HOME - Start Here - News Centre - Community - Resources - Canada - USA - World - Add My Site!



General Synod 1995

A summary of the presentations and decisions
of the 1995 Canadian General Synod


Table of Contents

  1. The Opening of Synod
  2. Strategic Plan
  3. Principles, Constitution, Canons, Procedures
  4. First Nations
  5. Ecumenical Relationships
  6. Homosexuality and Homosexual Relationships
  7. Faith and Worship
  8. Ministry
  9. Social Justice, Peace, and the Environment
  10. Evangelism
  11. Anglican Journal
  12. Finance and Pensions
  13. Greetings
  14. Elections
  15. Partners
  16. Conclusion

The following material is taken from a report on major presentations and decisions of the General Synod which is supplied daily to members and other participants. It has been reorganized by topics for the convenience of other members of the church and is made available with a minimum of editing. Digests of presentations and descriptions of decisions are unofficial. Those who wish to consult the texts of speakers should contact the individuals concerned. The official minutes will be published at a later date in the Synod Journal.


Back to Table of Contents

1 - The Opening of Synod

The Synod opened on the evening of Thursday, 1 June, with a celebration of the eucharist attended by the His Excellency the Rt. Hon. Roméo LeBlanc, Governor General of Canada, members of the Synod, and guests. Grandfather William Commanda, a member of the Algonquin First Nation, offered an elder's prayer, honouring a First Nations custom by which members of one nation solicit the prayers of the spiritual leader of a territory when visiting the home of another nation. The Primate addressed the Synod as president. At the conclusion of the eucharist the Governor General, as Head of the Canadian Heraldic Authority, presented the coat of arms, flag and badge of the Anglican Church of Canada. On the following morning the Vice-Chancellor declared the presence of a quorum. The Bishop of Ottawa welcomed the Synod on behalf of the host diocese. The Synod adopted the address of loyalty to be forwarded to the Queen, which was presented in English, French, and Cree. The Primate introduced the Officers, Secretaries, Assessors, and Chairs of the Sessional Committees of the General Synod, as well as the ecumenical partners, external partners, and others, and extended the courtesies of the house to a number of persons. The Minutes of the 33rd session of the General Synod were adopted as printed in the Journal and approved by the Certification Committee. The Synod received information on procedural matters and adopted resolutions relating to agenda, reports, elections, and resolutions.

The Presidential Address (A digest)

The Primate welcomed the Synod not as delegates but as members, chosen to exercise responsibility and accountability for the good of the whole of the Anglican Church of Canada no matter how strong their local and regional commitments. Speaking in French, the Primate indicated the presence of the Governor General, noting that it was the first time since 1918 that the Governor General had attended the Synod. His visit witnesses to the deep interaction between his role as chief of state and the role of our church in Canadian life. Some years ago the Governor General had received the right to confer coats of arms and the church had decided at the time of the General Synod's centenary to "repatriate" our heraldic tradition. The Governor General's act this evening (in conferring the arms of the Anglican Church of Canada) would reinforce our vocation to be a church of our own place, embedded in a multicultural context and at the service of the people among whom God has placed us.

The theme of this Synod is "prepare the way," words in the Book of Isaiah which were written during the exile of Jewish captives from their homeland by a prophet who called people to prepare the way for God who would turn upside down all the suffering and sorrow of the present reality. This prophet chose to see the salvation of a people rather than their death and, without rejecting the learnings of the past, he called his people to let go of what had been and accept a "new thing." The Primate quoted Walter Brueggemann who has argued that, "the loss of the authority of the dynasty and temple in Jerusalem is analogous to the loss of certainty, dominance and legitimacy in our own time." Both State and Church have come under fire: the vision of Canadians is diminished and the church is holding together with a sense of unease, even fearfulness. The Primate said he wanted to call his hearers to hope, to new imagination, and to look with the eyes of the prophet and choose to see a new thing.

The Synod has gathered in Ottawa, the nation's capital and consequently for some a place of anger, blame, and distrust. At the same time, Ottawa is a symbol of unity, chosen to be the capital of the young nation as a new beginning beyond the sectional identity of major francophone and anglophone centres. Ottawa is a good place to search not for what distinguishes us from everybody us, but for what unifies us with everyone else, for the search for what unifies us is the source of our ultimate hope. Preparing the way (searching for the things of the Spirit) means risking more chaos but it also means openness to the possibility of grace, connection, relationship.

The Primate recalled that three years ago the General Synod had asked the National Executive Council to develop a strategic planning process for presentation to this Synod. The NEC has applied itself to this task. A small group called "the Beginners" coordinated consultations in many areas and levels of the church. Slowly a plan was shaped and a proposal is before the Synod which will involve members in testing, assessing, wrestling together in order to make it their own and eventually discern the will of God.

The Primate reported that in May 1993 the NEC asked that he apologize on behalf of the church around issues relating to former residential schools at a time when he felt it appropriate. He listened for two days to stories about the effects of these schools at the second Native Convocation in August 1993. The time was right and he made the apology and he remains grateful for the opportunity to participate, for the openness of the participants, and for the grace of their acceptance of the apology. Not everyone has agreed with his words and some have felt targeted or blamed. He said these people are not to blame; however the church was captive to a system which did much damage and in which specific instances of abuse were well-documented. The apology was meant to acknowledge the past and to prepare for God's new thing.

In 1994 representatives of the indigenous people of the Anglican Church agreed to call their people into a new self-determining community within the church and to work as partners with those who would help them build a truly Anglican indigenous church in Canada. The Anglican Church of Canada has been involved with the indigenous people from the beginning. Since 1969 we have been trying to walk a new path, marked more by common cause in concerns identified by the aboriginal community, and now we are called into a new partnership which will involve both loss and gift but also potential for growth and dialogue and "mutual responsibility and interdependence."

The last General Synod began to address the issue of homosexuality which is on the agenda of societies everywhere, including the Anglican Communion. The recent Primates' meeting called for a process of reflection, which we began in 1992 with a forum which highlighted both differences and our ability to speak honestly and listen in a context of support and caring. The 1992 Synod set in motion the development of the Task Force on Homosexuality and Homosexual Relationships which will report later in the Synod, providing opportunity for hearing and response. Throughout history the church has wrestled with issues of discipline and has, for example, in the cases of divorce and contraception been able to change its discipline while making it clear that there is no change in doctrine. Issues of morality are so conditioned by culture and mores that they are unlikely to stand tests of time and eternity applicable to doctrine. The Primate called the Synod to participate with sensitivity, reminding members that they will be discussing not only principles but people.

During the last three years the church has had to address reduced resources at diocesan and national levels. The national church has had to cut block grants to the North and to partner churches and last year cut national staff by more than 20 positions. This situation has led to tensions, but also to a will to be and work together. Signs are encouraging. Dioceses report better results and the Anglican Appeal last year reached its goal.

Last June there was a gathering in Montreal known as Essentials, which has led to ongoing local meetings. Those involved have reflected love for the church and a resolve to wrestle with the basics of the faith. The process has produced lively debate and discussion and we can only be better for it. At the same time, the Primate said he wanted to discourage a tendency to suggest that one group is right and another not--a tendency that moves into issues of power and talk about winners and losers rather than brothers and sisters. He said he would pray that we will be generous in our common search.

In this troubled age some people say the church is giving in to the trends of the times. But the real danger is not in yielding in ethics or morality or in forsaking scripture or the Christian faith but is the battle against cynicism and hopelessness. The prophet of the exile chose to believe in and to proclaim hope. Let us choose the path of hope and demand of one another that we be the Body of Christ and thus prepare the way for God to do a new thing among us.


Back to Table of Contents

2 - Strategic Plan

Amy Newell, Robert Pynn, Jim Boyles, Suzanne Lawson and others presented the report of the National Executive Council on the strategic plan, with the assistance of audio-visual resources. Their presentation emphasized the reality of change and recalled the resolution of the 1992 General Synod to undertake a strategic planning process in consultation with all dioceses and provinces, and in consultation with youth and aboriginal peoples, leading to a proposal for the approval of the 1995 General Synod which will enable reshaping of the directions and priorities of the work of General Synod and the national office for the next three triennia. A.J. Finlay described the process by which those responsible for the process, known as "the Beginners," addressed their task. A process of learning led to visioning and to the shaping of a plan which was eventually approved by the NEC. The time had come, she said, for the General Synod to choose a plan for implementation. The options considered by the NEC, and their implications, were described in detail, as well as the process by which they were reached. The Synod watched video clips of people engaged in consultation on the planning procedure. The Primate told Synod that a request had been made for the articulation of a theological basis for this process. The church was described as "the body of Christ," incarnating God's presence in the world, while at the same time it was recognized as imperfect. The relationship of the church to the culture around it was expressed both incarnationally and also in terms of the need to resist and critique its context. The church's commitment to proclaim Christ in worship and action provided common ground. The plan adopted by the NEC was described in terms of its priorities and the need for coordination of resources and for greater local and regional responsibility was outlined. Jim Cruickshank emphasized that the plan comes at an important time for the self-determination of native people and for the development of local responsibility. Amy Newell said that the plan points to a new relationship between the national church and the dioceses, a new partnership focusing vision in the location that will make the best use of resources. The plan is built on a partnership model in which we need one another. There are exciting possibilities in the proposals for networks. The plan is about renewal as we let go of work in one place and pick it up in another. It will free us to find new ways to do the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ. Members of the Synod were asked to reflect on the plan and to return with questions for clarification. Robert Pynn highlighted some of the principles on which proposed structural change is based. Jim Boyles described some new ways in which working together may be accomplished. The proposed national structure, composed of a Council of General Synod, seven committees and allied councils and boards, was described. A Mission Coordination Group will bring the work of these bodies together and provide consultation and support. The Synod was told that the new plan is not based on projections of a reduced budget. New priorities will mean that some work will no longer be initiated at the national level although other avenues of support may be available and new methods of working will be found. The process of transition will take at least a year.

The Primate introduced a listening panel of partners who had been asked to give attention to the reports of small groups on their discussion of the strategic plan. Groups were asked to report first on the plan and then on the structure it implies.

Affirmations included the following. The plan was felt to emphasize trust, collaboration, flexibility and interdependence; allowing the national church to do what it does well, mission, partnership, and self-sufficiency, and allowing the dioceses to do the rest. The national church is becoming more efficient in downloading responsibilities to local areas. The plan will force us to use our own gifts in dioceses and parishes. The plan is faithful to the mission statement. A group affirmed the transfer of congregational development to the dioceses and the reduction of national administration. We have a clearer sense of mission and vision than before. New ways of ministry and the development of Anglican identity are affirmed, as well as overseas partnerships and concern for native people. The quality of the process behind the plan was affirmed for its realism and the sense of new and urgent challenges which are being placed before the dioceses and parishes. It is positive that Anglicans are willing to move and look at change. One group affirmed the emphasis on commitment overseas and on Anglican identity. Networking and sharing are also affirmed. One group expressed support of the aboriginal people and encouraged the church to develop faith and trust among them; they can best do the work of healing in their own communities. One group strongly affirmed the networking dimension of the plan and another agreed that there has been progress in dealing with the native people. One group affirmed the return of social justice and prophetic mission to the central agenda of the church.

Concerns included the following. There were concerns around the accessibility and availability of resources and the willingness of dioceses to use them; that the national church would be isolated as it takes on a different focus from the local church, and with problems of communication; that the plan should be explicitly grounded in the mission statement and that it might suffer from remoteness from the dioceses. While self-sufficiency is important it is also important to remember that some places will never be self-sufficient. There is concern whether we will develop new ways of working and whether there will be a loss of national identity and connectedness and a loss of programs that support that connectness. There was concern about the reduction of block grants to the north; that we may miss opportunities and that it may be difficult to organize financial support during the short period of expected transition. Some dioceses will have difficulty picking up what is delegated to them because of lack of resources.. Will this plan actual lead to the renewal of the church? Not all dioceses may be represented in the Council of General Synod (a constantly recurring concern). Congregational development and leadership issues are being deleted from national responsibility and there is a desire for some communication and support for them. Concerns include the need for a timeframe for evaluation of the plan as it develops and whether dioceses would be able to carry the downloading that is contemplated; the challenges placed before the north and smaller dioceses which are equal to those faced by larger dioceses; the human ramifications of this plan at the national office. Evangelism should remain with the dioceses and parishes, but will downsizing cut us off from each other? Concern was expressed in regard to the editorial policy and the independence of the Anglican Journal. Assignments in dioceses should be based on diocesan income, not parish income. Concern was expressed regarding financial self-sufficiency for the Council of the North. The absence of education for "preparing the saints" was a subject of concern. Renewal of the church was not an immediate goal of the plan, although it may be a result. Is the plan dollar-driven?. Anxiety was expressed regarding the financial soundness of the plan. Concern was expressed regarding the number and coordination of committees proposed for the national structure. There is a need to develop partnerships between pairs of Canadian dioceses, so the stronger can support the weaker. Who will do the prophetic role for the church if the national church steps back? How will we sell this plan at home if it reduces services and costs the same? There is nothing in the plan that explicitly addresses the spiritual health of the church (for instance, in terms of evangelism).

The proposed structure will result in improved communications without reduction of work. The national church should continue to act as a clearing-house for all dioceses. Why has the word "doctrine" been dropped from the "worship committee"? In reducing the number of committee members we should not reduce the level of expertise. The communications group should function as a tool and not as an overseer of the committees. The presence of youth in the new Council was affirmed and the existence of a mission coordinating unit. There may, however, be too few people to fulfil the mandate they are given, and fewer staff to support smaller committees. Not all dioceses have representation on the Council and there is no apparent place for coalitions. The Committee on Faith, Worship, and Ministry will have one-third the numbers and three times the task. What is the role of the House of Bishops? How can it be realized? The Council of General Synod will be smaller and more workable. Will the work of standing committees be continued or will it be lost? The downsizing and overlapping of structures was affirmed. There was concern that the emphasis on the local church was not balanced by concern for bishops and their work. Full committees need to meet sooner than is scheduled in order to set priorities and plan their work. Will the reduction of national structures place too great a burden on the structure of Provincial Synods? The structure is honestly consistent with the plan but there was concern about the size of some committees and the number of support staff. What is the distinction of the roles of the coordination unit and the Council of General Synod? There was concern about evaluation and what happens if we discover in two years that we do need the representation of every diocese on the Council? Do the local levels have the resources they need? Parishes may become more self-centred than they already are, and abandon the "episcopal way." Will an evaluation group challenge dioceses to see if they have picked up the dropped work after a suitable interval? The reduction of the number of standing committees was welcomed, but attachment of the continuing education plan to the Pension Committee was questioned. The plan will force the church to make better use of its resources but there was concern regarding the structure of the mission coordinating committee whose responsibilities must be very clearly defined. There is a distinction between downloading and trust and there is a need to build up trust. There will be a need for transitional leadership which will involve the participation of every diocese on the Council for a while at least. There was concern that the overview diagram of the plan shows the House of Bishops as outside the structure. There was concern that the relationship of the roles of the information group and the mission coordinating group may be ambiguous.

The young youth attending the General Synod expressed their aspirations for the church, which included the acceptance of people in action and not only in intention, concern for animals and the environment, the greater involvement of young people in liturgy, and care for those in need.

At a later point in the Synod, members of the Synod who constituted a Review Committee on responses to Preparing the Way presented their report to the Synod. They noted that their assignment had been to review reports from small groups, to receive a report from the listening panel, to analyze data, and to present a report to General Synod. The Review Committee noted that the Synod had strongly affirmed the plan's challenge to parishes and dioceses and had expressed trust in the church doing what it does best especially overseas and in development partnerships. The Review Committee had also noted concerns which include: a question whether the plan is driven by our financial situation or by the desire for renewal; questions about the financial implications of the plan and whether there are resources to fund it; whether the work assigned to dioceses by the plan might be unmanageable because of limited resources; the possibility that dioceses might become more isolated from one another and the rest of the church; how environmental issues will be addressed; how youth will be supported; the possibility that the role of bishops will be diminished as fewer people hold the national structure together with an attendant risk to Anglican identity.

In relation to structures the Committee noted that the Synod had affirmed emphasis upon coordination and innovation in working arrangements as well as simplification of structures. Members of Synod had asked questions about the process of transition and the Committee suggested that transition will take time, which will mean experimenting, risk-taking, and perhaps further change in response to evaluation.

The Committee identified a number of questions which require clarification and noted that an implementation plan has already been elaborated and some members of a team have been appointed. The plan does not depend upon the self-sufficiency of the Council of the North and there is no proposal to eliminate the block grants immediately. The status of the House of Bishops in relation to General Synod structures has not been altered. The NEC has asked Metropolitans to study provincial structures as well as diocesan boundaries and viability. A new national staff structure will be designed and implemented by January 1996 and work will be reallocated to reflect the priorities of the plan. Instead of resources related to discontinued programs, which would no longer be produced (e.g., resources for people who work with children, for congregational development, and for Stewards for Life), the plan envisions emphasis on the coordination of communications and the production of resources in relation to priorities set by General Synod. Collaboration among theological colleges will be fostered, although General Synod exercises no direct supervisory authority in this area. The plan reaffirms ecumenical coalitions. The plan assumes that most dioceses will continue to support national church work and that income will remain constant over the next few years and an increase may be possible.

In relation to structures and in response to concerns, the Committee noted more than 50% of the members of the proposed Council of General Synod would be elected and some of the appointed members might also be members of General Synod. While unification of PWRDF and Partners in World Mission is not recommended, collaboration in networking, advocacy, education, and fundraising must be encouraged. While concern with delay of meetings of the new Council and committees reflects affirmation of the proposed structures, there is no budget for a full round of meetings in 1995 (conference calls and new communications vehicles will be encouraged). In response to concern that the workload of volunteer committee chairs may be increased, the Committee suggests that the chair could choose a delegate to the Mission Coordination Group and that the representative of a standing committee to the Council need not be the committee's chair.

There were concerns that the plan does not provide for members of the Council to include persons from every diocese and that a smaller council will involve fewer people doing more work. On the Committee's recommendation and by resolution the Synod moved into Committee of the whole to debate the structure of the proposed Council of General Synod.

On a straw vote in Committee of the whole a majority of members of the General Synod indicated that they were not in favour of proceeding with the proposed 30-member Council of General Synod.

The Synod reconvened and referred the resolution on the membership of the Council of General Synod (A27) to the Resolutions Committee in consultation with the Hon. Ronald Stevenson.

At a later point inthe Synod the strategic plan, Preparing the Way, was submitted to the Synod with amendments to Section B (to include the word "doctrine" in the priority and in the national approach). Section F was amended to change a sentence referring to the Anglican Journal from, "Independence in editorials continues as so defined," to "The Independent editorial policy continues ..." Section E was amended to change the priority to read, "Strengthen commitment of the whole Church to domestic mission in partnership with the Council of the North and work with the Council of the North toward self-sufficiency," and the national approach was reworded to read, "Coordinate transfer payments and encourage improvements in stewardship: 1. identify needs not currently being met, 2. encourage increased stewardship education in assisted dioceses, 3. continue to develop Anglican Appeal partially for the Council of the North."

The Synod made the following decisions.

AGREED to approve the strategic plan, Preparing the Way, pages 19-21, as amended, to guide its work for the next three triennia. (A90)

AGREED to endorse the principles of "New Ways of Working Together" (page 26 of Preparing the Way, namely: new themes: flexibility, responsiveness, trust; less legislative, more consultative; more use of cross-country networks; fewer standing committees, more short-term and ad hoc groups; greater use of electronic communication; perhaps a databank of skilled, committed people willing to be involved. (A91A)

AGREED to give general approval to the proposed committee structure (as found in the Strategic Plan report). (A93)

AGREED to declare as an immediate priority the need to consult dioceses about funding requirements of the [strategic] plan, Preparing the Way, for parishes, dioceses and the national church and, specifically the feasibility of a coordinated fundraising campaign throughout the church, primarily to benefit parishes and dioceses; that the Council of General Synod be authorized to respond to the recommendations of the feasibility study; and that funding for the consultative process to a maximum of $100,000 come from funds already designated for financial development. (A95)

AGREED that the Information Resources Committee during 1995 is to identify the advanced electronic communications facilities available to the New Plan implementation team, determine which may be appropriate for use by the implementation team during the year of transition 1996, and make recommendations to the Council of General Synod for implementation in coordination with the implementation of the Strategic Plan. (B73)

AGREED to express thanks to the Primate, to the Beginners who have worked on the strategic plan, to the Executive Director of Program and other members of staff who worked with them, and to Kathleen McLaughlin of McKinsey and Company who volunteered her services to the General Synod with the support of her company.


Back to Table of Contents

3 - Principles, Constitution, Canons, Procedures, Rules

The Synod made the following decisions.

AGREED (on second reading) to amend the Declaration of Principles to lower the minimum age of diocesan youth representatives to the General Synod from 18 to 16 years, including the youth representative from the Canadian Forces, and to provide that those who will be either 16 or 25 years of age when the Synod meets are eligible to be elected. (A10)

AGREED to amend the Constitution to lower the minimum age of diocesan youth representatives to the General Synod from 18 to 16 years, and to authorize expressly the election or appointment of substitute youth representatives. (A22B)

AGREED (on first reading) to amend the Declaration of Principles to provide for the appointment of two representatives of Anglican Religious Orders with communities in Canada recognized by the House of Bishops, such representatives to be appointed by the Superiors of the religious orders acting in concert. (A13A)

AGREED to amend the Rules of Order and Procedure to provide that in any unprovided case resort shall be had to "Kerr and King's Procedures for Meetings and Organizations (second edition) instead of the Rules of Order of the House of Commons of Canada. (A41)

AGREED to amend the Rules of Order and Procedure to preclude referral of motions which have not been submitted in advance of Synod and included in the Convening Circular or have not been presented for debate on the floor of the Synod. (A42A)

AGREED on second reading to further amend an Amendment to the Declaration of Principles in regard to structural uniformity to the episcopal prerogative of licensing clergy. (A12)

AGREED on first reading to replace Canon XVII - EPISCOPAL JURISDICTION RESPECTING THE CLERGY with Canon XVII - STRUCTURAL UNIFORMITY IN RELATION TO THE EPISCOPAL PREROGATIVE OF LICENSING CLERGY, i.e., to define the authority and jurisdiction of the General Synod in relation to licensing, and in particular in response to concerns expressed with respect to revocation on notice at the 1992 Synod to provide that a diocese could adopt a procedure for assessing whether a situation is one in which revocation on notice is appropriate and for determining the length of reasonable notice, to provide that payment of stipend or other compensation may be made for the period of reasonable notice in lieu of giving notice, to remove the default definition of notice and to leave the matter as in the civil law for determination on a case-by-case basis, to create a right for a licensee dissatisfied with the length of notice to appeal to the "appeal tribunal" (as designated by diocesan canon or, in the absence of a canon, by the metropolitan or senior bishop of the province on request); and to require that a license identify the party responsible for payment of the stipend or other compensation payable in respect of the licensed ministry. (A62)

DEFEATED a proposal to amend the Canon XXI, on Marriage in the Church, to bring the canon into conformity with the law as enacted by the Parliament of Canada to provide that the minister shall, with respect to impediments of relationship, be guided by the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees) Act which prohibits marriages between persons who are related lineally by consanguinity or adoption; as brother and sister by consanguinity, whether by the whole blood or by the half-blood; or as brother and sister by adoption. (A63)

AGREED on second reading to amend Canon XX, The Supreme Court of Appeal, to authorize the National Executive Council to make rules for the Supreme Court of Appeal when no court is in place. (A65)

AGREED to adopt a new Section 35 of the Constitution providing for an Executive Council consisting of the Primate, the Prolocutor, the Deputy Prolocutor, the Chancellor, and the bishops, clerical members and lay members elected by the General Synod on nomination of the members of the orders of bishops, clergy, and laity from each Province meeting together, in which the number of ordained persons shall be equal to 45 percent of the number of dioceses in each Province to the next larger whole number, in which not more than one ordained person shall be selected from any one diocese, in which at least one bishop and one priest or deacon shall be from each Province, in which there shall be an equal number of lay members and at least one representative from each diocese, and in which there shall be two youth members elected by the General Synod, and one representative from the Anglican Ordinariate of the Canadian Forces on the nomination of members of Synod representing the Ordinariate. The Section also indicates who may be present at meetings of the Council and provides for the replacement of members when a vacancy occurs. (A26A)

AGREED to adopt a new Section 41 of the Constitution to establish a new committee structure for the General Synod consisting of the Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee, the Partners in Mission Committee, the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund Committee, the Ecojustice Committee, the Pension Committee, the Financial Management and Development Committee, the Information Resources Committee, and providing for the number of members and the process for appointment of members in each case, for the developing and publication of terms of reference, and stipulating that the committees shall report to the General Synod and regularly to the Council of the General Synod. (A30A)

AGREED to delete the words National Executive Council where they appear in the Constitution, Canons, and Rules of Order and Procedure of the General Synod and to substitute the words Council of the General Synod in each instance. (A29)

AGREED to replace Section 44 of the Constitution (Vacancies on Committees, Councils or Boards) to refer to commissions except in section c). (A25A)

AGREED to replace subsection 37(a) of the Constitution to provide that a quorum of the Council of the General Synod shall be a majority of the members, provided that all Orders are represented. (A28)

AGREED to amend the Constitution by deleting the words Administration & Finance Committee wherever they appear in Section 30 and substituting the words Financial Management and Development Committee in each instance, and by deleting the words after consultation with the Program Committee from Section 20(a) and 36(d)(v). (A33)

AGREED to amend the Canons by deleting references to Administation & Finance Committee and replacing them with Financial Management and Development Committee. (A69)

AGREED to amend the Canons to delete references to Administration and Finance Committee and replace them with Financial Management and Development Committee, to provide for the election of the Committee's chair, and to substitute the words Pension Committee for Committee on Ministry in Canon XII (Continuing Education Plan). (A69)

AGREED to amend Canon VI, Administration and Finance Committee, by deleting the title and replacing it with Financial Management, and by the adoption of measures which clarify the role of the Treasurer in relation to General Synod and the Committee, and other matters. (A70)

AGREED to amend the Rules of Order and Procedure by deleting the words Organization Committee in section 1(b), by replacing them with the words Credentials Committee in section 2(a), by replacing Organization Committee in section 6 with Council of the General Synod, and by replacing Organization Committee's Agenda Task Force and from in section 6(a), Administration and Finance Committee in section 6(f) and section 15(a) with Financial management and development Committee in each instance. (A43)

AGREED to amend Canon XI (Anglican Book Centre) to create an Anglican Book Centre Advisory Board to replace the Anglican Book Centre Committee and to provide for the Board to report to the Information Resources Committee instead of the Council of the General Synod. (A67)

AGREED to replace Canon V, Archives, with a new canon in which the Archives Committee is replaced by the Archives Advisory Board and provision is made for the development and realization of policy by the Advisory Board. (A66)

AGREED to replace Section 47 and to provide that all staff employed by the General Synod shall be responsible to the Primate as Chief Executive Officer, for the performance of their duties, and that the organization of the National Staff shall be under the direction of the Primate in consultation with the Officers of the General Synod. (A31)

AGREED to replace Section 2(a) of the Constitution and to provide that the General Synod shall meet in every third year, or as otherwise determined by the Council of General Synod, at such time and place as the Council determines, provided that such meetings are not more than five years apart. (A21A)

AGREED to approve changes to the Regulations of Canon VIII (General Synod Pension Plan) as approved by the National Executive Council. (A225)

AGREED to approve changes to the Regulations of Canon IX (Lay Retirement Plan). (A226)

AGREED to adopt a procedure for use at this General Synod by which the Resolutions Committee shall in consultation with movers identify and list on a No Debate List in the Orders of the Day resolutions likely to be approved without debate; that this list shall be read at the beginning of the first session of the day when any resolution shall be removed from the list and scheduled for debate at a time arranged by the Agenda Committee upon the request of any member; resolutions remaining on the No Debate List shall be decided in turn without debate except that the mover of the resolution may speak for not more than three minutes.

AGREED, as provided for in section 7 (b) (iii) of the Declaration of Principles, to give consent to the declaration of the Synod of the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada in September 1994 that the boundaries of the Diocese of Nova Scotia are co-terminous with the boundaries of the civil provinces of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. (B20)

AGREED that the Council of General Synod present to the next meeting of General Synod appropriate amendments to Canon XXI on Marriage in the Church with particular view to the appropriate role and purposes of the Marriage Commission in the Church. (B30)

AGREED to ask the Council of General Synod to give consideration during the next triennium to an amendment of the Declaration of Principles allowing for representation of the Church Army in the membership of Synod. (C14)

REFERRED to the Council of General Synod a Memorial on the Discipline Canon from the Diocesan Synod of Fredericton requesting that the Council prepare, for consideration at the next General Synod, a motion to amend Canon XVIII to adopt proof beyond a reasonable doubt as the required degree of proof in disciplinary proceedings.


Back to Table of Contents

4 - First Nations

The Council for Native Ministries made a presentation in liturgy, story, music, and drama. The presentation began with processions from the four directions, followed by a drama, "Jumping off the Cradleboard," which addressed the mature development and liberation of people from a state of dependence, subjection, and a sense of rejection. A speaker said that it was time to jump off the cradleboard and assume responsibility.

A video presentation told the story of the separation of people of the First Nations from their land, their culture, and their spirituality, and especially of the impact of the residential schools, as well as the rediscovery of the spirituality which had been preserved in secret until it could dawn again. The video also told of the development of the Native Convocations and their healing impact on the participants, and of the Primate's apology for the role of the church in the painful experience of many First Nations people in the residential schools. Native people on screen expressed their pride in being who they are and their determination to build an indigenous church, extending the hand of partnership to all who would help them. "We invite the white church to join us," said one of the voices, "therefore let us choose life."

The Synod participated in an Iroquoian strawberry harvest ritual which is usually observed in the Spring and speaks of new life and of God's gift of the land and all it brings. The ceremony is an occasion of thanksgiving and is always observed as a public event. Scripture was read, thanksgiving was offered, and strawberries were distributed and eaten.

Laverne Jacobs announced the publication in August of a book, Dancing the Dream, edited by by Joyce Carlson and illustrated by Teresa Altiman.

The Residential Schools Working Group reported on its work over the last three years in regard to the Anglican-run schools. They noted that the schools had been a major tool of the policy of assimilation adopted by the Canadian government. They spoke of the loss of language, culture, and identity which resulted from the schools, and described the process by which the native people who had experienced the schools were eventually able to give voice to the grief and pain they had experienced twenty years and more after the Anglican Church of Canada ceased to be identified with this educational program. At the same time, they suggested, white people have had to learn to listen to these expressions of pain and to discover that there are other modes of human experience than theirs. The Working Group presented a video production, The Healing Circle. The Synod was reminded that the term of the Working Group's assignment now ends but responsibility for its concerns now pass to the Council for Native Ministries. Members of CNM joined members of the Working Group and marked this handing on of responsibility ceremonially.

The Residential Schools Working Group reported on its work over the last three years in regard to the Anglican-run schools. They noted that the schools had been a major tool of the policy of assimilation adopted by the Canadian government. They spoke of the loss of language, culture, and identity which resulted from the schools, and described the process by which the native people who had experienced the schools were eventually able to give voice to the grief and pain they had experienced twenty years and more after the Anglican Church of Canada ceased to be identified with this educational program. At the same time, they suggested, white people have had to learn to listen to these expressions of pain and to discover that there are other modes of human experience than theirs. The Working Group presented a video production, The Healing Circle. The Synod was reminded that the term of the Working Group's assignment now ends but responsibility for its concerns now pass to the Council for Native Ministries. Members of CNM joined members of the Working Group and marked this handing on of responsibility ceremonially.

The Synod made the following decisions.

AGREED, responding to the invitation of the representatives of the indigenous people of the Anglican Church of Canada, to receive, accept and affirm the Covenant [adopted by representatives of the indigenous people of the Anglican Church of Canada in Winnipeg, 23-26 April 1994, pledging, "to do all we can to call our people into unity in a new, self-determining community within the Anglican Church of Canada," and extending the hand of partnership, "to all those who will help us build a truly Anglican indigenous church in Canada"] trusting in the Spirit's leading, anticipating "that as we covenant and speak and worship ... and journey together new structures and forms will emerge" which will enable and express our commonality in Christ. (A187A)

AGREED that in response to the church's commitment to the Native Covenant, the Council for Native Ministries be renamed Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples and that new terms of reference be established over the next triennium.(A186A)

AGREED to support and encourage the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples as it works at redefining the role of Indigenous Anglicans in the Church, and specifically to encourage the exploration of the establishment of the office of a national indigenous bishop who will work in partnership with the national church and dioceses, the development of indigenous forms of church government and decision-making, and ways for the indigenous congregations to move toward self-sufficiency. (B90)

AGREED to reaffirm recognition and support of the First Nations struggle to obtain justice regarding land claims through negotiations, to reaffirm commitment to support the process of negotiations with First Nations towards a just and timely resolution of outstanding land claims, to urge the Governments of Canada and British Columbia to bring forward proposals that will provide a land and resource base sufficient to assure self-determination for the Nisga'a people and all other First Nations, to urge the Government of Canada to settle all outstanding Native land claims in a just and expedient manner, and to request the Primate to make this position known to the respective Governments. (C22)


Back to Table of Contents

5 - Ecumenical Relationships

Barry Hollowell reviewed the development of Anglican - Lutheran relationships and the adoption of an Interim Agreement on Eucharistic Sharing in 1989 as well as the decision made by General Synod in 1992 to request a response to The Niagara Report and an evaluation of the sharing agreement.

The Synod made the following decision.

AGREED to reaffirm and extend the Interim Agreement on Eucharistic Sharing between the Anglican Church of Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada to 2001; to provide for agreements which permit an ordained minister (priest or pastor) to serve the people of both churches, including presiding at the sacraments of the Church, wherever, and according to which rite, the local bishop of each church deems appropriate; to request that bishops specifically invite neighbouring congregations (where appropriate) to commit themselves to undertake at least one joint project and celebrate at least one joint eucharist yearly; to adopt and implement a policy to permit lay people of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada moving to the Anglican Church of Canada to be received with the same status (baptized, communicant, confirmed) which they held in the ELCIC, such a move to be marked liturgically by a service of reception (Occasional Offices, pp 106-107, BAS pp 161-162); to request dioceses and bishops to develop structures with the purpose of evaluating and improving the bishop's ministry, through collegial and periodic review; to encourage continuing work toward entering full communion, as defined by the Canadian Lutheran Anglican Dialogue by 2001, and to dismiss CLAD II with thanks, and mandate a Joint Working Group to oversee the process leading to the implementation of these recommendations. (A120A)

Bishop Telmor Sartison of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada greeted the Synod after adoption of the resolution. He told the Synod that we are on a journey together but the promise always lies in the future. He said he looked forward to taking the resolution to his own assembly in July.


Back to Table of Contents

6 - Homosexuality and Homosexual Relationships

The Synod held a hearing on the report of the Task Force on Homosexuality and Homosexual Relationships. The convener, Gary Genge told the Synod that the hearing provided members of the Synod an opportunity to hear and be heard against the background of the Task Force's report. He noted that the dialogue is not finished yet. The hearing provides an opportunity for ongoing dialogue separate from debate on resolutions which will be considered later. Helena-Rose Houldcroft, chair of the Task Force, told the Synod that the Anglican Church has been dealing with sexuality in a formal way since 1976. The last General Synod called for a task force on homosexuality and homosexual relationships, using biblical, ethical, and scientific information. The task force, representing a spectrum of viewpoints, developed a study resource in which more than 2,500 people participated. Many of them submitted responses and the task force worked to give focus to their voices. The report reflects common ground that we can affirm and room for further dialogue. As a church we need time to allow more people to participate in a deepening discussion. We need to be able to participate in informed action in the future. Some will think we have not gone far enough, others that we have gone too far. She reminded Synod of the Pentecost scripture which tells us not to be anxious or afraid. There is courage in our church, in the words we have received from dialogue and in the voices of people who shared their stories on video and in groups. Even when we feel lost to each other we are never lost to God.

Members of the Synod discussed the report and the study material produced by the Task Force from a variety of points of view.

At the conclusion of the discussion Helena-Rose Houldcroft thanked the Synod, the Moderator, the Task Force, and Janet Marshall-Eibner and Susan Graham-Walker who served the Task Force as consultants.

The Synod made the following decisions.

AGREED to affirm the presence and contributions of gay men and lesbians in the life of the church and to condemn bigotry, violence and hatred directed toward any due to their sexual orientation. (A125)

AGREED to encourage parishes and dioceses to continue, deepen, extend and adapt the learning, reflection and dialogue identified by the Task Force on Homosexuality and Homosexual Relationships (as reflected in Recommendations 1 through 4 of the Task Force Report); to encourage parishes and dioceses to give particular attention to the ongoing dialogue with respect to the issues identified in Recommendation 5 of the Task Force Report; to encourage parishes and dioceses to develop plans of action to further the dialogue as described in the Recommendations of the Task Force Report; and to request the Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee to make provision for leadership to ensure that this process continues at the parish and diocesan levels and that a report be made at the next General Synod (Recommendation 6). (A126)

AGREED to request that the Primate continue to encourage dialogue on "homosexuality and homosexual relationships" throughout the church. (A127)

AGREED to request the House of Bishops to indicate whether it is currently reviewing or intends to review its 1979 Statement and Guidelines on Human Sexuality (reaffirmed in 1991). (A128A)

Helena-Rose Houldcroft thanked the Synod for the reception of the Report of the Task Force on Homosexuality and Homosexual Relationships. The Primate thanked the Task Force and its staff for their work.

Tribute was paid to the late Sharon Marshall's work in this field.


Back to Table of Contents

7 - Faith and Worship

a) The Hymn Book

George Black, convener of the Hymn Book Task Force, and Patrick Wedd, vice-convener, reported for the Hymn Book Task Force at a Hearing moderated by Archbishop Percy O'Driscoll. George Black told the Synod that the hymn book is a collection of diverse voices, which speak in different ways to different people. The mandate was to provide hymns and other material for worship which complement the Common Lectionary, in a wide variety of traditions, and broadly inclusive in terms of gender, piety, and culture. George Black identified members of the task force and its service music sub-committee and described the process by which the task force worked. He reminded Synod that we live in a tradition of pluralistic hymn books, in which not every hymn appeals to everyone and every congregation. Patrick Wedd told the Synod that some of the work on the music of the book has been done but some is still in process. The music sub-committee has worked its way through the texts and has assigned tunes to most of them, but some hymns still do not have a tune and tunes will have to be found. Most of the hymns in the book are in traditional musical styles--plainsong, chorales, the music of the 17th and 18th centuries, Victorian and Edwardian favourites, and tunes which have become classics in this century, like those composed by Canadians like Walter MacNutt, Healey Willan, and Robert Fleming. In addition the sub-committee identified hymns which fell to one side or the other of the central tradition, e.g., authentic folk, spirituals, popular folk, Taizé, multicultural, etc. The sub-committee found that 120 hymns fell into this less traditional set of categories. Patrick Wedd introduced sample pages of texts and music, noting that when possible the texts have been set between the staves.

The Moderator opened the meeting to questions and comments. The Hearing closed with a hymn.

The Synod made the following decision.

AGREED to receive the collection of hymn texts presented by the Hymn Book Task Force and to authorize the Hymn Book Task Force to complete the preparation of "a hymn book" and to present the completed material to the Council of General Synod for permission to publish for use. (A230)

b) Evaluation Commission on The Book of Alternative Services

Eric Bays, chair of the Evaluation Commission on The Book of Alternative Services reviewed the process by which the Commission was established and the way in which it addressed its work. The Commission agreed to focus on three themes: the theology of the BAS, and future patterns of worship. The Commission used data supplied by three questionnaires as well as correspondence received by the Liturgical Office, the Journal, and by the Commission directly. The Commission determined that the book had been well received and that its use had probably increased during the time of the Commission's work. The Commission actively sought theological comment from people with appropriate expertise. The Commission concluded that the BAS reflects a theologically orthodox presentation of the Christian faith, noting however that there is a difference of opinion between those who regard 16th century formulations as definitive and those which have a more developmental notion of theological process. The Commission suggests that the examination of this tension should be the work of a Theological Commission which would have the time and expertise to examine issues and to produce educational resources. The Commission noted several areas where liturgical work is needed, e.g., native spiritual traditions and language about God. The Commission recommends the creation of an alternative eucharistic rite that is inclusive in its imagery about God and a eucharistic rite that would allow local congregations to explore cultural expressions in their worship. The Commission also recommends the provision of a French translation of the BAS eucharistic rite, and a contemporary language eucharistic rite that embodies Reformed theological conscience. All of these additional rites would be for optional use. They would become, with the BCP and the BAS, the background for future revision. The Commission recommends such a revision after 2001 and that in the meantime the present use of the BCP and the BAS continue.

The Synod made the following decisions.

AGREED to authorize The Book of Alternative Services for use until the thirty-sixth session of the General Synod (2001). (A105)

AGREED to instruct the Faith, Worship, and Ministry Committee to prepare as soon as possible supplementary material to The Book of Alternative Services containing a contemporary language eucharistic rite that is inclusive in its language and imagery about God and is in keeping with Christian worship; a contemporary language eucharistic rite that embodies Reformed theological conscience over such issues as the manner of the presence of Christ's saving work on the cross, eucharistic oblation, and epiclesis; a eucharistic rite that would allow local communities to explore ways of including native spiritual traditions and other cultural expressions that are in keeping with Christian worship; a French translation of Holy Baptism, the Holy Eucharist, the Celebration of Marriage, and the Funeral Liturgy in The Book of Alternative Services, pp 151ff, 185ff, 528ff, and 571ff; and a "Service of the Word" for use as the main Sunday act of worship, this material to be submitted to the Council of General Synod for approval for use where permitted by the Ordinary. (A106)

AGREED to request the Primate to establish a Theological Commission composed of ten Anglicans, which would include one member of the Council of Native Ministries, with appropriate expertise and representative of the diversity of theological opinion in the church, with duties and terms of reference as set out in Recommendation 5 in the Final Report of the Book of Alternative Services Evaluation Commission. (A107)

AGREED to encourage bishops and other liturgical leaders to exemplify sensitivity in matters concerning liturgical change, to honour diversity, and to encourage openness to critique and mutual listening in matters concerning the church's worship. (A108)

AGREED to approve Recommendations 1, 3, 4, and 6 of the Book of Alternative Services Evaluation Commission (i.e., to continue to use the BCP and the BAS unchanged and undertake no full-scale liturgical revision during the next six years; that the first General Synod of the next century establish a revision commission to undertake a full revision of the BAS taking into account experience of the use of supplementary materials, ongoing theological discussion, and new developments in liturgy in Canada and in the Anglican Communion; that alongside any revised book of contemporary language liturgies, the Book of Common Prayer retain its canonical status and availability; and that the processes of production and testing of liturgical texts be as inclusive of the variety of theological and liturgical convictions as possible). (A109)

The Primate thanked the Evaluation Commission on behalf of the Synod.

c) Lectionary

AGREED to adopt the Revised Common Lectionary, as appended to this motion, and commend it to the dioceses for use where authorized by the Ordinary. (A233A)


Back to Table of Contents

8 - The Ministry of the Church

a) Mutual Ministry Review

AGREED to accept The Guidelines for Mutual Ministry Review and commend them to the Anglican Church of Canada. (A191)

b) Pay Equity

AGREED to receive the document "Pay Equity, What is it?" [included in the Report of the Committee on Ministry] for study and comment by the dioceses and to ask the Council of General Synod to establish a task force to work with two dissimilar dioceses to develop, implement, monitor and evaluate an instrument based on the principles outlined in "Pay Equity, What is it?" (A192A)

c) Continuing Education Plan

AGREED to direct the Pension Committee to prepare a proposal to revise the Continuing Education Plan so that both costs and benefits of the Plan are revised to reflect increased costs of continuing education and that the proposal be submitted to the Council of General Synod for appropriate action. (B40A)

d) Anglican Church Women

AGREED to recognize, affirm, and support Anglican Church Women as an integral part of the mission and ministry of the Canadian Church and to encourage national, provincial and diocesan decision-making bodies to provide opportunities for their representation and leadership. (C10)

e) Ministry Symposium

AGREED that work on the Ministry Symposium video and workshop kit resource continue and be completed by December 31, 1995 under the direction of the Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee, with an appropriate level of General Synod staff support and expertise. (C18)


Back to Table of Contents

9 - Social Justice, Peace, and the Environment

The Synod made the following decisions.

AGREED that the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, having already consulted with the communion dioceses in Latin American and the Caribbean, urge the Government of Canada in its policy to extend hemispheric free trade through an expanded North American Free Trade Agreement, to promote democracy and human rights (including social, economic, cultural and ecological dimensions to human rights) in the Latin America/Caribbean region, and to give preferential consideration to governments which are committed to reducing military expenditure and are dedicating more resources to the education, environment, health and welfare of their populations. (A162)

AGREED to rejoice and celebrate with all the people of the Republic of South Africa in their hard won freedom and in the peaceful election of their first democratic government, and therefore to affirm the sacrificial and invaluable contribution made by the church's partners (the South Africa Council of Churches and the Church of the Province of Southern Africa) to the process of dismantling apartheid; to encourage all Canadian Anglicans to continue to hold up their partners in prayer and solidarity as they continue their transforming mission; and that the contents of this resolution be conveyed to the SACC and the CPSA. (A163)

AGREED to communicate to the church's partners in Sudan (the Episcopal Church of the Sudan, the Sudan Council of Chues, and the new Sudan Council of Churches) its compassion and solidarity in their ongoing suffering, and to call upon the Canadian government and the international community to support actively efforts that will bring a just peace and especially the right to religious freedom for all peoples of the Sudan. (A165)

AGREED to urge the Minister of Foreign Affairs to continue to resist pressure on the Government of Canada, Canadian business and foreign subsidiaries operating in Canada to join the U.S. embargo against Cuba, to offer to mediate between Cuba and the U.S.A. with a view to normalization of relations, and to intensify efforts to promote the entry of Cuba into the O.A.S. (A167)

AGREED to request the Government of Canada to urge the Government of Mexico to seek a just and non-military solution to the conflict reflected in the Chiapas situation, and that the General Synod also urge communication with those who feel disenfranchised in Mexico to pursue their aspirations for justice by non-violent forms of protest and persuasion. (A168A)

AGREED to express to the Government of Canada strong concern about the great increase in prostitution of children, especially in Asia, and to urge the Government of Canada to consider legislation to enable the criminal prosecution in Canada of Canadians who while travelling outside Canada engage in the sexual exploitation of children. (A169)

AGREED to express to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dili and to the Gereja Kristen Di Timor Timus (Christian Church in East Timor) our prayerful support and encouragement in their ongoing suffering, and to the urge the Government of Canada to express (a) its strong concern to the Government of Indonesia about its continued violation of human rights in East Timor, particularly its ongoing assault on East Timorese culture, language and religion, (b) to urge the Government of Indonesia to participate fully in the United Nations-mandated tripartite peace talks between Portugal, Indonesia and the East Timorese people, including the National Council of Timorese Resistance, on the future of East Timor, and (c) to refrain from sales of any military equipment to the Government of Indonesia until the East Timor situation is satisfactorily resolved. (A170)

AGREED to urge the Government of Canada to work towards ensuring that current Structural Adjustment Programs and policies be substantially altered so that, in keeping with the stated purpose of the Canada and the World document, a central emphasis be placed on meeting basic human needs and social infrastructure needs of the poorest people; and to request the International Financial Institutions to begin a process that would make them more democratic, representative and accountable to those who are affected by their decisions; and to request the World Bank to review its governance structures pertaining to the International Development Association with a view to finding alternatives which either remove the International Development Association from the World Bank or make it more free to fulfil its mandate. (A160A)

AGREED to affirm the Government of Canada's commitment, contained in its statement Canada in the World, to making progress towards the Official Development Assistance (ODA) target of 0.7% of Gross National Produce (GNP) but urges that this commitment not be qualified by the words "when Canada's fiscal situation allows it"; to affirm that the primary purpose of ODA is the alleviation of poverty and global injustice and welcomes Canada's commitment that 25% of its ODA will respond to basic human needs but urges that this percentage be increased to 60%; to express serious concern that Canadian foreign aid policy, as articulated in the Canada in the World statement, places more emphasis on Canadian economic interests than on the document's stated values and priorities (support for sustainable development, reduction of poverty, and contributing to a more secure equitable, and prosperous world) in determining the allocation of ODA and Canada's response to human rights situations in the context of trade relationships where traditionally Canada has not traded with countries consistently violating human rights; to commend the Government of Canada for its affirmation of multilateral approaches in solving problems in an interdependent global community and, particularly, to welcome the government's intent to press for reform in those multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which affect the lives of people in southern countries; and to convey these concerns and recommendations to the Government of Canada. (A161A)

AGREED to express grief and outrage at the genocide that has occurred in Rwanda and Burundi; to communicate to the Province de l'Église Épiscopale du Rwanda and the Église Épiscopale du Burundi our compassion and solidarity; to acknowledge gratefully the response of members of African churches who reached out to Rwanda and Burundi and of those in Canada and throughout the Communion who responded to the Communion-wide appeal; that it regrets that governments and churches in Central Africa, Canada, and the international community failed to anticipate and prevent the evil that occurred; to thank the Government of Canada for its exceptional role in the Rwandan crisis; to thank the men and women of our Canadian forces and those who have worked to bring relief to those who suffer and an end to the suffering itself; to call upon Canada and the international community to ensure that those responsible for organizing and/or implementing genocide, and for gross violations of human rights, be justly tried and, where guilty, punished; and to offer continued prayers for our partners and the people in this troubled region of God's world. [A164A, abbreviated and condensed]

AGREED to request the Government of Canada to urge the Government of the Republic of Korea to continue its improvement of human rights and democracy by repealing the National Security Law, releasing political prisoners, abiding by the internationally recognized standards of human rights; to urge the Government of Canada to give diplomatic recognition to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, support the peaceful and democratic reunification of Korea, support the enhancement of human rights in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea; to be represented at the Jubilee events marking the Korean Jubilee Year of Peace and Reunification in August 1995; and to continue to participate in developing relations with the emerging churches of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea as part of our contribution towards the reunification of Korea. (A166)

AGREED to express to our church partners in Sri Lanka prayerful support and encouragement as they pursue their ministry of seeking justice and peace in Sri Lanka; to request the Government of Canada to take a more active leadership role in the international community to facilitate a permanent cease-fire, authentic mediation and a negotiated political settlement between the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam, to continue to urge the Government of Sri Lanka and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam to work towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict, to urge all parties in the conflict to respect the human rights of all who are affected by the conflict, including minority ethnic and religious groups, and to ensure that all Canadian government development assistance to Sri Lanka (including all aid going through International Financial Institutions) goes towards programs that address the root causes of injustice and violent conflict in Sri Lanka, rather than to programs that perpetuate them. (A171)

AGREED to declare opposition to the use, production, stockpiling, sale, transfer or export of anti-personnel landmines and to communicate in writing this opposition to the Prime Minister, the Minister of National Defence, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs; to urge the government to work for an international ban on the use, production, stockpiling, sale, transfer or export of anti-personnel landmines within the international community; to communicate in writing to the above persons support of present Canadian initiatives and of further initiatives to assist in humanitarian mine clearance, including the Cambodia Mine Action Centre and other United Nations and bilateral mine clearance activities; to urge the federal government to declare an immediate Canadian moratorium on the production and export of landmines, their component parts, and related technology; and to ask the federal government to increase its support for and participation in bilateral and multilateral programs providing assistance to the victims of landmines. (A200A)

AGREED to condemn all forms of prostitution and to direct the Social Justice Committee to identify or establish an appropriate national or international ecumenical or inter-faith coalition, and participate with such a coalition to work toward the elimination of prostitution; and to direct that the strategy to eliminate prostitution address all issues of social, economic, psychological and spiritual justice involved so that those who are presently victims of prostitution not be further victimized by the actions taken to eliminate prostitution. (B80)

AGREED to declare Canada's opposition to NATO's long-standing, stated policy of possible first use of nuclear weapons and to press NATO to foreswear the first use of nuclear weapons in any form; to press at the United Nations and in other fora for more substantial and rapid reduction by all nuclear powers of the existing global stockpile of 45,000 nuclear weapons, as well as support a Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, together with a ban on laboratory experiments; and to adopt as a foreign policy objective the elimination of nuclear weapons from the world in the near term, as General Synod in 1986 envisaged in calling for this elimination by the year 2000. (C12A)

AGREED to request the Government of Canada to urge the Government of Guatemala to remain faithful to their Agreement of October 8, 1992 with the Permanent Commissions of the Guatemalan Refugees in Mexico, in all its component parts and, specifically, to address Part 6 regarding land access; to redress in particular the contradictory treatment of those returning with the South Vertiente group; to take action against the increasing human rights violations in Guatemala addressed by the United Nations Mission for the Verification of Human Rights in Guatemala; and to request the the Government of Canada to encourage the Government of Guatemala and the Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity to pursue a peace accord that addresses the underlying issues of the armed conflict. (C13A)

AGREED to commend and support federal Fisheries Minister Brian Tobin in his strong action regarding the conservation of fish stocks on the East Coast, to urge that he take a similar position on the West Coast, and to call on the Minister to address the high level of fisheries interception by the Alaskans on the West Coast. (C19)

AGREED to call upon the Minister of Immigration to exempt refugees and their families from the landing fee. (C21)

REFERRED to the Eco-Justice Committee for consideration and presentation to the next General Synod a proposal to endorse and commend the Human Rights Principles, received by the 33rd General Synod for study, to all parishes, dioceses, provinces and national bodies for adoption and implementation as policy. (B50)

AGREED, commending the Government of Canada in its commitment to peacemaking and peacekeeping in our world today and acknowledging the continuing sacrifices of our young people and citizens who are risking their lives in peacekeeping service, especially since the end of the cold war, to call upon the Government to continue to pursue changes in foreign policy, defence policy, and social policy which will promote common security and peace by placing increasing emphasis on peacemaking, peacekeeping, conflict resolution, environmental protection, disaster relief, and search and rescue operations as roles of the Canadian Forces, by providing training in conflict resolution skills for Canadian Forces personnel as well as personnel from other nations; supporting initiatives to develop and provide civilian services of conflict resolution and mediation; and by establishing economic development plans, with community participation, for communities affected by base closures and any ensuing unemployment. (A201A)


Back to Table of Contents

10 - Evangelism

The Primate reminded the Synod that in 1989 the General Synod asked the church to become involved in "the decade of evangelism" (Lambeth 1988). The question was how to approach evangelism nationally. The National Executive Council asked the Primate to form a small group to work at the question of facilitating the work of evangelism at the local level. There was a presentation at the 1992 General Synod of ways in which this was being done in a number of places. A decision was made to take advantage of the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury for the Christian Festival in Hamilton and enable him to make contact with places he could not possibly visit around the question of evangelism. This resulted in a number of church agencies and programs working together to create video resources intended for use at the local level. The model of evangelism offered by the archbishop is the enabling of the whole church to undertake this work which is of the essence of the life of the church but is not as widely observed as it could be. The result of this project was the creation of three video resources. The Synod watched one of these resources, "One Generation from Extinction." The Synod discussed the presentation in small groups.


Back to Table of Contents

11 - Anglican Journal / Journal Anglican

The Synod made the following decisions.

AGREED to approve terms of reference for the Anglican Journal/Journal Anglican which stipulate that the Journal is the national newspaper of the Anglican Church of Canada but not the official voice of the church; that the newspaper has a primary responsibility to inform Anglicans in Canada about the domestic and international work of their church but also to provide relevant news of the worldwide communion and from other faith communities, exercising a role in presenting faith and stimulating debate; that the Journal is a church-sponsored and financed paper and an important instrument of communication; that the editor makes all decisions on editorial content acting in accordance with priorities and policies established by the Information Resources Committee in consultation with the Journal's Advisory Board and approved by the Council of the General Synod; that the paper is encouraged to express the full range of opinion within the Anglican community, is permitted to take an independent stance in editorials with the condition that an explanation by an informed spokesperson of the official position of the church will be carried when there is a conflict of opinion with official church policy; that the Journal operates in accordance with the Statement of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice of the Associated Church Press; that the Information Resources Committee is the publisher of the Journal and reports to the General Synod and the Council of the General Synod. The Canon outlines the constitution of the Advisory Board and the duties of the Editor. (A81)


Back to Table of Contents

12 - Finance and Pensions

AGREED to approve the 1994 audited consolidated financial statements of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada. (A240)

AGREED to appoint Ernst and Young, Chartered Accountants, as auditors for fiscal 1995 at an agreed fee of $74,000.

AGREED to replace Sections 30 a) and b) of the Constitution to provide that the Financial Management and Development Committee shall annually coordinate the preparation of a budget for recommendation to the Council of General Synod dealing with all areas of revenue and expenditures of the General Synod for the ensuing year; that except as provided for by other revenues, the financial requirements of General Synod shall be provided for by an assessment of the dioceses represented in the General Synod (which shall provide funds for the necessary expenses of the General Synod, the Council and Standing Committees of the General Synod, the offices of the Primate, the General Secretary, the Ecumenical Officer, the Archivist, the House of Bishops, and other administrative functions approved by the Council of the General Synod) and by an apportionment allocated to each diocese; by changing Such assessment shall be paid to The assessment shall be paid; and to add a new section d) to provide that the Financial Management and Development Committee shall advise the several dioceses of their suggested share of the General Synod apportionment and shall secure from each diocese the acceptance of its share. (A32B)

AGREED to direct the Council of General Synod to study over the next triennium the matter of complete unification of the revenue budget and bring recommendations to the next General Synod. (C23)

AGREED to approve the 1994 audited financial statements of The Pension Fund of the Anglican Church of Canada. (A227)


Back to Table of Contents

13 - Greetings

AGREED to congratulate Dr. Tom Millman on the occasion of his ninetieth birthday, thanking him for devoted service to the church, particularly to the General Synod Archives, to Theological Education, and to parish life and praying that he will continue in good health. (A100)

The Primate welcomed Bishop D.K. Mohanty, Bishop of Cuttack and Deputy Moderator of the Church of North India, Ms. Smita Singh of the Diocese of Calcutta, and Mrs. Ruth Gomez of the Diocese of Northeast India. Bishop Mohanty brought greetings from his Province and diocese.


Back to Table of Contents

14 - Elections

The Synod elected Rendina Hamilton to be Prolocutor and Ben Arreak to be Deputy Prolocutor.

Margaret Murray presented the names of persons elected to the Council of General Synod.

Lay: Diane Brookes, Arctic, Madeline Critchell, E. Newfoundland and Labrador, David Cumming, Kootenay, Grace Delaney, Moosonee, Marguerite Denman, Edmonton, Gary Genge, Saskatoon, David Gould, Algoma, Cynthia Haines-Turner, W. Newfoundland, Helen Harradence, Saskatchewan, Lorna Janze, Caledonia, Pamela McBeth, Montreal, Sue Punter, Rupert's Land, Lindley Roff, Cariboo, Ron Stevenson, Fredericton, Rob Welch, Niagara, Mary Lou Workman, Ontario.

Clergy: Arthur Anderson, Qu'Appelle, Rodney Andrews, Algoma, David Ashdown, Athabasca David Boston, Nova Scotia, Allen Box, Ottawa, Logan McMenamie, British Columbia, James Merrett, Quebec, Sean Murphy, Yukon, Baxter Park, Canadian Forces, Archie Skirving, Huron.

Bishops: Gordon Beardy, Keewatin, Terry Finlay, Toronto, Malcolm Harding, Brandon, Andrew Hutchison, Montreal, Michael Ingham, New Westminster, Ed Marsh, C. Newfoundland, Gary Woolsey, Calgary.

Youth: James Parsons, C. Newfoundland, Dana Sibley, British Columbia.

The following elections were announced.

Eco-Justice Committee

Lay: Tony Barlow, Toronto, Nina Chiba, Calgary, Heather Hamlin, Nova Scotia, Sharon Lee, Ontario, Nelson Leeson, Caledonia, Cynthia Patterson, Quebec, Garfield Warren, E. Nfld. & L., Gordon Yarde, Saskatoon.

Clergy: Arthur Anderson, Qu'Appelle, Randy Lockyer, W. Nfld., Margaret Marquardt, New Westminster.

Bishop: Barry Jenks, British Columbia.

Financial Management and Development Committee

Lay: Allan Chislett, W. Nfld., James Peters, Ontario, Henry Hughes, Nova Scotia, Arlene Kubica, Yukon, Monica Patten, Ottawa.

Clergy: David Ashdown, Athabasca, Cal McMillan, Caledonia, Marion Vincett, Niagara.

Bishop: Donald Harvey, E. Nfld. and L.

Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee

Lay: Elizabeth Hutchinson, Montreal, Arthur Kristoffersen, Fredericton, Lindley Roff, Cariboo, Eileen Scully, Huron.

Clergy: Jonas Allooloo, Arctic, Jody Clarke, Nova Scotia, Barry Hollowell, Niagara, Phyllis Keeper, Rupert's Land, Iain Luke, Saskatchewan, Kay Schmitt, New Westminster.

Bishop: Victoria Matthews, Toronto.

Information Resources Committee

Lay: Elisabeth Archambault, Brandon, Joyce Carlson, Rupert's Land, Jamie Tomlinson, Ottawa, Rob Welch, Niagara.

Clergy: Glenn Small, W. Nfld.

Youth: Tod Maffin, New Westminster.

Partners in Mission Committee

Lay: Sally Bishop, Qu'Appelle, Nina Burnham, Huron, Dorothy Davies-Flindall, Ontario, Patricia Dunnill, Algoma.

Clergy: Harold Munn, Edmonton, Stuart Pike, Quebec, William Rice, C. Nfld.

Bishops: Barry Curtis, Calgary, Michael Ingham, New Westminster.

Youth: James Vicars, Fredericton.

Pensions Committee

Lay: Thomas Adams, Edmonton, Carol Throp, Rupert's Land.

Clergy: Michael Karabelas, Kootenay, Archie Skirving, Huron.

Bishops: George Lemmon, Fredericton, Tom Morgan, Saskatoon.

Primate's World Relief and Development Fund Committee

Lay: Penelope Cummine, Keewatin, Grace Delaney, Moosonee, Rosamunde Hyde, Toronto, Marion Saunders, Canadian Forces, Stephen Toope, Montreal.

Clergy: Philip Barnett, Rupert's Land, Warren Deacon, Cariboo, Dirk Rinehart, Kootenay.

Agenda Committee: David Boston, Nova Scotia, Diane Brookes, Arctic, David Gould, Algoma.

Fund Raising: Andrew Hutchison, Montreal, Terry Finlay, Toronto (alternate).

Anglican Book Centre Committee: John Hill, Toronto, Hugh Mackenzie, Algoma, Reg Rickett, Saskatoon.

Implementation Team: Dariel Bateman, Calgary, Gary Genge, Saskatoon, Lorna Janze, Caledonia, Bob MacRae, British Columbia, Amy Newell, Ottawa.

Anglican Journal: Tim Foley, Toronto, David Smith, Toronto, Patrick Tomalin, Qu'Appelle.

Mission Audit: Current members will continue until the Council of General Synod's March 1996 meeting.

Continuing Education Committee: Current members will continue until the Council of General Synod's March 1996 meeting.

Mission Coordination Group: Allen Box, Ottawa, Madeline Critchell, E. Nfld. and L. (Co-chairs)

Archives: Harry Huskins, Algoma, Steven Sharman, Rupert's Land, Doreen Stevens, New Westminster.


Back to Table of Contents

15 - Partners

Diane Porter brought greetings from the Episcopal Church (U.S.A.). She said that we share many wonderful partnerships between our churches, between the Presiding Bishop and the Primate, between individuals and various levels of church life. She commented on the, "wonderful inclusion of youth," in this Synod.

Laura Ocampo (Philippines), on behalf of the international partners, said that they wished to take the opportunity to express their appreciation for being invited to be part of this church. It has been an exciting experience to be present when old ways are being affirmed and new ways are being fashioned. She said she discerned hope in the adoption of the strategic plan and the assumption of additional responsibilities at local levels, as well as in the desire of the church to have the Government of Canada stand with the church in the pursuit of justice. She said that the government of her own country has been aware of the impact of resolutions adopted by Canadian Synods in the past and church people value this expression of solidarity.

Dinis Sengulane (Mozambique) said the partners realize that they have been inspired by the faithfulness they have observed. "You are really beautiful," he said, "You are smashing!" The multicultural nature of the Canadian society is a gift from God who calls us to seize the opportunity. There is a call to minister to people in languages and gestures they can understand. He said the partners note with interest that the eucharist is central in the congregations and seems to be the standard of worship. He said that the fact that we are all created in the image of God means that every culture has something godly. At the same time, the fact that Jesus came to redeem us means that we are all in need of redemption. Inculturation is not a matter of letting everyone do their thing or of bringing everything to worship uncritically, but to go through the scrutiny of the Gospel.

Randall Chase (Episcopal Church U.S.A.) said he saw benefits in our Anglican partnership. He said this has been a painful time for the Episcopal Church. He said there is a special way in which the Anglican Church of Canada has dealt with difficult issues--structural change, the residential schools, sexuality, and liturgy--with grace and openness. He said he had been impressed and comfortable with the corporate conversation, with its humour and integrity. He hoped this would also be represented in conversations back home, private conversations, in dioceses. He told members of Synod to try to keep the conversations open and evolving so they cannot be closed by fear and prejudice. Please continue to tell your stories, he said, which for him had been embodiment of Christ's presence in the world.

Donna Geernaert (Roman Catholic, CCCB) said she saw a lot of similarities between Anglicans and Roman Catholics. She had talked with Bishop Sartison before he left and he had said he would have liked to see more time for celebration and dreaming. She said she had been at three Synods and there has been a growth in inclusiveness. She appreciated the story-telling approach in this Synod, especially in the bible studies. She asked: when you talk about ecumenism is it a practical question about getting something done? Or is it something more? She referred to a recent encyclical by Pope John Paul II in which he says that the search for Christian unity is part of our evangelical witness. She asked Synod to be vigilant about where the search for Christian unity is put into the church's structures.

The Primate responded to the partners. He said he had a deep sense of positive pride (fierté) about this church. He said genuine partnership of the kind we experience in people who come to us from elsewhere is the way we save ourselves from pride in a negative sense. He told the partners their presence and sharing is so much a part of our life that it would be unimaginable to hold a Synod without that. We could not be the nice things the partners say about us, or avoid some of the other things, without them.


Back to Table of Contents

16 - The Conclusion of the Synod

Suzanne Lawson led the Synod in a process designed to help members of Synod prepare to interpret the Synod to their home constituencies.

The Synod concluded with expressions of thanks and a celebration of the eucharist.

-- Jo Abrams and Paul Gibson

Back to General Synod 1995
Back to Anglicans Online!

Note: This is site is not formally affiliated with the Anglican Church of Canada.