlined.
b) Create an ethos of ecojustice and evangelism in our church life.
j) Educate, inform and engage Canadian Anglicans to participate in mission, evangelism and justice-making.
Anti Racism Presentation
Mr. Deo Moreno and Bishop Jim Njegovan presented the report of the Anti Racism Working Group and introduced a dramatic presentation which included reflections on racism experienced by aboriginal people and non-white Canadians. Bishop Njegovan stated that “there is more to racism than prejudice – it is discrimination, plus power and the misuse of power”.
Synod members recited a Litany of Commitment to Journey Together,” affirming that the Anglican Church of Canada would strive to be a church that is “free of racism”.
The Charter for Racial Justice, approved by the Council of the General Synod at its Spring 2007 meeting, was distributed. It will serve as a guide for General Synod’s ongoing work on racial justice.
Nominating Committee Responsibilities
Bishop Susan Moxley outlined the responsibilities of the Nominating Committee and announced the following deadlines for nominations: Prolocutor – 7.00 p.m. and Standing Committees – 9.00 p.m. (both on June 20, 2007).
The Prolocutor assumed the Chair.
Resolutions
Auditor’s Report and Financial Statements
Moved by: Canon Robert Falby
Seconded by: Mrs. Judy Darling
That this General Synod approve the Auditors Report and the audited Financial Statements of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada Consolidated Trust Fund and the Anglican Church of Canada Resolution Corporation for the fiscal year ended as at December 31, 2006.
Appointment of Auditors
Moved by: Canon Robert Falby
Seconded by: Mrs. Judy Darling
That this General Synod approve the appointment of the chartered accounting firm of Ernst & Young LLP as the Auditors for the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada Consolidated Trust Fund and the Anglican Church of Canada Resolution Corporation, for the fiscal year of 2007.
The Primate resumed the Chair.
Greetings
The Most Rev. John Sentamu
The Archbishop of York and Primate of England addressed the members of Synod. His theme was “More than Justice”. (See Appendix G)
The Rev. Canon Kenneth Kearon
The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion addressed the members of Synod. He noted that one of his purposes for coming to Winnipeg was to learn about the Anglican Church of Canada. He was also interested in knowing what the Church’s response would be to The Windsor Report. With respect to the Anglican Communion, he asked the question – “How do I act responsibly with my fellow Christians in the Body of Christ?” He urged members to celebrate the wonderful diversity of the Communion, rather than focusing on the stresses and strains within the Communion.
National Aboriginal Day – June 21, 2007
Archdeacon Sidney Black, Co-Chair of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, provided details with respect to the Ceremony taking place at the Convention Centre to mark the 20th anniversary of the signing of a document entitled – A New Covenant: Towards the Constitutional Recognition and Protection of Aboriginal Self-Government in Canada. Ms. Ethel Ahenakew, Diocese of Saskatoon, described her growth as an Anglican and affirmed the place of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. She also reminded Synod members that “Canada is a treaty nation”.
The Covenant signed in 1987 pledged church organizations to support Aboriginal Peoples in Canada in their continued struggle for justice and self-determination. The signing on June 21st will be a renewal of that commitment.
Greetings
Ms. Bonnie Anderson
The President of the House of Deputies brought greetings from The Episcopal Church.
Council of the North
Following a welcoming drum song by the Sakeeng Drum Group, Bishop Anthony Burton, Chair, introduced the Council’s report. Through words, songs and images, the work was brought to life with examples of the commitment and vitality which Bishop Burton described as “the soul of the Anglican Church”.
The report included the following segments and each story was interspersed with a throat-singing performance by Inukshuk Aksalnik and Stephanie Adams of Rankin Inlet, Nunavut.
- Why we exist
- Real People doing Real Ministry
- Ministry of the Whole Church by the Whole Church
- Redefining the Grants Criteria
- Our Future Together
The Rev. Bruce Myers advised Synod that northern ministry is struggling, that the number of paid incumbencies is shrinking and that staff positions are being reduced or eliminated.
The Rev. Lily Bell closed the presentation with prayer.
Resolutions
Council of the North – Support Grants
Moved by: Bishop David Ashdown
Seconded by: Archbishop Terrence Buckle
That the Council of the North support grants be fixed at the current level for the next five years (2007-2011 inclusive).
Friendly Amendment
The mover and seconder agreed to accept an amendment from the Rev. Canon Christopher Pratt, as follows:
That the Council of the North Support Grants be no less than the current level for the next five years (2007-2011 inclusive).
Council of the North – Fund-Raising
Moved by: Bishop David Ashdown
Seconded by: Archbishop Terrence Buckle
That the Council of the North be given permission and encouraged to launch collective fund-raising activities to supplement the income received from the Council of the North Support Grants.
Friendly Amendment
The mover and seconder agreed to accept an amendment from Ms. Suzanne Lawson, as follows:
That the Council of the North be given permission and encouraged to launch collective fund-raising activities to supplement the income received from the Council of the North Support Grants, in full collaboration with the activities of the Office of Financial Development.
Conversations – Part One
Mrs. Barbara Burrows outlined the process, timeframe and locations for the following conversations and Synod members separated into groups.
1. Blessing of Same-Sex Unions / St. Michael Report
2. The Windsor Report
3. Governance
Conversations – Part Two
1. Blessing of Same-Sex Unions / St. Michael Report
2. The Windsor Report
3. Finance and Development
Members reconvened in Plenary. The Primate was in the Chair.
Nominations for the Position of Prolocutor
Bishop Susan Moxley described the election process and presented the following nominees:
| Rev. Dr. Stephen Andrews | Archdeacon Bruce Bryant-Scott |
| Dean Terry Dance | Ms. Heather Dixon |
| Canon Robert Falby | Ms. Suzanne Lawson |
| Rev. Dr. Richard Leggett | Dean James Merrett |
| Rev. Robert Towler |
The nominators were given the opportunity to briefly introduce their candidates to the membership and biographical information on each candidate was provided. All nominees introduced themselves to the members of Synod and ballots were distributed and collected.
Bishop Moxley advised that any candidate wishing to have his/her name withdrawn following any ballot was requested to advise the General Secretary.
Greetings
The Rev. Paul Johnson
An invitation was extended for everyone to attend the Joint Anglican/Lutheran Day on June 21st to celebrate six years of Full Communion between the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The Rev. Dr. Richard Leggett outlined the program for the event.
Evensong
A choral evensong concluded the session.