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Motions from CoGS – March 14-16, 2019

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Published on 
March 17, 2019

These are the motions that were considered by the Council of General Synod from Thursday, March 14 to Saturday, March 16.

ANGLICAN COUNCIL OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLES 

The Anglican Church of Canada, the Land, and the People of the Land

Moved by:        The Rev. Norman Wesley
Seconded by:   The Rt. Rev. Mark MacDonald
Adopted by consensus

THAT COUNCIL OF GENERAL SYNOD COMMEND THE FOLLOWING MOTION TO GENERAL SYNOD 2019:

Be it resolved that the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada and it members and organizations live a life that declares, embodies, and promotes the following:

1)  All creatures have responsibility and duty to live in respect to the dignity and life of all other creatures and that the interdependent and living relationship between all things is to be reverenced by human beings through a moral, sustainable, and respectful way of life.

2)  The People of the Land, the Indigenous Peoples of our Land and Nation, stand in a unique place of witness to the living relationship between life and Land.  Indigenous Peoples, in their teaching, way of life, and vulnerability to climate disruption and other consequences of a global society enmeshed in the culture of money and consumption, are a special model and concern for the Church and its work.

3) The living relationship of Indigenous Peoples to the Land is honoured and protected in, among other things, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.  In particular, the principle of free, prior, and informed consent is a minimum commitment of societies and nations to the well-being of the People of the Land and the importance and right of their way of life in global society.  The Anglican Church supports and upholds UNDRIP and, in particular, the principle of free, prior, and informed consent in its own dealing with Indigenous Peoples and in its public witness and advocacy.

4) The Anglican Church of Canada will seek to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples, such as the Gwich’in, who are threatened by actual and/or threatened violations of their relationship to the Land.  The Church will do this by, among other ways, their public witness and advocacy and by the adoption of way of life, individually and together, that honours and respects the interdependent and living relationship of all of the elements and Creatures of creation.

Resolution to Memorialize the Apology of 1993 and the Covenant of 1994

Moved by: The Rev. Norman Wesley
Seconded by:    The Rt. Rev. Mark MacDonald
Adopted by consensus

THAT COUNCIL OF GENERAL SYNOD COMMEND THE FOLLOWING MOTION TO GENERAL SYNOD 2019:

Be it resolved that the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada approve and institute the following memorializations of the Apology of August 6, 1993 and the Covenant of April 5, 1994, to be observed on separate days.

Ambassadors for Reconciliation

Moved by: The Rev. Norm Wesley
Seconded by: The Rt. Rev. Bruce Myers
Adopted by consensus

Be it resolved that the Council of the General Synod commend for consideration to the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada establish a committee to strategize and guide the ongoing work of the truth, justice and reconciliation, including building and supporting a network of Ambassadors for Reconciliation from dioceses and regions

Vision Keepers

Moved by: The Rev. Lynne McNaughton
Seconded by: Ms. Dale Drozda
Adopted by consensus

Be it resolved that the council of general synod commend for consideration to the general synod that :

This general synod establish the Vision Keepers as a permanent forum to oversee the work of the Church in implementing the spirit of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples through transformed church structures, governance systems, processes and practices including a strengthened external Anglican advocacy voice on social justice and reconciliation and on active implementation of the Fourth Mark of Mission.

Governance Working Group – ACIP Motions 

Motion to amend Canon XXII (National Indigenous Ministry) and related provisions

Moved by: Canon David Phillip Jones
Seconded by: Canon Randall Fairey
Adopted by consensus

Be it resolved that the Council of General Synod commend for consideration to the General Synod that they amend:

  1. Canon XXII to read as shown in Appendix 1 (proposed changes shown in green);
  2. Section 33 of the Constitution (Council of General Synod) to add the following:

33 a) x)  the National Indigenous Anglican Bishop.

  1. Section 5 of Canon III (The Primate) to add the following:

xi) always be an invited guest at Sacred Circle, with voice but not vote.

Motion to amend the Constitution to provide ACIP membership in General Synod 

Moved by: Canon David Phillip Jones
Seconded by: Canon Randall Fairey
Adopted by consensus

Be it resolved that the Council of General Synod commend for consideration to the General Synod that they:

  1. Amend section 8 of the Constitution to add paragraph h.1) as follows:

h.1)      In addition to the persons elected or appointed under subsections c) and d), the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples shall be entitled to elect or appoint two licensed members of the clergy, two communicant lay persons, and one youth who will be at least sixteen years of age upon the opening of General Synod and under the age of twenty-six years upon the prorogation of General Synod who shall be a communicant member of The Anglican Church of Canada.

  1. Upon the adoption of this resolution, the persons who have been elected or appointed by the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples meeting the above requirements shall become members of General Synod 2019.

Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission

Moved by: Mrs. Cynthia Haines-Turner
Seconded by: Canon David Phillip Jones
Adopted by consensus

Be it resolved that the Council of General Synod commend for consideration to the General Synod:

That the General Synod affirm the ongoing work of the Joint Anglican Lutheran Commission in recognition of our full communion relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

Mutual Recognition of Full Communion

Moved by: The Rev. Canon Robert Towler
Seconded by: Canon David Phillip Jones
Adopted by consensus

That this Council of General Synod commend the ‘Memorandum of Mutual Recognition of Full Communion’ to General Synod 2019 for approval and adoption.

Public Witness for Social and Ecological Justice

United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development

Moved by: The Rev. David Burrows
Seconded by: The Rev. Dr. Lynne McNaughton
Adopted

Be it resolved:

That the Council of General Synod commend the motion on the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development to General Synod 2019 for its consideration.

Season of Creation 

Moved by: The Rev. David Burrows
Seconded by: The Rev. Dr. Lynne McNaughton
Adopted

Be it resolved:

That the Council of General Synod commend the motion on the Season of Creation to General Synod 2019 for its consideration.

Single-use Plastics

Moved by: The Rev. David Burrows
Seconded by: The Rev. Dr. Lynne McNaughton
Adopted 

Be it resolved:

That the Council of General Synod commend the motion on single-use plastics to General Synod 2019 for its consideration.

Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

Moved by: Ms. Susan Little
Seconded by: The Rev. David Burrows
Adopted

Recognizing that human trafficking, modern slavery and enforced migration are human rights violations that ignore the inherent dignity of all persons

And that the Council of General Synod endorsed the 2012 Anglican Consultative Council Resolution 15:10 The Trafficking of Persons 

Be it resolved that the Council of General Synod commend for consideration that the General Synod:

  1. Condemn the ongoing practices of human trafficking and modern slavery and commit to working for their elimination in Canada and globally
  2. Urge the Anglican Church of Canada to constructively engage all levels of government on relevant policy areas to combat human trafficking, slavery and enforced migration
  3. Urge the Anglican Church of Canada to develop, promote and disseminate liturgical, theological and educational materials related to combatting human trafficking, slavery and enforced migration
  4. Urge dioceses and Ecclesiastical Provinces to continue building relationships with local and regional networks combatting human trafficking, slavery and exploitation
  5. Urge the Anglican Church of Canada to maintain and support a national network of Canadian Anglicans engaged in this work and to liaise with relevant ecumenical, interfaith and Communion bodies.

Communications Coordinating Committee # 1

Moved by: Canon David Jones
Seconded by: Ms. Cynthia Haines-Turner
Adopted

THAT COUNCIL OF GENERAL SYNOD:

  1. Amalgamate the Communications and Information Resources Coordinating Committee and the Anglican Journal Coordinating Committee into the Communications Coordinating Committee;
  1. Restate the list of Coordinating Committees in section 39B a) of the Constitution to read as follows:

39B  a)      There shall be the following Coordinating Committees of the General Synod:
i) Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee
ii) Partners in Mission Committee
iii) Resources for Mission Committee
iv) Communications Committee
v) Public Witness for Social and Ecological Justice Committee.

  1. Restate the membership of Coordinating Committees in Section 39B of the Constitution to read as follows:

39B  c)      With the exception of the Communications Coordinating Committee, each Coordinating Committee shall consist of:
i) three members elected by the General Synod
ii) at least two members appointed by the Primate, provided that at least one member shall be a member of the Council of the General Synod. 

39B  d)      The Communications Coordinating Committee shall consist of:
i) four members elected by the General Synod
ii) at least three members appointed by the Primate, provided that at least one member shall be a member of the Council of General Synod and one shall be a member of the editorial board. 

and re-letter existing 39B d) through i) to be 39B e) through j).

  1. Adopt the following terms of reference for the Communications Coordinating Committee, which are to be printed as Item 1 under the heading “II Coordinating Committees” in Appendix B of the Handbook:

Communications Coordinating Committee

Duties and responsibilities:

The Committee shall have strategic and advisory responsibility for the entire communications portfolio of the Anglican Church of Canada.   

The committee shall:

a) interpret and carry forward the intentions of General Synod with regard to information and communications.
b) discern and be responsive to the information and communications needs of Canadian Anglicans.
c) ensure that the communications department effectively projects, promotes and celebrates the mission, ministry and values of the Anglican Church of Canada to internal and external audiences.
d) ensure that the communications department facilitates effective communication between General Synod and dioceses, and among and within dioceses.
e) support and foster an integrated communications function and staff structure for the General Synod, including an integrated journalistic service for the Anglican Church of Canada.
f) review and approve a communications strategy (including resource allocation) as developed and implemented by management.
g) conduct an annual review of the department’s performance, based on an evaluation of outcomes against agreed goals and metrics as proposed by the committee and management and approved by the Council of General Synod, and report this to the Council of General Synod.
h) have input into the job description and selection criteria for key positions, including the Executive Director of the department and the Editor of the Anglican Journal, and may be invited to participate in the selection and annual performance review processes for these positions.
i) exercise oversight of the content and distribution of the Anglican Journal, and other journalistic products of the Anglican Church of Canada, such as online news, in consultation with the Editorial Board, and provide advice, as required, to the Council of General Synod, acting on behalf of General Synod as the publisher. In exercising this responsibility, the committee is guided by appropriate journalistic standards, including the editorial mandate and journalistic guidelines as approved by the Council of General Synod, as well as other applicable journalistic ethics, standards and policies which may be proposed by the committee and approved by the Council of General Synod.
j) exercise oversight of all other communications products of the Anglican Church of Canada (including, without limitation, corporate communications, branding, archives, data management, web site, social media, resource production and distribution, graphics, Anglican Video and ABC Publishing). In exercising this responsibility, the committee is guided by standards such as those of the International Association of Business Communicators, the Canadian Public Relations Society, and other relevant standards and policies which may be proposed by the committee and approved by the Council of General Synod.
k) support the work of departmental management and advise as requested.
l) advise the Primate on appointments to the Editorial Board, maintain liaison with the Board through a common member, receive an annual report from the Board and transmit it to the Council of General Synod.
m) exercise those functions common to all committees, namely:

i) develop annual budget proposals
ii) communicate with other committees and groups
iii) report regularly and make recommendations to the Council of General Synod
iv) within the committee’s mandate, do functional strategic planning and visioning
v) maintain liaison with the House of Bishops
vi) at least once in each triennium, review policies governing the various areas of work of the Communications and Information Resources Department.
vii)    may from time to time establish sub-committees which will be created according to the procedures outlined in Procedures for Sub-units of Standing Committees.

n) meet annually face-to-face and maintain regular contact between meetings.

and delete the existing terms of reference for the Anglican Journal Coordinating Committee and the Communications and Information Resources Coordinating Committee, and renumber the terms of reference of the Coordinating Committees in Appendix B as follows:

  1. Communications Coordinating Committee
  2. Faith, Worship and Ministry Coordinating Committee
  3. Partners in Mission Coordinating Committee
  4. Public Witness for Social and Ecological Justice Coordinating Committee
  5. Resources for Mission Coordinating Committee.

 

  1. Adopt the following mandate, governance, editorial policy and editorial provisions for the Anglican Journal, which are to be printed as Appendix C in the Handbook:

Appendix C

The Anglican Journal

a) Mandate

The General Synod shall produce and distribute journalistic content of interest to the members of the Anglican Church of Canada, whose purpose is to connect and reflect the Church to internal and external audiences, providing a forum for the full range of voices and views across the Church.

Elements of this content may appear in print and/or digital formats, using the most appropriate and cost-effective technologies as these evolve over time, consistent with the goal that all Canadian Anglicans and others who wish to access this information are able to do so as easily as possible and practicable.

A print version of the national publication may also provide a means to distribute diocesan newspapers and other materials as inserts. Online formats will also provide opportunities to link, share and exchange diocesan information.

b) Governance

The General Synod is the publisher of the Anglican Journal and of all communications products on all platforms of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada. The General Synod exercises this role through the Council of General Synod and on the advice of the Communications Coordinating Committee and the Editorial Board.

The editor of the publication reports to the Executive Director of Communications. They seek and receive advice and input from the Communications Coordinating Committee and (with respect to journalistic content) the Editorial Board, and are expected to exercise their professional judgement in carrying out their duties.

c) Editorial Policy

The Anglican Journal (whether in print and/or digital formats) is a journalistic enterprise, and as such is expected to adhere to the highest standards of journalistic responsibility, accuracy, fairness, accountability and transparency. Its journalism is fact-based, fact-checked and in-depth, tackling important issues, asking and answering difficult questions.

The Anglican Journal is committed to representing the widest possible diversity of information and opinion across the Anglican Church of Canada. It promotes informed engagement by Anglicans in the life of their church, and nurtures healthy self-reflection, respectful dialogue and constructive debate.

A balance of views is measured and achieved over a reasonable time frame.

All stories are clearly identified as reportage, analysis or opinion.

The principle of right of reply is respected and encouraged, through letters to the editor, solicited guest columns, op-ed pieces, and other forms of moderated user-generated content.

Where an expression of opinion conflicts with official church policy, it will be accompanied by an explanation by an informed spokesperson of the official position of the church.

This Editorial Policy may be modified from time to time by the Council of General Synod on the advice of the Editorial Board

d) Editorial Board

There shall be an Editorial Board, whose responsibilities are:

  1. to provide advance input into the journalistic planning process; and
  2. to review journalistic performance in light of the mandate and editorial policy.

These responsibilities apply to all journalistic content, published in any medium, platform or format, by the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada.

Day-to-day editorial and journalistic decision-making remains the responsibility of editorial leadership and journalistic staff.

The Editorial Board is appointed by the Primate, Prolocutor and Deputy Prolocutor in consultation with the Communications Coordinating Committee. The Editorial Board shall consist of 4-5 members with at least one of its members being a member of the Communications Coordinating Committee and at least one a past or current diocesan editor. They are chosen for their expertise in both journalism and religious affairs, and are broadly representative of the church and the country as a whole.

The terms for members of the Editorial Board will be 3 years (renewable) provided that members may initially or subsequently be appointed for shorter terms to ensure that members are staggered for continuity. The Editorial Board provides regular (at least quarterly) input and feedback to editorial leadership, through conference calls and written reports. There is an annual face-to-face meeting.  The Editorial Board provides an annual report, through the Committee, to the Council of General Synod.

The Board will also convene to consider, in a timely manner, relevant journalistic matters referred to it by the Council of General Synod, the Committee, management or other interested parties.

The Communications Department of the General Synod provides logistical support to facilitate the Editorial Board in discharging its responsibilities.

MOTION

Moved by: Canon David Jones
Seconded by: Cynthia Haines-Turner
Adopted

THAT COUNCIL OF GENERAL SYNOD COMMEND THE FOLLOWING MOTION TO GENERAL SYNOD 2019:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT THIS GENERAL SYNOD CONFIRM

  1. The amalgamation by the Council of General Synod of the existing Communications and Information Resources Coordinating Committee and the existing Anglican Journal Coordinating Committee to form the new Communications Coordinating Committee,
  1. The terms of reference for the new Communications Coordinating Committee adopted by the Council of General Synod, and
  1. The provisions adopted by Council of General Synod with respect to the mandate, governance, editorial policy and editorial board for the Anglican Journal.

Governance Working Group (Housekeeping) 

Moved:  Canon David Jones
Seconded: Canon Dr. Randall Fairey
Adopted

Motion:

That the Council of General Synod adopt Part A – Part F, of Report #1 of The Governance Working Group (Housekeeping Matters), for use at General Synod 2019.

PART A: Nomination Form for Members of CoGS
PART B: Procedure for Nominations for Prolocutor and Deputy Prolocutor
PART C: Nomination Form for Standing or Coordinating Committees
PART D: Guidelines for the Resolutions Committee
PART E: Guidelines for Writing Resolutions
PART F: Procedure for No-Debate List 

Moved: Canon David Jones
Seconded: Canon Dr. Randall Fairey
Adopted

Motion:

That the Council of General Synod commend Part G – Part L of Report #1 of The Governance Working Group of (Housekeeping Matters), to General Synod 2019.

PART G: Motion to amend the Rules of Order and Procedure to permit the No-Debate List procedure
PART H: Motion to suspend the Rules of Order and Procedure to permit Abstentions at General Synod
PART I: Motion for Second Reading of GS 2016 Resolution A030-R1a
PART J: Motion for Second Reading of GS 2016 Resolution A052
PART K (revised): Motion to amend the Rules of Order and Procedure
PART L: Motion to give first reading to an amendment to the Declaration of Principles 

GENERAL SYNOD PENSION PLAN – CANON VIII

Moved by: Canon David Jones
Seconded by: Mrs. Shara Golden
Adopted

Be it resolved that The Council of General Synod approves the recommendation of the Pension Committee to make the following amendments to Sections 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 11 of Canon VIII, effective August 1, 2019.

MARRIAGE CANON WORKING GROUP – CANON XXI

Moved by: Canon David Jones
Seconded by: Canon Dr. Randall Fairey
Adopted

THAT COUNCIL OF GENERAL SYNOD COMMEND THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENT TO RESOLUTION A051-R2 TO GENERAL SYNOD 2019:

27-06–19-03

BE IT RESOLVED THAT RESOLUTION A051-R2 BE AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:

Renumber paragraphs 2, 3 and 4 as paragraphs 3, 4 and 5, and add as paragraph 2:

    1. Add the following at the end of the Preface to Canon XXI:

9. Faithful members of the Anglican Church of Canada have different understandings and teachings about the nature of marriage. Some accept that the essence of marriage is between a man and a woman; others accept same sex marriage. Members are entitled to hold, teach and exercise either view provided they recognize and respect that others may with integrity hold, teach and exercise a different view. All Anglicans accept that marriage is a sign of God’s redeeming purpose to unite all things in Christ. We are committed to graceful walking together in a spirit of generosity as part of the same Christian community.

10. General Synod recognizes that Indigenous communities have particular understandings about the nature of marriage as well as their own ways of making decisions—both of which are protected in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples—and will continue to discern whether same sex marriage would be acceptable in their communities. 

LAY RETIREMENT PLAN – Canon IX

Be it resolved that The Council of General Synod approves the recommendation of the Pension Committee to make the following amendments to Section 4 of Canon IX, effective August 1, 2019.

Moved by: Canon David Jones
Seconded by: Mrs. Shara Golden
Adopted

A new Section 4 is inserted as follows:

  1. The Lay Retirement Plan may be terminated by the Pension Committee if provision has been made for active members to commence participation in a successor pension plan.

Rationale: To allow for termination of the Lay Retirement Plan at a future date if a successor plan is put in place for the members.

DEPUTY-PROLOCUTOR ELECTION

  • The Ven. Canon Terry Leer, Diocese of Athabasca
  • The Very Rev. Peter Wall, Diocese of Niagara

GENERAL SYNOD PLANNING COMMITTEE

Draft Agenda Outline

Moved by: The Ven. Clara Plamondon
Seconded by: Bishop-Elect Lynne McNaughton
Adopted

Be it resolved that the Council of General Synod approve the draft agenda outline (021-05-19-03) for the forty-second session of the General Synod.

Authorization of Electronic Voting

Moved by: Canon David Phillip Jones
Seconded by: Mrs. Cynthia Haines-Turner
Adopted

Be it resolved that this Council of General Synod authorize electronic voting at all sessions of the forty-second session of the General Synod, at the discretion of the Chair, except for the election of a Primate, at which election voting shall be on paper ballots.

Approval of Seating Arrangements

Moved by: Ms. Susan Little
Seconded by: Bishop-Elect Lynne McNaughton
Adopted

Be it resolved that the forty-second session of the General Synod have two seating arrangements:  one, for Bible study and for learning sessions – which would allow and encourage Synod members from across the country, from coast to coast to coast, to meet at table groupings which include as much of the diversity of our church as possible – and another, open seating at which Synod members will be encouraged to sit where they wish.

FAITH, WORSHIP AND MINISTRY

Anglican United Church Dialogue Affirmations and Commitments

Moved by: LCdr the Rev. Beverley Kean-Newhook
Seconded by: Bishop-Elect Lynne McNaughton
Adopted

Be it resolved that this Council of General Synod commend the following motion to the General Synod 2019:

Be it resolved that this General Synod:

receive and affirm the Statement of Mutual Affirmations and Commitments produced by the Anglican Church of Canada-United Church of Canada Dialogue.

Interfaith: Seeking a Common Word  

Moved by: LCdr the Rev. Beverley Kean- Newhook
Seconded by: The Rt. Rev. Bruce Myers
Adopted

Be it resolved that this Council of General Synod commend the following motion to the General Synod 2019:

Be it resolved that this General Synod: 

1) express its gratitude for, and accepts the gift of, A Common Word Between Us and You, offered by Muslim leaders via the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought, Jordan;

2) that the Anglican Church of Canada join other signatories to A Common Word Between Us and You via the signature of our Primate; and

3) that the Anglican Church of Canada, under the direction of the Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee, and in partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, jointly support a program of ecumenical Christian-Muslim engagement in receptive communities across Canada, based on the model of the A Common Word initiative in its various local expressions.

Liturgical Texts: To approve for use: Alternative Collects for the Revised Common Lectionary

Moved by: LCdr the Rev. Beverley Kean-Newhook
Seconded by: Bishop-Elect Lynne McNaughton
Adopted

Be it resolved that this Council of General Synod commend the following motion to the General Synod 2019:

Be it resolved that this General Synod authorize for use Alternative Collects for the Revised Common Lectionary, where permitted by the Ordinary.

Liturgical Texts: Gathering Rites for the Paschal Seasons

Moved by: LCdr the Rev. Beverly Kean Newhook
Seconded by: Bishop-Elect Lynne McNaughton
Adopted

Be it resolved that this Council of General Synod commend the following motion to the General Synod 2019:

Be it resolved that this General Synod authorize for use Gathering Rites for Paschaltide for use where permitted by the Ordinary.

Liturgical Texts: Thanksgivings over the Water 

Moved by: LCdr the Rev. Beverly Kean Newhook
Seconded by: Bishop-Elect Lynne McNaughton
Adopted

Be it resolved that this Council of General Synod commend the following motion to the General Synod 2019:

Be it resolved that this General Synod authorize for use Thanksgivings over the Water where permitted by the Ordinary.

Rites for the Catechumenal Process  

Moved by: LCdr the Rev. Beverly Kean Newhook
Seconded by: Bishop-Elect Lynne McNaughton
Adopted

Be it resolved that this Council of General Synod approve for Trial Use, Evaluation, and Feedback, Rites for the Catechumenal Process where permitted by the Ordinary.

Liturgical Texts: Inclusive Language Liturgical Psalter

Moved by: LCdr the Rev. Beverly Kean-Newhook
Seconded by: Bishop-Elect Lynne McNaughton
Adopted

Be it resolved that this Council of General Synod commend for use the Inclusive Language Liturgical Psalter and the Inclusive Language Liturgical Psalter (pointed).

Litu

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.