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An electronic daily update of events
from the Anglican Church of Canada's
General Synod 1995 in Ottawa Ontario
___________________________________
S y n o d N E W S l i n k
by tod maffin
saturday, june 3, 1995
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t h e f i r s t w o r d
In yesterday's "first word" I reported of the 1,500 people
reading these daily updates. I was remiss in not mentioning
the contribution of John Chapman of Infomatch Internet
in Burnaby B.C., who has graciously donated his company's
services in the setup and maintenance of the Synod NEWSlink
mailing list and Anglicans Online! website. I owe you a
coffee when I get back, John.
I also messed up with the name of the national church staff
doing the daily reports you receive as "Synod NEWSreport"
-- it's Paul Gibson, not Bill Gibson as I reported
yesterday. Sorry Paul...
And while I'm eating humble pie, I need to recognize the
help from David Bewley from Ottawa, who is staffing the
Quest/Ecunet booth. David is echoing this report to the
Ecunet system each evening for people on there.
Tonight's Synod NEWSextra takes an in-depth look at the
issue of homosexuality, as it will come up at this General
Synod. You can review motions coming to the floor here,
take a look back at the history of the issue in the Anglican
Church, and read the current guidelines. I hope it's
helpful ('cause it took me hours to type in! )
Tonight's Synod NEWSreport will be delayed a day. You'll
receive it in tomorrow's mailing.
___________________________________
q u i c k t a k e s
LIVE SATELLITE HOOK-UP TO GENERAL SYNOD ACROSS CANADA
In a Synod NEWSlink a few issues back, I mentioned that
I'd heard of a live satellite feed from General Synod to
certain cities to give people a chance to watch live as
General Synod discusses the report of the task force on
homosexuality. It's the first time the Anglican Church
has used teleconfering technology to gather people in
different communities so they may see a General Synod in
action. I've finally managed to track down the
details, so here they are:
When: Monday, June 5, 7:30 p.m. (Eastern time)
Where: Montreal.....Diocesan Theological College
Toronto......Ryerson Polytechnic University
Vancouver....Four Seasons Hotel, downtown
Details: Montreal.....514/843-6577
Toronto......416/364-7865
Vancouver....604/682-3848
COUNCIL OF NATIVE MINISTRIES MAKE MOVING PRESENTATION
The Council of Native Ministries made a very powerful
presentation to Synod members today. The three-part
presentation began with a drama, echoing Christ's last
words on the cross, describing the native struggle for
self-determination and their feeling of being like a
baby in a cradle bed -- unable to speak and move. Then,
a video presentation outlined the history of the
indigineous peoples in the Anglican Church. Finally,
the Council members offered a gift of a strawberry for
each member, representing the spirit of reconciliation.
SYNOD MEMBERS RESPOND TO RESTRUCTURING PROPOSAL
Overall, it seems General Synod members appreciated the
work done in the restructuring proposal and that most of
it was sound. Some concerns heard thusfar:
- Not all dioceses have representation on the new Nat'l
Executive Council (Council of General Synod)
- How can the Anglican Journal be independant while
reporting to the Information Resources Committee?
- How can dioceses handle all the work being proposed
to be offloaded?
- Too broad a mandate of the new "Faith, Worship, and
Minsitry" commiittee -- where is doctrine?
- Synod members have not seen any staffing/budget
implications of the proposal
YOUNG YOUTH MAKE CALL FOR YOUNG ANGLICAN TASK FORCE
In addition to the diocesan youth members of Synod
(18-25), a small caucus of younger youth are attending
as observers. At today's Plenary, they presented these
messages to the Anglican Church of Canada:
"People are like smarties -- on the outside they look
different; but on the inside they are the same.
Please stop discussing whether or not to DISCUSS
accepting people in the church; ACT on it.
Establish a national youth task force. Incorporate
young people in your services: doing sermons,
prayers, and helping with music. We believe
services should be directed toward the WHOLE
congregations."
THE CAT WHICH KEEPS COMING BACK
Skulking around the residences here onsite is a
beautiful and playful black cat. But it became somewhat
disconcerting to more than a few delegates when the cat
kept "crossing our path" each morning on the way to
Plenary. Luckily, someone pointed out the colour of its
collar: Episcopal Purple. Must be okay.
SYNOD NEWSLINK HITS THE FLOOR OF PLENARY
I hinted yesterday about a motion I hoped to be able to
move on the floor of Synod, about the use of electronic
computer networks to help communication within the
church. Here is the proposed wording of that resolution:
"Be it resolved THAT the Information Resources
Committee be directed to study the potential use of
electronic networking in the overall communications
strategy of the national church, and in the sharing
of resources between dioceses; and,
THAT the committee report its findings, with any
specific implementation recommendations which arise
from that study, to the Council of General Synod."
I'll keep you posted on the motion's progress through
Synod. So far, the Resolutions Committee has received
it to give members notice, but has not reviewed its
form.
CLEARLY THE SYMPTOM OF FAR TOO MUCH COFFEE...
Last night, after mailing out the update, I caught a
typo in the short snippet about the Niagra diocese. I
had intended to title it: "Rebels without a clause" --
actually, I was really quite proud of myself for the pun
-- but it came out in its proper form of without a
"cause."
OR PERHAPS NOT ENOUGH COFFEE?
This morning's e-mail brought a humourous note from some
poor person in Russia who had received a Synod NEWSextra
accidentally -- some weird hiccup on the Internet I
guess. But the last three letters of the message header
was cut off, rendering the subject: "Synod Newsex." He
wanted to know what a Synod was, and what it had to do
with sex, in particular "new" sex. Whoops...
BISHOP EGG-HEADS
During discussion this afternoon of the restructuring
proposal, one member noted that the flowchart of the
proposed new structure illustrated the House of Bishops
as being "separate and egg-shaped." (Oh, and yes Lyn,
I believe Dana Sibley was there. Thanks for the
note, and sending these to Pleen!)
EARLY TO BED, EARLY TO RISE
Tonight's edition is going out a bit early, as all of us
members are being sent to stay with host parishes
throughout Ottawa this evening. Then we worship in
various parishes in the national capital region
tomorrow.
"YOUR TURN" SECTION
I just wanted to express my thanks for all the wonderful
comments which people are sending, many more than I have
space for in the daily report. Your comments are
helping me get those bursts of energy when sleeping
seems more logical than plugging in.
NEW SECTION: "did you know?"
As we go through the General Synod, many of us are
learning a lot about the church that we didn't know --
some very surprising information. I thought I'd share a
tidbit or two with you each night in a new section,
called "did you know?"
___________________________________
d i d y o u k n o w ?
The Anglican Journal, the national newspaper of the Anglican
Church of Canada, has more than a quarter of a million
subscribers? And each month, its circulation staff process
literally thousands of address changes.
(Tomorrow: Why Bishops and Clergy/Laity vote
separately at General Synods.)
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r e f l e c t i o n s
In tonight's "reflections," I thought I'd dip back into
a few incoherent ramblings about the church as I see it.
(Hey, what do you expect for a FREE newsletter? )
Since this evening's Synod NEWSextra covers more fully the
issue of homosexuality, I thought I'd type in a speech I
delivered at the 1992 General Synod in Toronto on the
subject.
-----
"Your Grace, members of the General Synod, honoured guests.
This evening, we stand at a very vital part of what will
form our collective history -- indeed our identity -- as
Anglicans in the worldwide communion. It will come as no
surprise to anyone in this room that the eyes of the country
are focussed on the Synod tonight.
Our country is looking to the Anglican Church of Canada for
direction. For vision. For action.
"For You and For Many" is the theme underlying our
deliberations over these two weeks in Toronto. Indeed, we
have taken concrete steps toward applying that challenge.
We have finally recognized the indiginous right to
self-determination. We have been willing to admit mistakes
and work toward revitilizing our structure. We have
committed ourselves to reflect the multicultural nature of
the society around us.
So why can't our congregations reflect the sexuality of our
society as well?
It's selective inclusiveness.
And it's wrong.
Let's be clear. The presence of homosexuality in our church
is not a new presence. It is only a new issue. The
distinction is important.
I stand before you as a proud member of our church. I am a
young member, and, by extension, will help form part of our
common future. I believe it is that future to which we need
to cast our eyes this evening:
o I look forward to a future in which the church
recognizes, accepts, and celebrates the individuality
of the whole person;
o I look forward to a future where people are judged on
merit, not on sexual orientation;
o And I pray for a future in which the church no longer
places pre-requisites on being part of the body of
Christ.
Thank you."
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s n i c k e r i n g s
An Anglican Bishop died and was met at the Pearly Gates by
St. Peter, who told him to take off his mitre, lay down his
staff, remove his gold-laced cloak, and put on a plain white
cassock. The Bishop argued heatedly (but to no avail) about
the importance of the symbols of his office, and his own
humility in wearing them, but finally he relented.
As he was donning the plain cassock, he noticed a man
striding regally through heaven, in full Bishop's regalia.
He called St. Peter over and complained bitterly, "Who is
that Bishop, and why does he get to dress up like that?"
"Oh," replied St. Peter, "that's God. He only THINKS he's an
Anglican Bishop."
-- Submitter anonymous
by request
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g l a n c e s a h e a d
SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 1995 (all times Eastern)
Morning Pentecost worship and lunch with local parishes
4:30 PM Pentecost Evensong at the Cathedral
Preacher: Bishop Dinis Sengulane of Lebombo,
Mozambique)
5:00 PM Dinner
7:15 PM PLENARY: Preparing the Way/Feedback and Discussion
9:15 PM Night prayers
9:30 PM "Tomorrow's Anglicans" broadcast replayed
Evening Reception
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y o u r t u r n
"Tod, I appreciate your reporting. I look forward to hearing
news of the resolution and discussion regarding the `new
hymn book'. What has the youth view on this project been?"
-- Barbara Liotscos
(through Ecunet)
[Ed: The youth caucus doesn't meet regularly to discuss
resolutions, so no formal consensus has emerged to
date. But I would guess that the INFORMAL consensus
is that the young people believe the new hymn book
overall represents a good balance between old and new
tunes -- you may be surprised to know that young
people are some of the most staunchest supporters
for keeping a sense of our shared Anglican heritage
in music and liturgy.]
"Thanks for the service. Much appreciated. Well written.
Now, if only you'll read our posts to General Synod! Or
better yet patch your laptop into the big screen!!"
-- The Rev. Bill Morton
Richmond Corner NB, Canada
"Thanks for providing the wonderful window into the Anglican
happenings in Ottawa. You give us a flavour option
unavailable through 'official' church channels. I'm very
appreciative of your willingness to share your observations.
Think of it as a ministry. Besides, it's fun to read because
the quality of your writing is superb!"
-- The Rev. Richard L. Husfloen
Waterloo Lutheran Seminary
Waterloo ON, Canada
"I think your Net connection is a great one. I wish we
Lutherans could have one too for our upcoming convention in
July! I don't know how your plans will continue, but it
would be great to have it as a potential forum for sharing
between Anglicans and Lutherans." -- Wendell Grahlman
Cambridge ON, Canada
"You're doing a fantastic job! I am sorry I am not actually
there but with your reports, I guess I am virtually there. I
am looking forward to seeing the rest of General Synod
through your eyes. God bless." -- Jim Dugan
Woodstock ON, Canada
(through Ecunet)
"Anglican Church of Canada, Welcome to the 90's! I am very
interested in the restructuring of the Anglican Church of
Canada and the outcomes of the studies on the Human Rights
Principles, and am disapointed that I am unable to
participate in the discussions at General Synod. Through the
wonder of technology and your hard work I feel like I am
right there participating in the process. I only hope that
the rest of the church recognizes the powerful tool that
communication technology is and how it could be used to
support networks of commited people and parishes across the
country and the world."
-- Lyn Sibley
Victoria BC, Canada
'92 General Synod member
(Like to add your own thoughts? Just e-mail tod@direct.ca
with the words "your turn" in the subject header. Please
put your name and city in the message body.)
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