The church has a new strategic plan. Vision 2019, which “invites the Holy Spirit to shape the life of [the] church more and more deeply in paths of discipleship and mission”, was approved during the morning session of General Synod 2010 on June 9.
Dream the Church, Vision 2019 — A Plan for the Anglican Church in Canada, the full title of the strategic, “is more than simply a vision for the work of General Synod.” Based on the Five Marks of Mission, which are used widely around the Anglican Communion, the strategy challenges Canadian Anglicans to embrace the call to mission that is at the heart of Christian discipleship.
Vision 2019 sets out seven priorities including: develop leadership education for mission, evangelism and ministry; support ministry through the Council of the North; walk with Indigenous peoples on a journey of healing and wholeness; work toward peace and justice; engage young people in mutual growth for mission; enliven worship; and be leaders in the Anglican Communion and in ecumenical actions.
The seven priorities will be expressed through renewing church structures, improving communication and statistical information, promoting Christian stewardship principles, gathering financial resources, and seeking to build bridges of understanding across the diversity of the church.
Resolution A114 states that General Synod 2010: Receive the report of the Vision 2019 Task Force – Dream the Church 2019 — and direct that the Officers of General Synod and the Council of General Synod be guided by the priorities and practices laid out in pages 13 to 21 in their planning, program, and any organizational restructuring that may be undertaken.
Archbishop Fred Hiltz thanked members of the six-member task force for their work on Vision 2019 over the last three years. “I am deeply grateful for how you have consulted across the church,” he said in reference to how the task force engaged the participation of Canadian Anglicans throughout the process, “and I am grateful for this new work for the church.”
Over 350 delegates and special guests have come from coast to coast to coast across Canada for this nine-day event, which takes place each triennium. Further details and highlights are available online at www.anglican.ca.