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S y n o d N E W S e x t r a
monday, june 5, 1995
"preparing the way"
part two
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s u m m a r y
Yesterday, you received the mission statement behind the
"Preparing the Way" restructuring proposal. Today, the
restructuring was approved by the General Synod.
Here, then, is the complete text of the approved
restructuring plan.
This will be the mandate of the Anglican Church of Canada
for the next three years, perhaps longer -- it is probably
one of the most important documents for the church.
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t h e p l a n
A.STRENGTHEN OUR MISSION AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS
OUTSIDE CANADA
NATIONAL
In accordance with the Anglican Communion's 10 Principles
of Partnership, seek to learn from our partners and focus
our resources to enable local autonomy.
1. Create stronger, mutually beneficial worldwide
partnerships
2. Target specific regions overseas for priority
partnership work (e.g. Tanzania)
3. Link companion dioceses to targeted regions
4. Expand Volunteers in Mission program to include an
increased educational component
5. Provide funds to the extent possible
6. Facilitate networks for education, advocacy
7. Increase collaboration between committees engaged in
international work (e.g. fundraising, education,
networking, and advocacy)
DIOCESAN AND PARISH
Increase visibility and participation; support
financially
1. Encourage coordinated creative work in education and
fundraising for world mission and development
2. Encourage dissemination of information about world
partners
3. Identify and uphold network volunteers -- seek
potential volunteers in mission; seek placement for
external volunteers in Canada
4. Connect ecumenically re: international work
5. Engage actively in companion dioceses relationship.
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B.CLARIFY ANGLICAN IDENTITY, DOCTRINE, LITURGY, AND WORSHIP
NATIONAL
Coordinate standards for worship, liturgy, and ministry;
initiate theological dialogue and discussion provide
liturgical resources; promote networks
1. Primacy promoted as focus of unity
2. Work with the House of Bishops to define doctrine
when necessary
3. Develop liturgical resources, sensitive to a
multicultural context
4. Facilitate consultations regarding liturgy
5. Research theological/ethical issues to share with
dioceses
6. Participate in the Anglican Consultative Council;
fund to the extent possible
7. Foster and facilitate collaboration among Canadian
theological colleges and between the national church
and the colleges
8. Journey with indigenous peoples
DIOCESAN AND PARISH
Engage in discussion and activity with ecumenical
partners
1. Participate in theological and liturgical
consultations
2. Contribute to the development of liturgical resources
3. Encourage use of liturgical resources
4. Encourage awareness of Canadian multicultural
Anglican heritage
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C.NURTURE ECUMENICAL RELATIONSHIPS
NATIONAL
Engage in ecumenical discussion and activity
1. Use the Lund Principle -- work ecumenically wherever
possible
2. Participate in the World Council of Churches and
Canadian Council of Churches and fund to the extent
possible
3. Engage in ecumenical/interfaith dialogues
DIOCESAN AND PARISH
Engage in discussion and activity with ecumenical
partners
1. Work ecumenically wherever possible
2. Engage in local dialogue with ecumenical and
interfaith participants
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D.ADVOCATE SOCIAL JUSTICE AND PROPHETIC MISSION WITHIN
CANADA, ESPECIALLY IN INDIGENOUS PEOPLES' CONCERNS AND
SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE ISSUES
NATIONAL
Concentrate on the promotion of networks and develop
discussion frameworks; develop a new relationship with
indigenous peoples
1. Build, facilitate, and animate networks in
partnership with dioceses
2. Initiate development of frameworks to engage people
in ethical reflection
3. Participate in ecumenically-based research, advocacy,
and educational activities (i.e., through
restructured coalitions)
4. Guide national/diocesan relationships using
partnership principles
5. Develop targeted communications to enable better
informed networks (e.g. downlinks, computer networks)
6. Journey with indigenous peoples toward healing,
reconciliation, and self-determination
DIOCESAN AND PARISH
Participate in networks; build own programs
1. Participate in networks by entering into partnership,
identifying participants, encouraging information
flow, mobilizing around local concerns, supporting
the work financially
2. Through the networks, join in advocacy to business
and government
3. Participate in relationships with indigenous peoples
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E.STRENGTHEN COMMITMENT OF THE WHOLE CHURCH TO DOMESTIC
MISSION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COUNCIL OF THE NORTH AND TO
WORK WITH THE COUNCIL OF THE NORTH TO MOVE TOWARD SELF-
SUFFICIENCY
NATIONAL
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
support of the Council of the North
DIOCESAN AND PARISH
Support work in the North through apportionment grants
and the Anglican Appeal
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F.PROVIDE SERVICES TO DIOCESES -- INFORMATION, FINANCIAL,
ADMINISTRATION
NATIONAL
Provide and share expertise; coordinate communication
1. Provide information and communication services
(research, resources, publishing, archives) to
dioceses and to the national church to support the
priorities
2. Affirm The Journal's primary responsibility "...to
inform Anglicans in Canada about the domestic and
international work of their church..." and the rest
of Sections 1-5 in the General Synod Handbook within
the context of a coordinated national communications
approach. The independent editorial policy continues
as so defined.
3. Facilitate networks of finance officers and financial
development volunteers
4. Provide expertise and availability in pensions,
administrative services, financial development, and
gift planning
5. Develop proposals for a coordinated national
fundraising capability tailored to suit the needs of
parishes, dioceses, and the national church, and
focused on the priorities in this option
6. Develop a volunteer and staff resource capacity to
assist dioceses in handling
financial/legal/communications / personnel / property
issues
DIOCESAN AND PARISH
Actively manage revenue; share information
1. Continue to collect money, manage gift planning
programs, and contribute to apportionment and
assessment budgets
2. Call on national skills and knowledge when needed
3. Participate in networks through their selected
members
4. Provide news to share with the wider church
5. Increase attention to stewardship education
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G.ELIMINATE OTHER NATIONALLY COORDINATED DOMESTIC MISSION
NATIONAL
No national program support
Eliminate all program development, resource production,
consultation other than that required for the above
(e.g. congregational development, youth ministry,
stewardship education)
DIOCESAN AND PARISH
Develop and conduct programs as needed, e.g.
congregational development, leadership training, and
spiritual growth.
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