Thursday, March 15
The Council opened with worship. Members:
approved presentations of the Anglican Award of Merit during 2001 to Carol Throp, George Mayo, Vi Smith, Sue Mackey-Smith, Ronald Stevenson, Cynthia Llewellyn and David Wright.
heard the report of the Officers of General Synod, and authorized them to make time-driven decisions before the next meeting of the Council.
heard the report of the General Secretary and approved amendments to the Sexual Harassment and Abuse policy related to retention of records and standards for training of staff and volunteers for understanding acceptable and unacceptable behaviours and received a report on the residential schools litigation. The pace is increasing. Negotiations toward a public policy solution continue: there have been numerous meetings with the deputy prime minister and his aides, and also with the Assembly of First Nations and other Indigenous groups. Mr. Gray began with a very narrow understanding of the issues and is gradually coming to understand them more fully. “These talks are bound up with our original goals of contributing to healing,” Archdeacon Jim Boyles said. “We have something significant to offer both to Indigenous peoples and to the well-being of Canadian society as a whole. If it were a simple matter of giving up and disappearing, the church would survive in some way, but it would be a real loss of the contribution we’re able to make to healing.” He noted the church across Canada is already engaged in very significant work with Indigenous peoples, and can do more: “Much of that work has been largely invisible, and we have to do more to tell that story.”
received the report of the Treasurer. Jim Cullen said actions to balance the 2000 budget (exclusive of residential schools costs) were successful, producing a $268,000 surplus on operations.
However, residential schools legal costs were $1.2 million (net). Liquid assets now total only $2.1 million. A payment of $1 million arising from litigation in British Columbia has been deferred by agreement with the government. Other legal costs in 2001 are expected to exceed the budgeted amount of $1 million. In reviewing these factors, the FMDC “directed the Treasurer and General Secretary immediately to seek professional legal and accounting advice as to the timing of CCAA or other forms of restructuring, including bankruptcy;” and asked the General Secretary “to convey its dissatisfaction and disappointment with the current state of discussions with the government.”
received the report of the Marriage Canon Task Force and approved the preparation of motions supporting its recommendations for presentation to General Synod.
Afternoon
discussed the document Dignity, Inclusion and Fair Treatment , an attempt to use the language of faith (rather than the language of courts) to set out principles of fair treatment. The document is not legislative, but it does provide clear guidelines for hearing and deciding upon cases of grievances brought against the church by a member or employee. The principles include transparency of decision-making; intentional listening; accompaniment; clear avenues for challenging decisions; assurance of response; and accessibility.
received the report of the Partners in Mission committee and resolved to affirm the work of the Middle East Working Group of Inter Church Action and encourage it to continue to stand in solidarity with Palestinian people; and to condemn acts of violence; and called on the Government of Israel to recognize that under the 4th Geneva Convention it bears the primary responsibility to de-escalate the violence.
received the interim report of the Task Force on Jurisdiction. It addresses the nature of jurisdiction, the relationship between communion and authority, and authority as jurisdiction. It notes: “If an issue is seen to be one of doctrine or discipline. it belongs within the jurisdiction of General Synod;” but there is not always clarity on which matters are of doctrine and discipline. The interim report forms.
the basis of further consultation, with a final report to come in the fall.
Evening
heard the Primate’s reflections , including a detailed review of his time since the last meeting. Much of this was spent in the international sphere, including his attendance at the Primates Meeting early this month. Archbishop Michael Peers said there was excellent bible study on a portion of the gospel of Luke, including the phrase ‘Jesus increased in wisdom.’
“We spent a lot of reflection on what is it that holds us together. What is crucial? For some it’s issues of faith and practice, which, if deviated from, they feel could tear us apart. For others, it’s order – the way we order our common life. So, for some people the Lambeth resolution on sexuality says, ‘this is where it is, if you’re not doing that you’re endangering our common life.’ For others, it’s the Lambeth resolution on respecting diocesan boundaries, or the Singapore consecrations – those things are an attack on our order and therefore a threat to our unity.
“It was really helpful to hear faith and order drawn together under the heading of wisdom. It’s not just a checklist of faithful practice, or a checklist of obedience to questions of order. It’s wisdom, in the context of the community.”
Archbishop Peers spoke to various elements of the Pastoral Letter issued by the meeting of Primates, which addresses three major agenda items:
- North-South issues such as poverty, debt and globalization.
- mission and evangelism.
- our common life in provinces and as a communion.
“It reads blandly, as these things always do,” he said. “But last time, the blandness disguised huge tensions. This time it describes a coming together beyond anything I could have imagined.” He noted, for example, that the section of the pastoral letter dealing with sexuality is “descriptive, not prescriptive”. In it, the Primates resolve “to show responsibility toward each other, and to seek to avoid actions that might damage the credibility of our mission in the world.” Archbishop Peers said the ‘generic’ framing of that statement reflects the reality that an action that damages the church’s credibility in one part of the world may enhance the credibility of its mission in another.
The Primate said he had reflected at some length on the concern, voiced by some both before and during the Primates meeting, that the Anglican Communion has no way of ruling any doctrine to be beyond acceptable limits.
“That’s actually not true. We do have a way of determining what is allowed, and it’s biblically based (see Acts 5), and it’s called ‘time’. Three hundred and fifty years ago, most Anglican theologians held to a biblically grounded doctrine that they saw as crucial to Anglican self-understanding. It was known as the Divine Right of Kings. It was not a political doctrine, it was a theological principle deeply rooted in the 16th and 17 centuries An Archbishop of Canterbury, William Laud, died for it. We haven’t heard a lot about it lately, but not because anybody outlawed it. It’s not around because it didn’t stand the test of time.”
closed with Night Prayer
Friday, March 16
Morning
opened with worship led by members of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples (ACIP).
heard the report of the ACIP and commended to the church a multi-part plan intended to help the church continue working towards healing with Indigenous peoples.
The plan, which expands and extends work already being done, addresses five goals:
- supporting the efforts of Indigenous peoples to achieve self-determination, both within Canada and within the church.
- increasing advocacy for justice for Indigenous peoples, including land claims and treaty negotiations.
- expanding the church’s Healing Fund to increase grants for Indigenous groups designing and implementing healing programs in their communities; and encouraging non-Indigenous Anglicans to address their own needs for healing
- addressing the consequences of colonialism and assimilation policies, including residential schools, in symbolic and ceremonial ways, to provide “historical reparation”
- working to build a new partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
heard the report of the EcoJustice Committee, including work on the development of guidelines for advocacy requiring urgent action (a supplement to the existing advocacy guidelines).
heard the report of the Faith, Worship and Ministry committee and received the proposed revised text of the Waterloo Declaration, Called to Full Communion, and submitted it to General Synod for approval; and
discussed a preliminary response to The Virginia Report on unity and authority in the Anglican Communion.
received the report of the Information Resources Committee , noting that staff reductions have produced significant service reductions in several areas and drawing attention to the committee’s review of communication strategy.
heard the first of several Partners Reflections. Verna Firth of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples said she appreciates all the work this council does for the church. A highlight is listening to the Primate’s report. She urged members to “take one little piece of the working document [the healing plan presented by ACIP] that most inspires you, take it back to your diocese, and use it there so we can walk in partnership. We are all God’s children, and we should work together in bettering the Anglican Church in partnership.”
Afternoon
discussed three options for Planning for the Future: developing a new strategic plan; refocusing and deepening General Synod work based on existing priorities, including healing and reconciliation; or reduce the scope of General Synod work. After table group conversation, about half the members opted for the option to refocus and deepen, and about half were evenly divided between seeking a new strategic plan and “other.” None opted into the group focused on reducing General Synod work, though there were significant comments from members of other groups about the need for attention to increasing workload. Members spent some time explaining to each other why they had chosen their particular options, to discern a recommendation for the meeting of General Synod.
received the report of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund. The incorporation of the Fund is now complete. The fund remains the international development ministry of the Anglican Church within the new structure. Later this month dioceses will become full voting members of the Fund’s board of directors and be invited to select representatives to attend the PWRDF annual general meeting.
agreed an offering at the concluding Eucharist of this meeting will be dedicated to the healing fund.
agreed to write to Paul Martin, the federal finance minister, expressing appreciation for his stand on debt cancellation; and to Bishop John Clarke with prayers for a speedy recovery following an automobile accident.
heard Partners Reflections from Warren Ramshaw of ECUSA. At its most recent meeting, the ECUSA executive council used round tables! There may be ways of intensifying the engagement between the Council and the local church by arranging structured visits over a meal or during a worship service, to humanize the face of the Council. Ideas for the future: consider a common evaluating examination for candidates for ordination; survey CoGS members at mid-point of the triennium to determine their satisfaction with the committee process; and consider a joint meeting of the two executive councils.
Evening
adopted procedures for nominations and for dealing with resolutions at the meeting of General Synod.
reviewed draft resolutions intended to come before the General Synod.
authorized preparation of a number of ‘housekeeping’ amendments to the Handbook of General Synod.
received the report of the Financial Management and Development Committee and resolved that all internally designated funds of the General Synod be now designated as unrestricted; and continued to uphold the principle that all current income from dioceses be used for current programs, not litigation.
closed with evening prayer.
Saturday, March 17
Morning
opened with worship and Biblical reflection.
forwarded to General Synod the Affirmation of Principles for Dignity, Inclusion and Fair Treatment, to be adopted and commended to all dioceses.
received the report of the Pension Committee and
approved a minor change to the long term disability plan; and
requested that the Pension Committee provide a draft national policy on ethical investment , to be brought back to the Council in the fall of 2001, after consulting with appropriate groups.
returned to a resolution on the Middle East, portions of which had been approved earlier, and requested the government of Canada to urge the government of Israel to acknowledge the right of return of refugees and negotiate ways of extending this right to Palestinian refugees; and
directed the creation of resources to help Anglicans understand the biblical, theological, interfaith, historical and political contexts of the Middle East, and help facilitate dialogue with Christian, Muslim and Jewish neighbours.
received the report of the Mission Coordination Group, including a communiqué from the Canadian Churches for Justice and Peace, a new organization that will carry on the work of the ecumenical coalitions related to development and justice concerns.
received a report from a set of financial consultations which asked, ‘How will our church finance itself so that it can continue and be in a strong position to carry out its mission?’ Learnings emerged in three broad themes: stewardship education; a national fundraising campaign, and other options for financing.
heard the Partners Reflections from Jon Fogleman, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. He noted, tongue in cheek, that it’s been a challenge to learn some of our terms and procedures. He’s mastered ‘prolocutor’ and ‘scrutineer,’ but in the Lutheran Church, sexuality doesn’t come up under liturgy. Three highlights: the moment when Donna Bomberry gently extended a hand to symbolize the ‘new agape’ sought between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Anglicans; the Primate’s comments on the context of the Palestinian church; and the affirmation of dignity, inclusion of fair treatment.
“You have inspired me in my faith for the witness of Anglican Church of Canada during this time of oppression, being in touch with the pain, and carrying on in faith. You are Bonhoeffer in the world today.”
Afternoon
authorized the Financial Management and Development Committee to commission a feasibility study for national fundraising to enable healing and support dioceses affected by litigation.
asked the 2001 General Synod to commit itself to walking in partnership with Indigenous Anglicans in Canada and commend the Working Document Plan of Anglican Work in Support of a New Partnership Between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Anglicans – A New Agape, to the whole church for study and action.
moved into committee of the whole (a procedure allowing greater flexibility in debate) to continue the discussion of Planning for the Future. Noted that yesterday’s conversation reflected two basic orientations: one about how we intend to continue our work as General Synod, dealing with the situation we currently face; the other about a desire to spend time listening intentionally to dioceses and parishes. After discussion, approved recommendations for the 2001 General Synod to give effect to both those wishes.
adjourned as the Council of General Synod and became the Missionary Society of the Church in Canada and resolved that all funds of the MSCC previously designated as internally designated be now designated as unrestricted.
Evening
celebrated the life of St. Patrick.
Sunday, March 18
Morning
requested the General Secretary to take steps to establish an ‘observer status’ relationship with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
directed the next Council of General Synod to appoint a Planning and Agenda Team similar to the team that has served in this triennium.
approved new dates for the next two meetings of the Council, as follows:
- November 15-17, 2001
- May 1-4, 2002
- Standing Committees April 29-30
- Joint meeting May 1-2
Note: All of the above to take place at Geneva Park Conference Centre (near Orillia, ON).
approved nominations for membership in sessional committees at General Synod.
approved election procedures at General Synod.
approved further changes to the handbook, particularly dealing with the election of youth members.
referred to the next Council of General Synod a number of matters from the Mission Coordination Group, including a recommendation that consultation with dioceses should continue.
received an information report from the Primate’s Theological Commission. It is preparing four ‘theological workbooks’ based roughly around the topics of the Nicene Creed and intended to invite Canadian Anglicans to do theology together. The first volume is intended to be available for General Synod.
expressed to the Government of Canada its urgent concern about the seriousness of the situation facing the General Synod and its disappointment with the pace of discussion toward an acceptable resolution.
joined in the Eucharist, leaving for after lunch (and after the termination of this record) a member’s concern regarding our response to the question of ethical investment and holdings in Talisman; and a direction to the Officers regarding membership and mandate of the Residential Schools Advisory Group. Unofficial notes of the meeting held March 15-18, 2001 at Queen of Apostles Retreat Centre, Mississauga, ON
Thursday, March 15
The Council opened with worship. Members:
approved presentations of the Anglican Award of Merit during 2001 to Carol Throp, George Mayo, Vi Smith, Sue Mackey-Smith, Ronald Stevenson, Cynthia Llewellyn and David Wright.
heard the report of the Officers of General Synod, and authorized them to make time-driven decisions before the next meeting of the Council.
heard the report of the General Secretary and approved amendments to the Sexual Harassment and Abuse policy related to retention of records and standards for training of staff and volunteers for understanding acceptable and unacceptable behaviours and received a report on the residential schools litigation. The pace is increasing. Negotiations toward a public policy solution continue: there have been numerous meetings with the deputy prime minister and his aides, and also with the Assembly of First Nations and other Indigenous groups. Mr. Gray began with a very narrow understanding of the issues and is gradually coming to understand them more fully. “These talks are bound up with our original goals of contributing to healing,” Archdeacon Jim Boyles said. “We have something significant to offer both to Indigenous peoples and to the well-being of Canadian society as a whole. If it were a simple matter of giving up and disappearing, the church would survive in some way, but it would be a real loss of the contribution we’re able to make to healing.” He noted the church across Canada is already engaged in very significant work with Indigenous peoples, and can do more: “Much of that work has been largely invisible, and we have to do more to tell that story.”
received the report of the Treasurer. Jim Cullen said actions to balance the 2000 budget (exclusive of residential schools costs) were successful, producing a $268,000 surplus on operations.
However, residential schools legal costs were $1.2 million (net). Liquid assets now total only $2.1 million. A payment of $1 million arising from litigation in British Columbia has been deferred by agreement with the government. Other legal costs in 2001 are expected to exceed the budgeted amount of $1 million. In reviewing these factors, the FMDC “directed the Treasurer and General Secretary immediately to seek professional legal and accounting advice as to the timing of CCAA or other forms of restructuring, including bankruptcy;” and asked the General Secretary “to convey its dissatisfaction and disappointment with the current state of discussions with the government.”
received the report of the Marriage Canon Task Force and approved the preparation of motions supporting its recommendations for presentation to General Synod.
Afternoon
discussed the document Dignity, Inclusion and Fair Treatment , an attempt to use the language of faith (rather than the language of courts) to set out principles of fair treatment. The document is not legislative, but it does provide clear guidelines for hearing and deciding upon cases of grievances brought against the church by a member or employee. The principles include transparency of decision-making; intentional listening; accompaniment; clear avenues for challenging decisions; assurance of response; and accessibility.
received the report of the Partners in Mission committee and resolved to affirm the work of the Middle East Working Group of Inter Church Action and encourage it to continue to stand in solidarity with Palestinian people; and to condemn acts of violence; and called on the Government of Israel to recognize that under the 4th Geneva Convention it bears the primary responsibility to de-escalate the violence.
received the interim report of the Task Force on Jurisdiction. It addresses the nature of jurisdiction, the relationship between communion and authority, and authority as jurisdiction. It notes: “If an issue is seen to be one of doctrine or discipline. it belongs within the jurisdiction of General Synod;” but there is not always clarity on which matters are of doctrine and discipline. The interim report forms.
the basis of further consultation, with a final report to come in the fall.
Evening
heard the Primate’s reflections , including a detailed review of his time since the last meeting. Much of this was spent in the international sphere, including his attendance at the Primates Meeting early this month. Archbishop Michael Peers said there was excellent bible study on a portion of the gospel of Luke, including the phrase ‘Jesus increased in wisdom.’
“We spent a lot of reflection on what is it that holds us together. What is crucial? For some it’s issues of faith and practice, which, if deviated from, they feel could tear us apart. For others, it’s order – the way we order our common life. So, for some people the Lambeth resolution on sexuality says, ‘this is where it is, if you’re not doing that you’re endangering our common life.’ For others, it’s the Lambeth resolution on respecting diocesan boundaries, or the Singapore consecrations – those things are an attack on our order and therefore a threat to our unity.
“It was really helpful to hear faith and order drawn together under the heading of wisdom. It’s not just a checklist of faithful practice, or a checklist of obedience to questions of order. It’s wisdom, in the context of the community.”
Archbishop Peers spoke to various elements of the Pastoral Letter issued by the meeting of Primates, which addresses three major agenda items:
- North-South issues such as poverty, debt and globalization.
- mission and evangelism.
- our common life in provinces and as a communion.
“It reads blandly, as these things always do,” he said. “But last time, the blandness disguised huge tensions. This time it describes a coming together beyond anything I could have imagined.” He noted, for example, that the section of the pastoral letter dealing with sexuality is “descriptive, not prescriptive”. In it, the Primates resolve “to show responsibility toward each other, and to seek to avoid actions that might damage the credibility of our mission in the world.” Archbishop Peers said the ‘generic’ framing of that statement reflects the reality that an action that damages the church’s credibility in one part of the world may enhance the credibility of its mission in another.
The Primate said he had reflected at some length on the concern, voiced by some both before and during the Primates meeting, that the Anglican Communion has no way of ruling any doctrine to be beyond acceptable limits.
“That’s actually not true. We do have a way of determining what is allowed, and it’s biblically based (see Acts 5), and it’s called ‘time’. Three hundred and fifty years ago, most Anglican theologians held to a biblically grounded doctrine that they saw as crucial to Anglican self-understanding. It was known as the Divine Right of Kings. It was not a political doctrine, it was a theological principle deeply rooted in the 16th and 17 centuries An Archbishop of Canterbury, William Laud, died for it. We haven’t heard a lot about it lately, but not because anybody outlawed it. It’s not around because it didn’t stand the test of time.”
closed with Night Prayer
Friday, March 16
Morning
opened with worship led by members of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples (ACIP).
heard the report of the ACIP and commended to the church a multi-part plan intended to help the church continue working towards healing with Indigenous peoples.
The plan, which expands and extends work already being done, addresses five goals:
- supporting the efforts of Indigenous peoples to achieve self-determination, both within Canada and within the church.
- increasing advocacy for justice for Indigenous peoples, including land claims and treaty negotiations.
- expanding the church’s Healing Fund to increase grants for Indigenous groups designing and implementing healing programs in their communities; and encouraging non-Indigenous Anglicans to address their own needs for healing
- addressing the consequences of colonialism and assimilation policies, including residential schools, in symbolic and ceremonial ways, to provide “historical reparation”
- working to build a new partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
heard the report of the EcoJustice Committee, including work on the development of guidelines for advocacy requiring urgent action (a supplement to the existing advocacy guidelines).
heard the report of the Faith, Worship and Ministry committee and received the proposed revised text of the Waterloo Declaration, Called to Full Communion, and submitted it to General Synod for approval; and
discussed a preliminary response to The Virginia Report on unity and authority in the Anglican Communion.
received the report of the Information Resources Committee , noting that staff reductions have produced significant service reductions in several areas and drawing attention to the committee’s review of communication strategy.
heard the first of several Partners Reflections. Verna Firth of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples said she appreciates all the work this council does for the church. A highlight is listening to the Primate’s report. She urged members to “take one little piece of the working document [the healing plan presented by ACIP] that most inspires you, take it back to your diocese, and use it there so we can walk in partnership. We are all God’s children, and we should work together in bettering the Anglican Church in partnership.”
Afternoon
discussed three options for Planning for the Future: developing a new strategic plan; refocusing and deepening General Synod work based on existing priorities, including healing and reconciliation; or reduce the scope of General Synod work. After table group conversation, about half the members opted for the option to refocus and deepen, and about half were evenly divided between seeking a new strategic plan and “other.” None opted into the group focused on reducing General Synod work, though there were significant comments from members of other groups about the need for attention to increasing workload. Members spent some time explaining to each other why they had chosen their particular options, to discern a recommendation for the meeting of General Synod.
received the report of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund. The incorporation of the Fund is now complete. The fund remains the international development ministry of the Anglican Church within the new structure. Later this month dioceses will become full voting members of the Fund’s board of directors and be invited to select representatives to attend the PWRDF annual general meeting.
agreed an offering at the concluding Eucharist of this meeting will be dedicated to the healing fund.
agreed to write to Paul Martin, the federal finance minister, expressing appreciation for his stand on debt cancellation; and to Bishop John Clarke with prayers for a speedy recovery following an automobile accident.
heard Partners Reflections from Warren Ramshaw of ECUSA. At its most recent meeting, the ECUSA executive council used round tables! There may be ways of intensifying the engagement between the Council and the local church by arranging structured visits over a meal or during a worship service, to humanize the face of the Council. Ideas for the future: consider a common evaluating examination for candidates for ordination; survey CoGS members at mid-point of the triennium to determine their satisfaction with the committee process; and consider a joint meeting of the two executive councils.
Evening
adopted procedures for nominations and for dealing with resolutions at the meeting of General Synod.
reviewed draft resolutions intended to come before the General Synod.
authorized preparation of a number of ‘housekeeping’ amendments to the Handbook of General Synod.
received the report of the Financial Management and Development Committee and resolved that all internally designated funds of the General Synod be now designated as unrestricted; and continued to uphold the principle that all current income from dioceses be used for current programs, not litigation.
closed with evening prayer.
Saturday, March 17
Morning
opened with worship and Biblical reflection.
forwarded to General Synod the Affirmation of Principles for Dignity, Inclusion and Fair Treatment, to be adopted and commended to all dioceses.
received the report of the Pension Committee and
approved a minor change to the long term disability plan; and
requested that the Pension Committee provide a draft national policy on ethical investment , to be brought back to the Council in the fall of 2001, after consulting with appropriate groups.
returned to a resolution on the Middle East, portions of which had been approved earlier, and requested the government of Canada to urge the government of Israel to acknowledge the right of return of refugees and negotiate ways of extending this right to Palestinian refugees; and
directed the creation of resources to help Anglicans understand the biblical, theological, interfaith, historical and political contexts of the Middle East, and help facilitate dialogue with Christian, Muslim and Jewish neighbours.
received the report of the Mission Coordination Group, including a communiqué from the Canadian Churches for Justice and Peace, a new organization that will carry on the work of the ecumenical coalitions related to development and justice concerns.
received a report from a set of financial consultations which asked, ‘How will our church finance itself so that it can continue and be in a strong position to carry out its mission?’ Learnings emerged in three broad themes: stewardship education; a national fundraising campaign, and other options for financing.
heard the Partners Reflections from Jon Fogleman, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. He noted, tongue in cheek, that it’s been a challenge to learn some of our terms and procedures. He’s mastered ‘prolocutor’ and ‘scrutineer,’ but in the Lutheran Church, sexuality doesn’t come up under liturgy. Three highlights: the moment when Donna Bomberry gently extended a hand to symbolize the ‘new agape’ sought between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Anglicans; the Primate’s comments on the context of the Palestinian church; and the affirmation of dignity, inclusion of fair treatment.
“You have inspired me in my faith for the witness of Anglican Church of Canada during this time of oppression, being in touch with the pain, and carrying on in faith. You are Bonhoeffer in the world today.”
Afternoon
authorized the Financial Management and Development Committee to commission a feasibility study for national fundraising to enable healing and support dioceses affected by litigation.
asked the 2001 General Synod to commit itself to walking in partnership with Indigenous Anglicans in Canada and commend the Working Document Plan of Anglican Work in Support of a New Partnership Between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Anglicans – A New Agape, to the whole church for study and action.
moved into committee of the whole (a procedure allowing greater flexibility in debate) to continue the discussion of Planning for the Future. Noted that yesterday’s conversation reflected two basic orientations: one about how we intend to continue our work as General Synod, dealing with the situation we currently face; the other about a desire to spend time listening intentionally to dioceses and parishes. After discussion, approved recommendations for the 2001 General Synod to give effect to both those wishes.
adjourned as the Council of General Synod and became the Missionary Society of the Church in Canada and resolved that all funds of the MSCC previously designated as internally designated be now designated as unrestricted.
Evening
celebrated the life of St. Patrick.
Sunday, March 18
Morning
requested the General Secretary to take steps to establish an ‘observer status’ relationship with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
directed the next Council of General Synod to appoint a Planning and Agenda Team similar to the team that has served in this triennium.
approved new dates for the next two meetings of the Council, as follows:
- November 15-17, 2001
- May 1-4, 2002
- Standing Committees April 29-30
- Joint meeting May 1-2
Note: All of the above to take place at Geneva Park Conference Centre (near Orillia, ON).
approved nominations for membership in sessional committees at General Synod.
approved election procedures at General Synod.
approved further changes to the handbook, particularly dealing with the election of youth members.
referred to the next Council of General Synod a number of matters from the Mission Coordination Group, including a recommendation that consultation with dioceses should continue.
received an information report from the Primate’s Theological Commission. It is preparing four ‘theological workbooks’ based roughly around the topics of the Nicene Creed and intended to invite Canadian Anglicans to do theology together. The first volume is intended to be available for General Synod.
expressed to the Government of Canada its urgent concern about the seriousness of the situation facing the General Synod and its disappointment with the pace of discussion toward an acceptable resolution.
joined in the Eucharist, leaving for after lunch (and after the termination of this record) a member’s concern regarding our response to the question of ethical investment and holdings in Talisman; and a direction to the Officers regarding membership and mandate of the Residential Schools Advisory Group. Unofficial notes of the meeting held March 15-18, 2001 at Queen of Apostles Retreat Centre, Mississauga, ON
Thursday, March 15
The Council opened with worship. Members:
approved presentations of the Anglican Award of Merit during 2001 to Carol Throp, George Mayo, Vi Smith, Sue Mackey-Smith, Ronald Stevenson, Cynthia Llewellyn and David Wright.
heard the report of the Officers of General Synod, and authorized them to make time-driven decisions before the next meeting of the Council.
heard the report of the General Secretary and approved amendments to the Sexual Harassment and Abuse policy related to retention of records and standards for training of staff and volunteers for understanding acceptable and unacceptable behaviours and received a report on the residential schools litigation. The pace is increasing. Negotiations toward a public policy solution continue: there have been numerous meetings with the deputy prime minister and his aides, and also with the Assembly of First Nations and other Indigenous groups. Mr. Gray began with a very narrow understanding of the issues and is gradually coming to understand them more fully. “These talks are bound up with our original goals of contributing to healing,” Archdeacon Jim Boyles said. “We have something significant to offer both to Indigenous peoples and to the well-being of Canadian society as a whole. If it were a simple matter of giving up and disappearing, the church would survive in some way, but it would be a real loss of the contribution we’re able to make to healing.” He noted the church across Canada is already engaged in very significant work with Indigenous peoples, and can do more: “Much of that work has been largely invisible, and we have to do more to tell that story.”
received the report of the Treasurer. Jim Cullen said actions to balance the 2000 budget (exclusive of residential schools costs) were successful, producing a $268,000 surplus on operations.
However, residential schools legal costs were $1.2 million (net). Liquid assets now total only $2.1 million. A payment of $1 million arising from litigation in British Columbia has been deferred by agreement with the government. Other legal costs in 2001 are expected to exceed the budgeted amount of $1 million. In reviewing these factors, the FMDC “directed the Treasurer and General Secretary immediately to seek professional legal and accounting advice as to the timing of CCAA or other forms of restructuring, including bankruptcy;” and asked the General Secretary “to convey its dissatisfaction and disappointment with the current state of discussions with the government.”
received the report of the Marriage Canon Task Force and approved the preparation of motions supporting its recommendations for presentation to General Synod.
Afternoon
discussed the document Dignity, Inclusion and Fair Treatment , an attempt to use the language of faith (rather than the language of courts) to set out principles of fair treatment. The document is not legislative, but it does provide clear guidelines for hearing and deciding upon cases of grievances brought against the church by a member or employee. The principles include transparency of decision-making; intentional listening; accompaniment; clear avenues for challenging decisions; assurance of response; and accessibility.
received the report of the Partners in Mission committee and resolved to affirm the work of the Middle East Working Group of Inter Church Action and encourage it to continue to stand in solidarity with Palestinian people; and to condemn acts of violence; and called on the Government of Israel to recognize that under the 4th Geneva Convention it bears the primary responsibility to de-escalate the violence.
received the interim report of the Task Force on Jurisdiction. It addresses the nature of jurisdiction, the relationship between communion and authority, and authority as jurisdiction. It notes: “If an issue is seen to be one of doctrine or discipline. it belongs within the jurisdiction of General Synod;” but there is not always clarity on which matters are of doctrine and discipline. The interim report forms.
the basis of further consultation, with a final report to come in the fall.
Evening
heard the Primate’s reflections , including a detailed review of his time since the last meeting. Much of this was spent in the international sphere, including his attendance at the Primates Meeting early this month. Archbishop Michael Peers said there was excellent bible study on a portion of the gospel of Luke, including the phrase ‘Jesus increased in wisdom.’
“We spent a lot of reflection on what is it that holds us together. What is crucial? For some it’s issues of faith and practice, which, if deviated from, they feel could tear us apart. For others, it’s order – the way we order our common life. So, for some people the Lambeth resolution on sexuality says, ‘this is where it is, if you’re not doing that you’re endangering our common life.’ For others, it’s the Lambeth resolution on respecting diocesan boundaries, or the Singapore consecrations – those things are an attack on our order and therefore a threat to our unity.
“It was really helpful to hear faith and order drawn together under the heading of wisdom. It’s not just a checklist of faithful practice, or a checklist of obedience to questions of order. It’s wisdom, in the context of the community.”
Archbishop Peers spoke to various elements of the Pastoral Letter issued by the meeting of Primates, which addresses three major agenda items:
- North-South issues such as poverty, debt and globalization.
- mission and evangelism.
- our common life in provinces and as a communion.
“It reads blandly, as these things always do,” he said. “But last time, the blandness disguised huge tensions. This time it describes a coming together beyond anything I could have imagined.” He noted, for example, that the section of the pastoral letter dealing with sexuality is “descriptive, not prescriptive”. In it, the Primates resolve “to show responsibility toward each other, and to seek to avoid actions that might damage the credibility of our mission in the world.” Archbishop Peers said the ‘generic’ framing of that statement reflects the reality that an action that damages the church’s credibility in one part of the world may enhance the credibility of its mission in another.
The Primate said he had reflected at some length on the concern, voiced by some both before and during the Primates meeting, that the Anglican Communion has no way of ruling any doctrine to be beyond acceptable limits.
“That’s actually not true. We do have a way of determining what is allowed, and it’s biblically based (see Acts 5), and it’s called ‘time’. Three hundred and fifty years ago, most Anglican theologians held to a biblically grounded doctrine that they saw as crucial to Anglican self-understanding. It was known as the Divine Right of Kings. It was not a political doctrine, it was a theological principle deeply rooted in the 16th and 17 centuries An Archbishop of Canterbury, William Laud, died for it. We haven’t heard a lot about it lately, but not because anybody outlawed it. It’s not around because it didn’t stand the test of time.”
closed with Night Prayer
Friday, March 16
Morning
opened with worship led by members of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples (ACIP).
heard the report of the ACIP and commended to the church a multi-part plan intended to help the church continue working towards healing with Indigenous peoples.
The plan, which expands and extends work already being done, addresses five goals:
- supporting the efforts of Indigenous peoples to achieve self-determination, both within Canada and within the church.
- increasing advocacy for justice for Indigenous peoples, including land claims and treaty negotiations.
- expanding the church’s Healing Fund to increase grants for Indigenous groups designing and implementing healing programs in their communities; and encouraging non-Indigenous Anglicans to address their own needs for healing
- addressing the consequences of colonialism and assimilation policies, including residential schools, in symbolic and ceremonial ways, to provide “historical reparation”
- working to build a new partnership between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
heard the report of the EcoJustice Committee, including work on the development of guidelines for advocacy requiring urgent action (a supplement to the existing advocacy guidelines).
heard the report of the Faith, Worship and Ministry committee and received the proposed revised text of the Waterloo Declaration, Called to Full Communion, and submitted it to General Synod for approval; and
discussed a preliminary response to The Virginia Report on unity and authority in the Anglican Communion.
received the report of the Information Resources Committee , noting that staff reductions have produced significant service reductions in several areas and drawing attention to the committee’s review of communication strategy.
heard the first of several Partners Reflections. Verna Firth of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples said she appreciates all the work this council does for the church. A highlight is listening to the Primate’s report. She urged members to “take one little piece of the working document [the healing plan presented by ACIP] that most inspires you, take it back to your diocese, and use it there so we can walk in partnership. We are all God’s children, and we should work together in bettering the Anglican Church in partnership.”
Afternoon
discussed three options for Planning for the Future: developing a new strategic plan; refocusing and deepening General Synod work based on existing priorities, including healing and reconciliation; or reduce the scope of General Synod work. After table group conversation, about half the members opted for the option to refocus and deepen, and about half were evenly divided between seeking a new strategic plan and “other.” None opted into the group focused on reducing General Synod work, though there were significant comments from members of other groups about the need for attention to increasing workload. Members spent some time explaining to each other why they had chosen their particular options, to discern a recommendation for the meeting of General Synod.
received the report of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund. The incorporation of the Fund is now complete. The fund remains the international development ministry of the Anglican Church within the new structure. Later this month dioceses will become full voting members of the Fund’s board of directors and be invited to select representatives to attend the PWRDF annual general meeting.
agreed an offering at the concluding Eucharist of this meeting will be dedicated to the healing fund.
agreed to write to Paul Martin, the federal finance minister, expressing appreciation for his stand on debt cancellation; and to Bishop John Clarke with prayers for a speedy recovery following an automobile accident.
heard Partners Reflections from Warren Ramshaw of ECUSA. At its most recent meeting, the ECUSA executive council used round tables! There may be ways of intensifying the engagement between the Council and the local church by arranging structured visits over a meal or during a worship service, to humanize the face of the Council. Ideas for the future: consider a common evaluating examination for candidates for ordination; survey CoGS members at mid-point of the triennium to determine their satisfaction with the committee process; and consider a joint meeting of the two executive councils.
Evening
adopted procedures for nominations and for dealing with resolutions at the meeting of General Synod.
reviewed draft resolutions intended to come before the General Synod.
authorized preparation of a number of ‘housekeeping’ amendments to the Handbook of General Synod.
received the report of the Financial Management and Development Committee and resolved that all internally designated funds of the General Synod be now designated as unrestricted; and continued to uphold the principle that all current income from dioceses be used for current programs, not litigation.
closed with evening prayer.
Saturday, March 17
Morning
opened with worship and Biblical reflection.
forwarded to General Synod the Affirmation of Principles for Dignity, Inclusion and Fair Treatment, to be adopted and commended to all dioceses.
received the report of the Pension Committee and
approved a minor change to the long term disability plan; and
requested that the Pension Committee provide a draft national policy on ethical investment , to be brought back to the Council in the fall of 2001, after consulting with appropriate groups.
returned to a resolution on the Middle East, portions of which had been approved earlier, and requested the government of Canada to urge the government of Israel to acknowledge the right of return of refugees and negotiate ways of extending this right to Palestinian refugees; and
directed the creation of resources to help Anglicans understand the biblical, theological, interfaith, historical and political contexts of the Middle East, and help facilitate dialogue with Christian, Muslim and Jewish neighbours.
received the report of the Mission Coordination Group, including a communiqué from the Canadian Churches for Justice and Peace, a new organization that will carry on the work of the ecumenical coalitions related to development and justice concerns.
received a report from a set of financial consultations which asked, ‘How will our church finance itself so that it can continue and be in a strong position to carry out its mission?’ Learnings emerged in three broad themes: stewardship education; a national fundraising campaign, and other options for financing.
heard the Partners Reflections from Jon Fogleman, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. He noted, tongue in cheek, that it’s been a challenge to learn some of our terms and procedures. He’s mastered ‘prolocutor’ and ‘scrutineer,’ but in the Lutheran Church, sexuality doesn’t come up under liturgy. Three highlights: the moment when Donna Bomberry gently extended a hand to symbolize the ‘new agape’ sought between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Anglicans; the Primate’s comments on the context of the Palestinian church; and the affirmation of dignity, inclusion of fair treatment.
“You have inspired me in my faith for the witness of Anglican Church of Canada during this time of oppression, being in touch with the pain, and carrying on in faith. You are Bonhoeffer in the world today.”
Afternoon
authorized the Financial Management and Development Committee to commission a feasibility study for national fundraising to enable healing and support dioceses affected by litigation.
asked the 2001 General Synod to commit itself to walking in partnership with Indigenous Anglicans in Canada and commend the Working Document Plan of Anglican Work in Support of a New Partnership Between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Anglicans – A New Agape, to the whole church for study and action.
moved into committee of the whole (a procedure allowing greater flexibility in debate) to continue the discussion of Planning for the Future. Noted that yesterday’s conversation reflected two basic orientations: one about how we intend to continue our work as General Synod, dealing with the situation we currently face; the other about a desire to spend time listening intentionally to dioceses and parishes. After discussion, approved recommendations for the 2001 General Synod to give effect to both those wishes.
adjourned as the Council of General Synod and became the Missionary Society of the Church in Canada and resolved that all funds of the MSCC previously designated as internally designated be now designated as unrestricted.
Evening
celebrated the life of St. Patrick.
Sunday, March 18
Morning
requested the General Secretary to take steps to establish an ‘observer status’ relationship with the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada.
directed the next Council of General Synod to appoint a Planning and Agenda Team similar to the team that has served in this triennium.
approved new dates for the next two meetings of the Council, as follows:
- November 15-17, 2001
- May 1-4, 2002
- Standing Committees April 29-30
- Joint meeting May 1-2
Note: All of the above to take place at Geneva Park Conference Centre (near Orillia, ON).
approved nominations for membership in sessional committees at General Synod.
approved election procedures at General Synod.
approved further changes to the handbook, particularly dealing with the election of youth members.
referred to the next Council of General Synod a number of matters from the Mission Coordination Group, including a recommendation that consultation with dioceses should continue.
received an information report from the Primate’s Theological Commission. It is preparing four ‘theological workbooks’ based roughly around the topics of the Nicene Creed and intended to invite Canadian Anglicans to do theology together. The first volume is intended to be available for General Synod.
expressed to the Government of Canada its urgent concern about the seriousness of the situation facing the General Synod and its disappointment with the pace of discussion toward an acceptable resolution.
joined in the Eucharist, leaving for after lunch (and after the termination of this record) a member’s concern regarding our response to the question of ethical investment and holdings in Talisman; and a direction to the Officers regarding membership and mandate of the Residential Schools Advisory Group.