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MINUTES
OF THE
127TH SESSION OF THE DIOCESAN SYNOD OF FREDERICTON November 8, 2003 The Right Rev’d Dr. Claude W. Miller, Presiding The 127th session of the Diocesan Synod of Fredericton was convened at the Student Union Building of the University of New Brunswick on Saturday, November 8, 2003 for regular business. The Right Reverend Claude W. Miller called the members of Synod to order at the appointed hour of 9:30 a.m. After a brief word of welcome, he invited the Very Reverend Keith Joyce to lead us in worship. Dean Joyce led us in the Office of Morning Prayer (BAS) with the assistance of the Reverend Gordon Thompson and Mrs. Marg Petrie. REGISTRATION Canon L.F. Scott, on behalf of the Registration Committee, reported that as of 9:30 a.m., there were 222 lay delegates (our of a possible 266) and 72 clergy delegates (out of a possible 130) registered. The Bishop stated a quorum was present and he declared the 127th session of the Diocesan Synod opened. EPISCOPAL CHARGE The Bishop began by expressing his heartfelt thanks to everyone for their presence and supportive prayers during the Service of Installation which took place the previous evening. He then proceeded to deliver his episcopal charge to all gathered. A copy of the charge is appended to the minutes. As well, an electronic copy may be accessed through our Diocesan website. MINUTES 127-01 - Canon L.F. Scott/The Reverend Gordon Thompson That
the
minutes of the 126th session of the Diocesan Synod of Fredericton
(Electoral) be accepted as circulated in the Convening Circular.
Carried. APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT RECORDING SECRETARY 127-02 - Canon L.F. Scott/The Reverend Brenda McKnight That
the
Reverend Leo Martin be appointed Assistant Recording Secretary for this
session of Synod.
Carried. APPOINTMENT OF SYNOD COMMITTEES The Bishop announced the following committees and individuals who played key roles in the organization of this Synod: Arrangements: Canon L.F. Scott and the Venerable Geoffrey Hall Worship: The Very Reverend Keith Joyce Memorials: Canon L.F. Scott and contributors Registration: Ruth Gorlick and Doreen Smith, with the people from Christ Church (Parish) Church Scutineers: Ernie McFadzen Response to the Charge: The Reverend Patricia Drummond, Chair Agenda and Resolutions: Chancellor Charles Ferris and Vice Chancellor Clyde Spinney Press: Ana Watts INTRODUCTION OF NEW CLERGY The Bishop made the following introductions: The Reverend Douglas Barrett, as Rector of the Parish of Derby and Blackville The Reverend Greg McMullin, as Rector of the Parish of Coldbrook and Saint Mary The Reverend Bonnie LeBlanc, as Deacon in the Parish of Kingston The Reverend Bonnie Baird, as Rector of the Parish of Musquash INTRODUCTION: YOUTH ACTION DIRECTOR The Bishop invited Mr. Peter Irish to make this introduction. Mr. Irish presented the Reverend Dr. George Porter as the newly appointed Diocesan Youth Action Director. The Reverend Dr. George Porter spoke on the importance of youth ministry. He shared that youth ministry is a deliberate choice for him and he called us all to journey together. Synod members welcomed all new clergy with applause. COURTESIES OF SYNOD The Bishop introduced Professor Beverley Smith, former Vice Chancellor of the Diocese, as a member of the Constitution and Canons working committee. The Bishop made a request that since Professor Smith was not a member of Synod, he be granted the courtesies of Synod. 127-03 - Chancellor Charles Ferris/Mr. Peter Irish That
this Synod extend its courtesies to Professor Beverley Smith.
Carried. ANNIVERSARIES The Bishop congratulated the following clergy who celebrated significant anniversaries in 2003: As Deacon: The Reverend Canon Basil Buckland 65 years The Reverend Charles Blagrave 55 years The Reverend Canon Lloyd Lake 55 years The Venerable John Jones 55 years The Reverend Canon George Akerley 50 years The Reverend Montague Cutts 50 years The Venerable Lyman Harding 40 years The Reverend James Golding 40 years The Reverend Canon Jon Lownds 30 years The Reverend Richard Harris 30 years The Venerable Walter Williams 25 years The Reverend Ellis Jagoe 25 years The Reverend Gerald Laskey 20 years The Reverend William LeGrand 20 years As Priest: The Venerable Harold Hazen 45 years The Right Reverend George Lemmon 40 years The Reverend Canon Robert Smith 40 years The Right Reverend William Hockin 40 years The Venerable John Sharpe 30 years The Venerable Stuart Allan 30 years The Reverend Garth Maxwell 30 years The Reverend David Dean 20 years The Reverend Canon Albert Snelgrove 20 years NOTICES OF MOTION The following notices were given: Mr. Keith Dow Re: Changes to the Constitution of the Diocese. Chancellor Charles Ferris Re: Transitional Procedure for Establishing the Diocesan Council Mr. Keith Dow Re: Changes to the Canons of the Diocesan Synod of Fredericton The Rev’d Canon Jon Lownds Re: General Synod Canon on Marriage - Matrimonial Commission The Rev’d Gerald Laskey Re: General Synod Canon on Marriage - Proposed Amendments The Rev’d Alan Reynolds Re: Same-sex blessings in the Diocese of New Westminster UPDATED REGISTRATION Canon L.F. Scott gave an update on the registration. As of 10:30 a.m., the number of delegates registered now stood at 228 lay and 81 clergy. Canon Scott also took this opportunity to clarify the contents of the Convening Circular. BUSINESS BEFORE SYNOD 127-04 - Mr. Keith Dow/The Venerable Richard McConnell That the present Constitution of the Diocesan Synod of Fredericton be repealed and the Constitution proposed by the Committee on Constitution & Canons be adopted. Following a brief explanation on the process which led to this motion, and a brief overview of the changes made to the Constitution, the members of Synod were invited to discuss and ask questions. The majority of questions and comments centered around the composition of Diocesan Council. 127-05 - The Reverend Canon Jon Lownds/ The Reverend Canon William MacMullin That the changes currently being proposed to the Constitution of the Diocese of Fredericton be referred to each Parish Vestry and Deanery clericus, and from them to each Greater Chapter, for further discussion, theological reflection and study between now and the 2005 Diocesan Synod. Point of Order: on whether this motion required a separate vote from the different orders present. The Chancellor ruled that a simple majority from the whole body of Synod was required. The question was called on the Motion to Refer and the motion was defeated. The question was called on the original motion. Point of order: on whether this motion referred to an addition or an amendment, as defined in Section 13 of the Old Constitution, since this would require a two-thirds vote from each order. The Chancellor ruled that the spirit of that clause did not apply to this situation; however, he would rather err on the side of caution and cooperation so he recommended that we use the separate vote for this motion. A vote was taken in each order and the motion was carried in both orders. The Bishop gave his assent. 127-06 - Chancellor Charles Ferris/The Venerable Richard McConnell That,
the
following transitional steps be taken in order to establish the
membership in The Diocesan Council as per section 11 of the
Constitution:
1.
The Archdeaconery Greater Chapters be instructed to elect their
respective membership to the Council as per Sections 11 (1)(g) &
(h) of the Constitution, and that the results of those elections be
reported to the Secretary of Synod no later than December 31, 2003.
2. That the Secretary of Synod, with the assistance of the Nominating Committee, seek nominations of qualified persons to be appointed to the Diocesan Council as per Sections 11 (1)(i) and (j) of the Constitution. 3. That the existing membership in the Diocesan Council remain in office until the first meeting of the newly formed Diocesan Council is held. The Reverend Canon Jon Lownds suggested the word ‘Archdeaconery’ be removed since they were not in existence at this moment. This suggestion was agreeable to the mover and seconder. The question was called and the motion carried. 127-07 - Mr. Keith Dow/The Venerable Richard McConnell That, pursuant to Canons ONE to EIGHT proposed by the Committee on Constitution and Canons be adopted and all existing Canons be repealed. Mr. Dow explained this was a reorganization of the current twenty four canons into eight new ones. He stressed that this was a consolidation rather than a revision. Chancellor Ferris explained that feedback was received on specific points and he thanked all those who participated in that feedback. The Bishop ruled that, in order to facilitate the task, debate on this motion would take each canon separately. Canon ONE 127-08 - The Reverend Ross Hebb/The Reverend Canon Jon Lownds An
amendment
was moved on the definition of ‘incumbent’ which should read ‘includes
the member of the clergy appointed to a parish as such under Canon
Seven to the charge of a parish.’
The amendment was carried. The time being 12:00 Noon, the Bishop suspended discussion on this motion so that announcements regarding nominations and elections could be made. Canon L.F. Scott gave the explanations. He asked the members of Synod to remove from their ballot the sheets coloured yellow and green, pertaining to elections to Diocesan Council, because under the New Constitution, these elections would be invalid. Canon Scott also reminded members of Synod that General Synod would be held in St. Catherine’s, Ontario from May 27 to June 4, 2004 and we would elect four clergy, four laity and one youth member to join the Bishop at General Synod. The call for nominations was put forward: General Synod Representation - Clergy nominees: The Venerable Stuart Allan The Reverend Canon John Matheson The Reverend Neville Cheeseman The Reverend Bruce McKenna The Reverend Robyn Cuming The Reverend Greg McMullen The Reverend Captain David Edwards The Venerable John Sharpe The Venerable Geoffrey Hall The Reverend Canon Albert Snelgrove The Reverend Eileen Irish The Reverend Gordon Thompson The Very Reverend Keith Joyce The Venerable Walter Williams The Reverend Canon William MacMullin One nomination was added from the floor The Reverend Vicars Hodge General Synod Representation - Lay nominees: Mr. Murry Arnott Mr. Peter Irish Mr. Keith Dow Mr. James McKenna Mrs. Shara Golden Mr. David Watts Four nominations were added from the floor Mrs. Heather Carr Captain Rob Marsh Ms. Catherine McKay Mr. Robert Walsh General Synod Youth Representation: Mr. Christopher Ketch One nomination was added from the floor Mr. Jamie Morrell For Board of Kings College: The Reverend Canon Alvin Westgate One nomination was added from the floor The Reverend Ross Hebb Nominations were closed and Canon Scott reminded everyone that ballot boxes would close at 1:15 p.m. A break from the proceedings was taken for lunch. Bishop Miller offered a blessing over the lunch. Synod was reconvened at 1:20 p.m. Canon L.F. Scott gave an overview of the afternoon proceedings. He also took this time to mention that the delegates from the Parish of Restigouche had left their homes at 3:30 a.m. in order to be at Synod. This comment was greeted with applause. Canon TWO The Reverend Chris Van Buskirk, referring to Section 12(2)(3) & (6), asked whether a person who holds office within General Synod and is an automatic delegate to General Synod should vote as a member of his or her Diocese. No answer to this question was available at the time. Canon THREE As a result of pre-Synod discussions, no changes to the former Electoral Canon (Canon II) were made. Canon FOUR No discussion Canon FIVE Incorporates the final provisions of the Anglican Church of Canada Act, 2003. Canon SIX It was reported that sections 2(1)(d) and 4(1)(k) were inconsistent with each other. 127-09 - Vice Chancellor Clyde Spinney/Mr. Milton Pratt An
amendment
was moved to delete the following words in section 4(1)(k): “...by a
person having recognized accounting experience ...” and replacing them
with “by a professional accountant or two competent persons.”
The amendment was carried. There was a question asked on section 1(3) as to whether this would affect interim priests serving as incumbents. 127-10 - The Reverend Canon Jon Lownds/ The Reverend Canon William MacMullin That
the
changes currently being proposed to the Canons of the Diocese of
Fredericton be referred to each Parish Vestry and Deanery clericus, and
from them to each Greater Chapter, for further discussion, theological
reflection and study between now and the 2005 Diocesan Synod.
This Motion to Refer was defeated in both orders. 127-11 - Vice Chancellor Clyde Spinney/Chancellor Charles Ferris An
amendment
was moved stating that the words “at the request of the Corporation” be
removed from section 1(3).
The amendment was carried. 127-12 - The Reverend Gerald Laskey/Mr. Wilson Gilmore An
amendment
was moved asking for the removal of the words “as the leadership team”
from the first line of section 7.
The amendment was carried. 127-13 - The Reverend Canon Philip Ward/The Reverend Vicars Hodge An
amendment
was moved on section 8(2)(c) that after the words Parish Corporation,
the following be added “not including the registers referred to in
Canon 5, section 5(2)”.
The amendment was carried. Canon SEVEN 127-14 - Vice Chancellor Clyde Spinney/The Reverend Canon Philip Ward An
amendment
was moved to section 6(a) to change the reference of ‘section 7 of
Canon FIVE’ to read ‘section 6 of Canon FIVE’
The amendment was carried. 127-15 - Mr. John Williamson/The Reverend Canon John Matheson An
amendment
was moved asking that Canon SEVEN, section 5, be amended to require
that Rectors at their inductions or installations shall take the oath
of allegiance to the Sovereign.
The amendment was carried. 127-16 - Mr. John Williamson/ Ms. Nancy Janet Perry An
amendment
was moved in reference to section 5(c). The amendment asked that
the words “I, N., do solemnly swear” be added before 5(c) and that the
words ‘so help me God’ be added at the end of this subsection.
The amendment was carried. This amendment led to a lengthy discussion on the difference between oaths and declarations. 127-17 - Mr. John Williamson/The Venerable Richard McConnell An
amendment
was moved regarding the formatting of section 5. It was moved
that:
The amendment was carried. 127-18 - Mr. John Williamson/The Reverend Canon John Matheson An
amendment
was proposed that section 5 (1)(a) be amended by adding immediately
after the words ‘in the Ordinal’ the following words: ‘and in the
Articles of the said Church.’
The amendment was defeated. Canon EIGHT No discussion Question was called on the original motion (127-07). The motion was carried by a majority of three-fourths in both orders. The Bishop gave his assent. 127-19 - The Reverend Canon John Lownds/The Reverend Canon William MacMullin That
this
Synod recommend to the Bishop that following passage of amendments to
the General Synod Canon XXI ‘On Marriage in the Church,’ the Bishop
establish an Advisory Commission on Marriage to which parish priests
could have recourse, on a voluntary basis, for advice with regard to
marriages, not just, but including, the re-marriage of divorced
persons. Also that a revision of the current forms be considered
to be a tool for clergy to use in marriage preparation.
The motion was carried. 127-20 - The Reverend Gerald Laskey/The Reverend Neville Cheeseman That
our
Diocesan Synod place on the agenda, consideration of the proposed
amendments to General Synod Canon XXI ‘On Marriage in the Church’ which
will be considered at General Synod 2004.
The Bishop requested that this motion be referred to the Bishop’s Task Force for study and that the findings be reported to the General Synod delegates. This seemed acceptable to the mover and seconded, so the motion was withdrawn. ELECTIONS RESULTS Canon L.F. Scott reported the final results from our election of representatives to General Synod and the Board of King’s College: Clergy Representation to General Synod: The Very Reverend Keith Joyce The Reverend Canon William MacMullin The Venerable John Sharpe The Reverend Canon Albert Snelgrove Alternates: The Reverend Captain David Edwards The Venerable Stuart Allan The Reverend Canon John Matheson The Reverend Eileen Irish Lay Representation to General Synod: Mr. Keith Dow Mrs. Shara Golden Mr. Peter Irish Captain Rob Marsh Alternates: Mr. Murry Arnott Mr. David Watts Mrs. Heather Carr Ms. Catherine McKay Youth Representation to General Synod: Mr. Jamie Morrell Alternate: Mr. Christopher Ketch Representation on the Board of King’s College: The Reverend Canon Alvin Westgate 127-21 - Canon L.F. Scott/The Reverend Canon Alvin Westgate That
the
electoral ballots be destroyed.
The motion was carried. 127-22 - The Reverend Neville Cheeseman/The Reverend Canon Alvin Westgate That
the
Bishop be asked to form a Task Force to hold hearings on the proposed
amendments to the Marriage Canon (Canon XXI) throughout the Diocese and
report back by the end of April 2004.
The motion was carried. 127-23 - Mr. Joe Fletcher/Ms. Elizabeth White That
a vote of
confidence and grateful thanks be given to the Committee for their
arduous task on the revision of the Constitution and Canons.
The motion was carried. The Reverend Alan Reynolds came forward with his willingness to withdraw his motion (re:same-sex unions in the Diocese of New Westminster) on the commitment of the Bishop to call a Synod to discuss how we, as a Diocese, would proceed before any action be taken. Synod members greeted Mr. Reynolds with applause and a standing ovation. 127-24 - The Reverend Gerald Laskey/The Reverend Canon Philip Ward That
this
Diocesan Synod of Fredericton express its gratitude to the Almighty for
the godly work being carried on by faithful Anglicans in the territory
of New Westminister Diocese who stand in Christian conscience opposed
to the recent actions of their own Diocesan Bishop and Synod. We fully
support and uphold before God the honest and sacrificial efforts that
have been made to minister to those congregations, by both Bishop
William Hockin, among those parishes remaining within the Diocesan
Synod, and by Bishop Terry Buckle, among those parishes who have
separated themselves from their Diocesan Synod, commonly known as, ‘The
Anglican Communion in New Westminster’.
We hereby declare that we stand in fraternal solidarity with those congregations witnessing faithfully for the Gospel, and with these two bishops ministering to them, and assure them of our continuing prayerful support and encouragement. The Chancellor and the Bishop expressed reservation in mentioning specific individuals, especially at a time when the stoppage in litigation is very fragile. 127-25 - The Reverend Canon John Matheson/The Reverend Gerald Laskey An
amendment
was moved requesting that all specific references to individuals and
groups be removed from the original motion.
The amendment was carried. The motion then read as follows: That
this
Diocesan Synod of Fredericton express its gratitude to the Almighty for
the godly work being carried on by faithful Anglicans in the territory
of New Westminister Diocese who stand in Christian conscience opposed
to the blessing of same-sex unions. We fully support and uphold before
God the honest and sacrificial efforts that have been made to minister
to those congregations, parishes remaining within the Diocesan Synod,
and among those parishes who have separated themselves from their
Diocesan Synod.
We hereby declare that we stand in fraternal solidarity with those congregations witnessing faithfully for the Gospel and assure them of our continuing prayerful support and encouragement. The original motion as amended was carried. 127-26 - The Venerable Stuart Alan/Mrs. Shara Golden That
this
Diocesan Synod affirms and upholds the teaching of the Church, and call
on the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada to affirm and
uphold, the teaching of the Holy Scriptures and the Church:
(1) that
marriage is the lifelong union of one man and one woman to the
exclusion of all others; and
(2) that no clergy person may bless any union or marriage of persons of the same sex; And that the Synod directs the Secretary of Synod to memorialize this motion to the meeting of the General Synod of 2004. The motion was carried. 127-27 - Canon L.F. Scott/The Reverend Peter Gillies That
all
reports in sections F, G, H, and I published in the Convening Circular
be accepted.
The motion was carried. 127-28 - Canon L.F. Scott/Mr. Gene Moore That
the
financial reports (section J) of the Convening Circular be accepted as
published.
The motion was carried. RESPONSE TO THE BISHOP’S CHARGE The Reverend Patricia Drummond delivered the response on behalf of the members of her committee which was comprised of: Mrs. Hazel Mackenzie, Parish of Minto and Chipman Mr. Trevor Holder, Parish of Portland The Reverend Canon Albert Snelgrove, Parish of Riverview A copy of the Response is appended to these minutes. COURTESIES REPORT 127-29 - The Reverend Robyn Cuming/Mr. Robert Cormier That
this
Synod present to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, through her
representative in Canada, Her Excellency the Governor General, the
customary expression of its loyalty and affection.
That this Synod send greetings to our former Diocesan Bishops, the Most Reverend Harold L Nutter, the Right Reverend George C. Lemon, and the Right Reverend William J. Hockin and to their spouses, Mrs. Edith Nutter, Mrs. Lois Lemon and Mrs. Isabelle Hockin. That this Synod extend greetings to those of our clergy who are celebrating significant anniversaries of their ordination. That this Synod express its gratitude to Bishop Claude Miller for his challenging Charge to this Synod and for his capable presiding over these Synod deliberations, especially in guiding us through the controversial and emotional issues faced by our Church. We note this is the first Synod over which Bishop Miller has presided as Diocesan. We further extend warm greetings to Mrs. Sharon Miller. That the gratitude and appreciation of Synod be extended to out Chancellor Mr. Charles Ferris and to the other members of the Committee responsible for the tremendous work in re-writing our Constitution and Canons for our consideration today. That our thanks be extended to our Metropolitan, Andrew Hutchison for his leadership and support. That the thanks of Synod be expressed to the following persons and groups who played such an important role in the planning and running of this event: • to the Very Reverend Keith Joyce, Dean of the Cathedral, for the worship • to the Committee responding to the Bishop’s Charge, under the leadership of the Reverend Patricia Drummond. • to Canon Fred Scott and Archdeacon Geoffrey Hall for their work in planning for the Synod and to Doreen Smith and Phyllis Cathcart for their work in support and in preparation of the Synod material. • to Mrs. Ruth Gorlick and the other members of the congregation of the Parish Church who looked after registering the Synod delegates • to Mr. Ernie McFadzen and his team of scrutineers who counted our ballots • to the Reverend Leo Martin who served as recording Secretary for Synod • to the staff of the University of New Brunswick, especially the staff of the Student Union building for their assistance • to those who provided information and displays, especially Mrs. Gwen McKnight and Mrs. Cathy Ramey of Anglican House • to Mrs. Ana Watts who acted as press secretary for the Synod • and to all those who prepared and presented reports for the information of Synod members And finally that the thanks of Synod be expressed to all of the clergy and lay delegates for their attendance and participation in the 127th Diocesan Synod of Fredericton. The motion was carried. The Venerable Malcolm Berry, as Senior Chaplain to the 37th Brigade Group in Atlantic Canada, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the soldiers who are very grateful to our church for its many chaplains in legions, and its many visits to veterans and their families. He asked for the continued support in prayer to all those who serve their country in the military. The Bishop offered his personal thanks to everyone, especially to the members of the Diocesan Staff. 127-30 - The Reverend Canon Alvin Westgate/The Reverend Canon Jon Lownds That
the 127th
Session of the Diocesan Synod of Fredericton be adjourned.
The motion was carried. Respectfully submitted, The Reverend Leo Martin, Assistant Recording Secretary Page updated 24 March
2005
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