(All Synod NEWSlink messages are designed to be displayed with a non-proportional typeface, such as Courier or Terminal. To subscribe to or un-subscribe from this list, see the bottom of this message.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 ___________________________________ 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.) ___________________________________ 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." ___________________________________ 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 ___________________________________ 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 ___________________________________ 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.) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTACT INFO: Synod95 is a read-only mailing list; any messages you send to the list will be politely returned. If you'd like to contact the editor, e-mail tod@direct.ca. SUBSCRIPTION INFO: To subscribe to Synod NEWSlink, send an e-mail message to "synod95@infomatch.com" with the words "subscribe synod-list" in the message body. 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