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Spirit of God presided
In closing General Synod, primate declares church has undergone a rebirth
by Neale Adams
Anglican Journal
June 11, 2010
Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, told the closing session of the General Synod 2010 in Halifax that he believes the church has undergone a rebirth. “I believe the Spirit of God has presided in this synod, as we have taken counsel over contentious issues, particularly around the blessing of same-sex unions.” General Synod was designed in such a way as to avoid a resolution on the same-sex blessings issue coming to the floor for debate. And the 300 delegates from across the country’s 30 dioceses accepted the plan. Instead, a series of discussion groups were held in which almost all participated. A 600-word statement came out of the discussions describing various opinions on the same-sex blessings issue. The synod voted to “affirm” the statement, but otherwise took no legislative action. Read the story.
General Synod 2010 full of historic and holy moments
by Trina Gallop
Anglican Church of Canada
June 12, 2010
A hope-filled and Spirit-led tone graced the closing Eucharist service of General Synod 2010 as members were sent on their way, Feeling the Winds of God — Charting a New Course, and the 39th session came to a close on Friday, June 11. For nine days at St. Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia members worshiped, prayed, deliberated, and discerned where God was calling the Anglican Church of Canada. Read the story.
General Synod unanimously calls for greater participation in the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
by Trina Gallop
Anglican Church of Canada
June 11, 2010
On June 11, the second anniversary of the apology to survivors of residential schools made by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons, members of the General Synod 2010 unanimously passed Resolution A179-R2 which calls for greater participation of the church in the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of Canada. Read the story.
Embracing our differences
Acceptance of sexual discernment report ‘a watershed moment’ says primate
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
June 11, 2010
General Synod 2010 did not approve the so-called local option that would allow dioceses to grant same-sex blessings. Neither did it take a legislative decision on the matter. It did, however, recognize that local option has been exercised by some and may be taken by others in future, even though “it’s not local option approved by the national church...,” said Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. “We’re not ready as a national church to say, ‘We’re building this into our doctrine that we approve of same-sex unions,’ ” he told a press conference following the close of General Synod 2010 in Halifax. What synod did say was, “We need to have more conversation,” confirmed Archbishop Hiltz, adding, “That’s an action.” Read the story.
Feeling the truth
Commissioner describes work ahead for all Canadians
by Leigh Anne Williams
Anglican Journal
June 11, 2010
Marie Wilson, a commissioner with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), addressed the members of General Synod 2011 on June 11. It was the second anniversary of the Canadian government’s apology for the harm done to aboriginal people in Canada in the residential schools, but she spoke about the work of reconciliation that lies ahead for the TRC and for all Canadians. Read the story.
Consideration of the Covenant
by Trina Gallop
Anglican Church of Canada
June 11, 2010
Canadian Anglicans took a step forward in considering the Anglican Covenant with the passing of resolution A137: Anglican Communion Covenant at General Synod 2010 on Thursday, June 10. Read the story.
Human sexuality statement produces historic moment in the life of the church
by Trina Gallop
Anglican Church of Canada
June 10, 2010
Through conversations, "marked by grace, honesty and generosity towards one another," members of General Synod 2010 affirmed on Thursday, June 10 a resolution (A115: Affirmation of Sexuality Discernment) encapsulating discussions that took place through the work of various commissions and committees over the last triennium and at General Synod 2010 on human sexuality. Read the story.
Meeting with the Lutherans
General Synod 2013 and ELCIC Convention to be ‘fully integrated’
by Neale Adams
Anglican Journal
June 10, 2010
A fully integrated meeting with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) is planned to take place at the Anglican Church of Canada’s General Synod 2013 in Ottawa. Lutheran National Bishop Susan Johnson and Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, jointly announced plans for the synod, and the intention to study the feasibility of together developing a shared national office in Ottawa sometime in the future. Read the story.
Hope within diversity
No legislative decision on same-sex blessings but an open spirit enters discussions
by Leigh Anne Williams
Anglican Journal
June 10, 2010
“Despite all our differences we are passionately committed to walking together.” So said a pastoral statement approved today by the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada on the issue of same gender blessings. And it may mark the beginning of a new spirit and approach to a question that has divided the church in recent years. Read the story.
A step in the right direction
Third and final draft of Covenant called ‘a very significant improvement’
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
June 10, 2010
The 2010 General Synod has approved a resolution receiving the final text of the proposed Covenant for the Anglican Communion. It also directs the Council of General Synod (CoGS), after a period of consultation and study, to recommend whether or not it should be adopted at its next meeting in 2013. Read the story.
Resolution A115: Affirmation of Sexuality Discernment Carried
Anglican Church of Canada News
June 10, 2010
On Thursday, June 10, members of General Synod 2010 passed resolution A115 — Affirmation of Sexuality Discernment. The resolution affirms a statement on the discussions that took place at General Synod on human sexuality and, "requests the General Secretary to forward it to the Diocesan Bishops with the request that it will be distributed within each diocese." Read the story.
Why is there still hunger?
Anglicans need to get to the causes of poverty, says Anglican Observer to U.N.
by Neale Adams
Anglican Journal
June 10, 2010
Hellen Wangusa, the Anglican Observer to the United Nations told General Synod that Anglicans need to examine the causes of hunger and poverty in the developing world. In 2000, countries committed themselves to eight millennium development goals. “The millennium development goals are very exciting—and they are achievable. Why is it we are not 50 per cent there and the deadline is 2015?” she asked. Read the story.
Vision 2019 — A New Plan
by Trina Gallop
Anglican Church of Canada
June 10, 2010
The church has a new strategic plan. Vision 2019, which "invites the Holy Spirit to shape the life of [the] church more and more deeply in paths of discipleship and mission", was approved during the morning session of General Synod 2010 on June 9. Read the story.
Feedback Received as Part of Sexuality Discernment Process
Anglican Church of Canada
June 09, 2010
On Tuesday, June 8, members of General Synod 2010 received a summary of the feedback generated in discernment groups they attended the previous day. The groups, made up of approximately 19 members, met following a "faithful reporting" presentation on June 6 by representatives from committees and commissions regarding their discussions, actions and statements on this topic that has taken place since General Synod 2007. Read the story.
OPINION:
General Synod 2010 has been successful for most, but great challenges remain
by Neale Adams, Contributing Editor
Anglican Journal
June 10
When sailing in dangerous waters, it takes a skilled skipper to steer clear of the rocks. As primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz is the skipper of the Anglican Church of Canada. Elected three years ago, this was his first General Synod to lead, and he had a pretty challenging course to navigate. There was a lot at stake: A strategic plan for the next decade was on the table. Drastic cuts to budget and staff at national office headquarters are still looming. Proposals to reduce representation at synod, and the Council of General Synod (CoGS), meant some dioceses wouldn’t have representation. The Archbishop of Canterbury had just levied sanctions against The Episcopal Church over a human sexuality issue. And, the most dangerous shoal, the sexuality/blessings issue, was once again looming large. Read the commentary.
‘Deep concern’ expressed
General Synod asks for a full international inquiry into actions by Israeli Defence Forces
by Neale Adams
Anglican Journal
June 10, 2010
The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada went on record expressing “deep concern” regarding the interception by Israeli Defence Forces of relief ships from Turkey and Ireland. The ships were attempting to disrupt the Israeli blockade of Palestinian ports to deliver relief supplies to Gaza. Read the story.
Money matters
Keep listening to each other, says $30K General Synod sponsor
by Kristin Jenkins, Editor
Anglican Journal
June 10, 2010
On the eve of General Synod 2010 in Halifax, a “visionary” sponsor stepped forward with $30,000 to help fund the cost of communications at the nine-day, triennial meeting of the Anglican Church of Canada. This gift, combined with the substantial efforts of the local organizing committee in Halifax, headed by the Rev. Randy Townsend, means that individual and corporate sponsorship for General Synod has now reached the $70,000 mark. Although the visionary sponsor asked to remain anonymous, she told staff in the department of philanthropy at Church House on Thurs. Jun. 3 that she was comfortable sharing her intentions. “She spoke very eloquently about the importance of continued communication and the need for people in the church to keep listening to one another and to stay at the table together,” said Michelle Hauser, a consultant to the department of philanthropy. “I was very moved by her comments and her love for the church...” Read the story.
In other news, General Synod…
Anglican Journal
June 10, 2010
Read a list of significant actions at General Synod 2010.
Straight talk
Archbishop Fred Hiltz visits with the Anglican Communion Alliance
by Neale Adams
Anglican Journal
June 10, 2010
Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, received a standing ovation from the Anglican Communion Alliance after he explained his position on the issues surrounding the blessing of same-sex blessings and interventions by foreign primates in Canadian dioceses. The group, formerly known as the Essentials federation, is made up of conservative Anglicans who want to remain in the Anglican Church of Canada but disagree on the issue of same-sex blessings. In a statement given to the primate in a meeting at General Synod 2010 in Halifax, the group applauded the head of the Anglican Church of Canada for creating an “atmosphere…where genuine dialogue can take place.” Read the story.
'A new vision of what church can be'
Canon 22 establishes self-determining national indigenous ministry
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Jouranal
June 10, 2010
HALIFAX—In what was described as an “historic moment,” the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada on June 9 approved the introduction of a new canon (church) law that firmly establishes a self-determining national indigenous ministry within the church. “We want to say today, To God be the Glory. Great things he has done, because what has happened is nothing short of miraculous,” said a beaming National Indigenous Anglican Bishop, Mark MacDonald. He spoke shortly after the resolution was passed, along with one that repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery and another that established a National Aboriginal Day of Prayer. Read the story.
Reality check
Landmark resolution renounces Doctrine of Discovery
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
June 9, 2010
The Anglican Church of Canada’s governing body has approved a landmark resolution today repudiating and renouncing the Doctrine of Discovery. It also pledged a review of the church’s policies and programs to expose the doctrine’s historical impact and to end its continuing effects on indigenous peoples. The resolution, passed at the 2010 General Synod meeting here, said the Doctrine of Discovery is “fundamentally opposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and our understanding of the inherent rights that individuals and peoples have received from God.” The Doctrine of Discovery was a principle of charters and acts developed by colonizing Western societies more than 500 years ago. Read the story.
Just you and me, Olive
Intrepid staffer hits the road to raise $130K for PWRDF
by Kristin Jenkins, Editor
Anglican Journal
June 9, 2010
It takes guts to ride a bike these days. But 100 kilometers a day for 18 days? On unfamiliar roads from Halifax to Montreal? By yourself? Now that takes chutzpah. The daughter of a retired Anglican priest and the mother of six-year-old Robin, Suzanne Rumsey will ride 1,300 kilometers on the bicycle she named Olive after her dear, departed grandmother. Le Tour de PWRDF, as she is calling her 18t-day odyssey, will raise awareness and funds for the international relief and development agency of the Anglican Church of Canada. Rumsey’s goal is substantial: $130,000. Read the story.
The ties that bind
Ecumenical dialogue has contributed to growth of faith, confirms Archbishop of Halifax
by Leigh Anne Williams
Anglican Journal
June 9, 2010
Two ecumenical partners greeted General Synod 2010 members on Wednesday. The Archbishop of Halifax Anthony Mancini represented the Roman Catholic Bishops of Canada, and Moderator Mardi Tindal represented the United Church of Canada. The Archbishop affirmed Archbishop Fred Hiltz’ observation that the Anglican and Catholic communities of faith have grown over the last 40 years as a result of their ecumenical dialogue. Read the story.
Members only
Cuts to GoGs mean almost 30% of dioceses not represented for next three years
by Neale Adams
Anglican Journal
June 9, 2010
Eleven of the Anglican Church of Canada’s 30 dioceses will have no members on the Council of General Synod (CoGS) for the next three years.The election took place Wed. Jun. 9, after the earlier reduction in its size when the Council, informally known as “CoGS,” was cut from 42 members down to 31 as a cost-saving measure. Dioceses not to be found amongst the elected members of CoGS include Athabasca, Brandon, Caledonia, Central Newfoundland, Fredericton, Moosonee, Nova Scotia and PEI, Ontario, Rupert’s Land, Saskatoon, and Yukon. The previous practice was to try to have at least one member from each diocese. Read the story.
Deeper partnership possibilities
Both churches ‘have the ability to speak truth to power,’ says U.S. Presiding Bishop
by Marites N. Sison
Anglican Journal
June 9, 2010
U.S. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori told members of General Synod that The Episcopal Church is eager to deepen its partnership with the Anglican Church of Canada, noting how the two churches have “common roots and history.” Episcopalians are “deeply grateful for our friends north of the border,” said Bishop Jefferts Schori addressing the 2010 General Synod meeting here. “We’re eager for what you can teach us out of your experience, and we’re energized about the possibilities for increased mission partnership.” Read the story.
Mission possible … when the Anglican Communion works together, says Kearon
by Leigh Anne Williams
Anglican Journal
June 9, 2010
In his address to General Synod 2010, the Rev. Canon Kenneth Kearon, secretary general of the Anglican Communion, focused on mission and work that unites the Communion. He also warned the synod that, “mission is damaged when Christians disagree and fight.” Read the story.
Vision 2019 adopted
Strategic plan to guide church through next nine years
by Neale Adams
Anglican Journal
June 9, 2010
The General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada has adopted, with near unanimity, a strategic plan to take it through the next nine years. General Synod voted yesterday to “direct” its leaders and the Council of General Synod (CoGS) to use Vision 2019 in setting the church’s program and budget, particularly when making decisions about restructuring of the national office (“Church House” in Toronto). The financial management development committee has reported that in order to end deficit budgeting, about about $1.1 million must be cut from the church’s current $10 million budget. Read the story.
Huskins hangs in
Deputy prolocutor elected by four-vote margin
by Harvey Shepherd
Anglican Journal
June 9, 2010
The No. 2 officer of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada and his deputy have both been elected for three-year terms. But delegates came close to taking a chance on someone new for deputy prolocutor. Archdeacon Harry Huskins, executive archdeacon of the diocese of Algoma, was elected deputy prolocutor with a third-ballot margin of only four votes over Archdeacon Lynne Corfield of St. John the Evangelist Church in Niagara Falls. Read the story.
Giving peace a chance
It’s ‘my duty,’ to empower the women of Jerusalem, says Shafeeqa Dawani
by Neale Adams
Anglican Journal
June 8, 2010
Shafeeqa Dawani’s mission is to empower the women of Jerusalem and the Middle East to work together for peace. Three years ago, her husband, Suheil, became the Anglican bishop of a diocese that encompasses 27 parishes in five countries—Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan—and supports hospitals, clinics, schools, and other institutions. Shafeeqa saw an opportunity as the bishop’s wife. “I decided that in my position I could do wonders. I believe it is my responsibility and duty to reveal our women to the outside world.” Read the story.
Common History Creates Shared Mission Possibilities
by Trina Gallop
June 09, 2010
"We aren't the same churches that we were 30 years ago," says the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, 26th Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church (TEC), "and for that we give thanks." Bishop Jefferts Schori's remarks, in an address on Tuesday, June 8, to members of General Synod 2010, referred to the changing landscapes of both TEC and the Anglican Church of Canada and the continuing relationship between the two churches as they seek to travel alongside one-another. Read the story.
Good cop, bad cop
Early results from a 2010 readership survey show that love it or hate it, readers of the Anglican Journal are paying attention
by Kristin Jenkins, Editor
Anglican Journal
June 8, 2010
Early responses to the Anglican News & Readership Survey, which was rolled out at General Synod 2010 to better determine the news and information needs of Anglicans across Canada, is revealing some interesting trends.So far, about 60 synod delegates have filled out the survey, most of them online. This is giving important feedback on the content and presentation of the Anglican Journal, the independent newspaper of the Anglican Church of Canada, as well as the 22 regional or diocesan newspapers. This information will be used in strategic planning for the national newspaper and the diocesan newspapers that it carries. Read the story.
Roots among the rocks
Compelling play touches hearts of GS delegates
by Leigh Anne Williams
Anglican Journal
June 8, 2010
It wasn’t your typical opening night for a play. Instead of a theatre, Roots Among the Rocks opened on the stage in the middle of the morning session of General Synod 2010. But it was a packed house and at the end of the performance, the whole crowd was on its feet in a rousing standing ovation. Read the story.
Talking about sex
Reports from discernment circles on sexuality get good reviews
by Leigh Anne Williams
with files from Harvey Shepherd
Anglican Journal
June 8, 2010
Watch video interviews
Initial reactions from General Synod members to the first report synthesizing their small group discussions of the issue of sexuality indicate the process is working. Those who spoke to the Anglican Journal said the report was a fairly accurate reflection of what was said in their “discernment circles.” Read the story.
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