Lisa, Nina and Reverend Liz were our representatives at Synod 2022. The following is a report from Lisa and Nina.
Lisa and I attended the 118th Session of the Synod of The Diocese of Rupert’s Land, on Friday evening October 14th at the St. John’s Cathedral and Saturday, October 15th at the Canad Inn, Polo Park. We were very fortunate to share a table with Rev.Liz and lay delegates, Norma and Anita from St. Chad’s. We were pleased to see that our Primate, Linda Nicholls was also in attendance.
The Bishop’s Charge given during the Opening Eucharist stressed a need for change, one from resting on our laurels, worrying about not being able to meet in the buildings that house the Church or become preoccupied with our own survival as a group. The world is changing around us, climate crises, black lives matter, the war in Ukraine to name only a few.
His question to us all was “What is the case for Christ that compels you to attend worship on Sunday.” The Bishop indicated Christ invites all of us to discipleship which he defined as the power of the Gospel working to show individuals they are loved, supported and makes sense of and brings resolve to the question of fairness, equality and safety for all people.
He concluded by saying he was committed to focusing primarily on discipleship and not maintenance of a Church that once was. He is committed to a life long learning for all disciples which he believes to be all members. He said now is the time to be an instrument of teaching, reconciliation, climate action, right relationships, remember the story we inherited and the commitment made to Christ’s life death and resurrection.
All four resolutions resulting from this charge were carried and basically asked that members commit themselves to remembering their commitment to God in this difficult and challenging time and seek to respond to the needs in our neighbourhoods, communities and wider world.
While the Synod Delegates, lay and Clergy appeared to be actively participating and concerned about looking forward to further our theology and ideals there were some troubling factors.
Apparently there were six (6) Parish closures during Covid and secondly, as part of the 200 page Convening Circular 100 pages were financial statements. All the resolutions put before Synod by the Finance Committee were carried with limited explanation or questions being asked in spite of the fact that by December 2022 the Diocese will be carrying a deficit of $210,931.00. There was no suggestions or recommendations put forward by the Finance Committee on how this might be rectified.
On page 176 there was a note that indicated that staff salaries were increased by 8.75% and Clergy stipends were also increased by 8.75% with housing increased by 7.3%. No questions were asked and no rationale was presented.
Nine other resolutions that had beens submitted were all carried with minor word revisions.
Five resolutions were submitted by the Dismantling Anti-Black Racism Committee asking for a series of actions to examine demographic diversity and make recommendations for policy changes if the results determined a need. This generated a great deal of discussion and it was ultimately concluded to remove Indigenous people as apparently they have a separate Indigenous Committee reviewing discriminating activities.
Another resolution was the acceptance of a letter from the Provincial Executive Council regarding the suggestion that we change the Provincial Name from Rupert’s Land to the Province of Northern Lights or Province of Aurora Borealis. This was not a resolution but Synod accepting the letter from the Committee.
Resolution C-6 was carried which asked each Parish to make a practice of appointing a parochial (Parish) sponsor for each baptized in addition to the godparents or sponsor named.
All resolutions and the names of those elected to Diocesan positions will be listed on the website.
If there are any questions for Lisa, Rev. Liz or myself we will do our best to answer them.