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Pension Committee

Also in Governance and decision-making

The Pension Committee supports the General Synod by overseeing the administration and management of the Church’s pension and benefit programs. Working with its trustees, advisory units and the Pension Office Corporation, the committee:

  • manages the General Synod Pension Plan, including investment performance, funding and ongoing conversion to a target benefit plan
  • administers the Long-Term Disability Plan, Self-Insured Death Benefit Plan and Group Employee Benefits Program
  • oversees the Pension Endowment Funds and related distributions to pensioners and survivors
  • provides policy guidance and administers Continuing Education grants, sabbatical support and other professional development programs for clergy and staff
  • monitors actuarial valuations, audits and compliance with relevant pension and benefit regulations

Through these efforts, the committee ensures sustainable, transparent and responsible stewardship of the Church’s pension and benefit resources.

Standing committees oversee key areas of the General Synod’s work, providing guidance, oversight and accountability to the General Synod and CoGS. Additional details about this committee are available Canons VIII, IX and XII of the Handbook of the General Synod.

Membership (2025‑2028)

  • Cathy Armstrong
  • The Ven. Travis Enright
  • The Rev. Canon Dr. Stephen Fields
  • The Rt. Rev. Helen Kennedy
  • Rekha Menon, Pension Office Corporation director (ex-officio)
  • The Rt. Rev. Alexander R. Pryor
  • Michael Wolff

The Primate, general secretary, prolocutor, deputy prolocutor and treasurer may also serve as ex-officio members of this committee, as set out in the Constitution of the General Synod(Section III) and Canon VIII of the Handbook of the General Synod.

Trustees

Trustees act on behalf of plan members to safeguard the Church’s pension and benefit funds.

  • The Rt. Rev. William Cliff
  • Ted Ecclestone
  • Jordan N. Fremont
  • Sheryl Kennedy
  • Stephen Koning
  • Josephine Marks
  • Simon Segall
  • Stephen Tam

Appointed by the Pension Committee:

  • The Rt. Rev. Stephen Andrews
  • Michael Attwood
  • The Rev. Canon Dr. Grayhame Bowcott
  • Caroline L. Helbronner
  • The Rt. Rev. Todd Townshend

Observers

Observers attend meetings to provide input and stay informed, without voting or decision-making authority.

  • Sharon Chandler
  • Anne Layton
  • Gary Goddard
  • The Rev. Fred Marshall
  • Jane Mesich
  • Sharon White
  • Paul Christiani
  • Jo-Anne Billinger

Connected work

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.