MINUTES OF THE THIRTY-EIGHTH SESSION
OF THE GENERAL SYNOD
JUNE 19 – 25, 2007
Sunday, June 24, 2007
The Holy Eucharist
Bishop Susan Moxley presided at the Eucharist in the Plenary Hall and the Rev. Lily Bell was the homilist.
The Primate noted that it was St. Jean Baptiste Day. He also advised that Bishop Ralph Spence (Niagara) would leave Synod on Monday as he had been invited to Rideau Hall in Ottawa to be installed as the Albion Herald Extraordinary.
Orders of the Day
Mrs. Barbara Burrows presented the Orders of the Day.
The list of outstanding resolutions for consideration was noted and A190 and A224 were added. [Note – these two additional resolutions were omitted by error from the list.]
Partners Reflections – Mrs. Barbara Burrows advised that Dr. Gail Allan, United Church of Canada, would give a reflection instead of the Rev. Dr. Karen Hamilton, Canadian Council of Churches.
Nominating Committee – Council of General Synod 2007-2010
Bishop Moxley presented the report of members elected to Council by the Provincial Caucuses.
THE COUNCIL OF GENERAL SYNOD
| Primate | The Most. Rev. Fred Hiltz |
| Prolocutor | Rev. Dr. Stephen Andrews |
| Deputy Prolocutor | Canon (Lay) Robert Falby, Q.C. |
| Chancellor | The Hon. Ronald Stevenson |
| General Secretary | The Ven. Michael Pollesel (non voting) |
| ELCIC Partner | To be decided. |
| TEC Partner | The Rev. Canon Petero Sabune |
| PWRDF Representative | The Rev. Ed Lewis |
Elected Members:
| PROVINCE OF CANADA | |
| Bishop | The Rt. Rev. Percy Coffin |
| Clergy | The Rev. John Dinn The Ven. Dennis Drainville |
| Lay | Mrs. Margaret Jenniex Mr. Dion Lewis Captain Robert Marsh Mr. Peter Townsend |
| Youth | Mr. Jeffrey Petten |
| PROVINCE OF ONTARIO | |
| Bishop | The Rt. Rev. Colin Johnson The Most Rev. Caleb Lawrence |
| Clergy | The Ven. Harry Huskins The Rev. Michael Thompson |
| Lay | Mrs. Judy Darling Mrs. Dorothy Davies-Flindall Mrs. Suzanne Lawson Mr. Paul Rathbone |
| Youth | Ms. Garcia Robinson |
| PROVINCE OF RUPERT’S LAND | |
| Bishop | The Rt. Rev. Anthony Burton The Rt. Rev. Gregory Kerr-Wilson The Rt. Rev. Victoria Matthews |
| Clergy | The Ven. Larry Beardy The Rev. Canon James Robinson |
| Lay | Ms. Lizzie Epoo-York Ms. Freda Lepine Mr. Eric Parsons Mr. Ross Whitelaw Mr. Chris Wood |
| Youth | Mr. Dean Sewap |
| PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA AND YUKON | |
| Bishop | The Rt. Rev. Michael Ingham |
| Clergy | The Rev. Canon John Alfred Steele The Rev. Lee Titterington |
| Lay | Dr. Randall Fairey Ms. Bonnie Harper Ms. Lela Zimmer |
| Youth | Mr. Matt Koovisk |
| CANADIAN FORCES / MILITARY ORDINARIATE | |
| Clergy | Col. The Ven. Karl McLean |
Resolutions
Blessing of Same Sex Unions – Core Doctrine of the ACC
Debate resumed on this resolution and the Primate urged members to be brief and, with the overwhelming agreement of Synod members, future speakers were limited to two minutes.
The amended resolution reads:
That this General Synod resolves that the blessing of same-sex unions is not in conflict with the core doctrine of The Anglican Church of Canada.
Lengthy debate ensued.
Motion to Close Debate
Moved by: Dean James Merrett
Seconded by: Rev. Dr. Richard Leggett
That the debate be closed.
Bishop Donald Phillips spoke about a procedural resolution he wanted to present and, after consultation with the Assessors, the Primate advised that the resolution to close the debate took precedence over a procedural resolution.
The above resolution was then put and -
DEFEATED
Debate resumed.
Motion to Postpone
Moved by: Bishop Donald Phillips
Seconded by: Ms. Krista Waring
That this General Synod postpone consideration of Resolution A186 to the 2010 General Synod in order for our Church to build a biblical and theological consensus to inform this issue.
DEFEATED
Debate again resumed.
Amendment
Moved by: Bishop John Privett
Seconded by: Rev. Christopher Harwood-Jones
That after the word ‘doctrine’ the words be revised to read ‘in the sense of being credal’ – i.e.
That this General Synod resolves that the blessing of same-sex unions is not in conflict with the core doctrine in the sense of being credal of The Anglican Church of Canada.
Friendly Amendment to the Amendment
Bishop Michael Ingham proposed a friendly amendment which was accepted by the mover and seconder – i.e. …not in conflict with the core doctrine of the Anglican Church of Canada in the sense of being credal.
The motion now reads:
That this General Synod resolves that the blessing of same-sex unions is not in conflict with the core doctrine of The Anglican Church of Canada in the sense of being credal.
Second Amendment to the Amendment as Amended
Moved by: Ms. Rene Jamieson
Seconded by: Bishop Michael Ingham
That brackets be placed around the words ‘in the sense of being credal’ and that they be moved to come after the words ‘core doctrine’; – i.e.
That this General Synod resolves that the blessing of same-sex unions is not in conflict with the core doctrine (in the sense of being credal) of The Anglican Church of Canada.
The mover and seconder accepted this revision as a friendly amendment. (There was no vote.)
Motion to End Debate
Moved by: Bishop Colin Johnson
Seconded by: Mr. John Brewin
That the question on the amended amendment be put.
CARRIED
The amended amendment to Resolution A186 was then put and –
CARRIED
Motion to End Debate
Moved by: Bishop Colin Johnson
Seconded by: Archdeacon Peter Fenty
That the question on the amended Resolution A186 be now put.
CARRIED
The Primate then offered a prayer before the vote on Resolution A186.
The amended motion was then put, as follows:
That this General Synod resolves that the blessing of same-sex unions is not in conflict with the core doctrine (in the sense of being creedal) of The Anglican Church of Canada.
| Order | In Favour | Opposed |
|---|---|---|
Clergy/Laity |
152 |
97 |
Bishops |
21 |
19 |
Blessing of Same Sex Unions – Diocesan Authority and Jurisdiction
Moved by: Mr. John Brewin
Seconded by: Rev. Canon Garth Bulmer
That this General Synod affirm the authority and jurisdiction of any diocesan synod, with the concurrence of its bishop, to authorize the blessing of committed same sex unions.
Suspension of Debate
At 11.52 a.m., the Primate suspended debate until after lunch and requested members in line at the microphones to register with the Synod secretaries.
General Synod’s Pastoral Care Team
The General Secretary identified the members of this team.
In Memoriam – The Very Rev. Paul James
The Primate advised that this former member of General Synod and Dean Emeritus of the Diocese of Quebec had died in Stratford, Ontario. Synod members observed one minute of silence in his memory and the Primate commended him into the hands of God. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Noon Reflections
Archbishop John Sentamu’s reflections concluded with members of Synod holding hands and saying to each other – “I could not live without you”.
Information Dialogues
Members attended a second session of Information Dialogues.
New National Bishop of ELCIC
Dean Peter Wall introduced Bishop Elect Susan Johnson and she briefly addressed Synod. Archbishop Hutchison and Bishop Hiltz, Primate Elect, both joined her on the podium and expressed their congratulations.
Report on Indian Residential Schools
Dr. Eleanor Johnson, Director of Partnerships, advised that this presentation was undertaken for the benefit of former students of residential schools and their families in their journey towards justice and healing. The detailed report included the following sections:
- Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA)
- Anglican Amending Agreement
- The Healing Fund
- Truth and Reconciliation
- Archival support.
The Primate expressed deep appreciation to the team members for their work.
Archdeacon Larry Beardy, a former residential school student, asked Synod members for their prayers on his journey and he expressed his appreciation to the Anglican Church of Canada for its leadership and its repentance.
Ms. Esther Wesley, Healing Fund Coordinator at the National Office, and Dr. Johnson, responded to numerous questions.
Ms. Ethel Moses, also a former residential school student, requested each diocese to open its archives at once and suggested that they remain open later than August 2007. Dr. Johnson advised that the Archives at the National Office have always been open and that the Archivist, Ms. Nancy Hurn, will provide as much information as is available in a timely manner.
Resolutions
Blessing of Same Sex Unions – Diocesan Authority and Jurisdiction
Debate resumed on the following resolution suspended earlier and, as there were 31 members on the ‘speakers’ list, the Primate urged everyone to use their time prudently.
Moved by: Mr. John Brewin
Seconded by: Rev. Canon Garth Bulmer
That this General Synod affirm the authority and jurisdiction of any diocesan synod, with the concurrence of its bishop, to authorize the blessing of committed same sex unions.
Amendment
Moved by: Rev. Canon Michael Oulton
Seconded by: Archdeacon Jim McShane
That the words ‘committed same-sex unions’ be deleted and replaced with the words “civil same-sex marriages”.
The Primate sought advice from the Assessors as to whether this amendment was in order. The Assessors advised it was in order because the amendment is not the direct negative of the motion. Voting for the amendment would not be the same as voting ‘No’ to the motion. The Primate then ruled that the amendment was in order.
The amendment was then put and –
DEFEATED
Friendly Amendment
The Rev. Canon Paul Jennings proposed a friendly amendment to change the words “affirm” to “grant” and “of” to “to” – i.e. That this General Synod grant authority and jurisdiction to any diocesan, etc.
Following receipt of an opinion from Chancellor Stevenson, Canon Jennings withdrew his friendly amendment.
Bishop Claude Miller appealed for prayer for God’s grace for bishops when they return home.
Debate resumed on the original motion.
Friendly Amendment
The following friendly amendment from Mr. Stephen Koning was accepted by the mover and seconder. The amended motion now reads (revisions are underlined):
That this General Synod affirm the authority and jurisdiction of any diocesan synod:
- with the concurrence of the diocesan Bishop; and
- in a manner which respects the conscience of the incumbent and the will of the parish,
to authorize the blessing of committed same sex unions.
Point of Order
On behalf of six members of Synod, the Rev. Stephen Peake raised a point of order requiring Synod members to vote by orders. The members were:
Rev. Stephen Peake, Rev. Ajit John, Mr. Stephen Masson, Rev. Canon Kimberley Beard, Rev. Stephen London and Bishop William Anderson.
Prior to the vote, the Primate prayed that God would grant wisdom and courage to Synod members.
The amended resolution was then put by Orders and –
CARRIED IN THE ORDER OF LAITY
CARRIED IN THE ORDER OF CLERGY
DEFEATED IN THE ORDER OF BISHOPS
Act 43
The Prolocutor assumed the Chair.
Nominating Committee – First Report on Standing Committees
Bishop Moxley presented the first report, which was distributed to members. She also requested any Synod member (included in the report) who wished to request an adjustment, to contact the Nominating Committee.
PARTNERS
The Rev. Canon Alyson Barnett-Cowan, Director of Faith, Worship and Ministry, introduced the following two partners:
Dr. Gail Allan, United Church of Canada
(See Appendix K)
Dr. Allan also presented the following message from:
The Executive of the General Council of the United Church
We extend our warmest greetings to the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada and to the Right Reverend Fred Hiltz in his election to the Primacy of the Anglican Church of Canada.
This Executive also notes the deep significance of the installation of the Right Reverend Mark MacDonald as the first National Indigenous Bishop of the Anglican Church of Canada.
We celebrate the many expressions of our shared partnerships in God’s mission and our common desire for right relationships within Canada and throughout the world.
We, the members of the Executive of the General Council, on behalf of the people of The United Church of Canada, offer our prayers for the continuing sessions of the General Synod. May God richly bless your time together so that you may be strengthened and encouraged as followers of Jesus.
Dr. Susan Brown, Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops
Dr. Brown expressed her thanks to the Synod for being permitted to be ‘part of the process’ and advised that she saw ‘many positive spiritual signs’.
The Rev. Canon Petero Sabune, The Episcopal Church
Bishop Michael Ingham, who represented the Anglican Church of Canada on the Episcopal Church’s Executive Council, introduced Canon Sabune who then addressed Synod. It was noted that he is the Chaplain to Sing Sing Prison.
The Primatial Farewell – A farewell to Archbishop Andrew Hutchison
General Synod members, partners and guests gathered at the Radisson Hotel in Winnipeg for a Rendezvous in Rupert’s Land – a banquet honouring Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, who served as Primate from June 4, 2004 to June 25, 2007. Archbishop John Clarke, the Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land, was the Master of Ceremonies. Numerous Synod members and guests paid tribute to Archbishop Hutchison and a video on his primacy was shown.
Archbishop Hutchison responded and the Bishop of Rupert’s Land, the Rt. Rev. Donald Phillips, concluded the evening with prayer.