The 145th Synod of the Diocese of Ontario, “Forward! Together in the Spirit“ began on Friday, May 26, at Queen’s University Biosciences Complex with Morning Prayer led by Rev. Canon Bob Wright, during which Matthew 13:31-33 was proclaimed and we prayed for the gathering.
Following ‘housekeeping motions’, all of which are available in the circular, regarding Clerical and Lay Secretaries, acceptance of the agenda, courtesies of the house, approval of minutes, appointments to Diocesan Court, reports received and greetings to His Majesty, all of which carried, it was announced that the Green Group, as part of our participation in the Anglican Communion Forest Project, would be providing a seedling to each person attending.
Bishop Michael noted that The Rev. Canon Sister Constance Joanna Gefvert, SSJD would be our Synod Chaplain.
Bishop’s Charge
The Bishop framed his charge around Acts 1:6-8. After expressing his thanks for his time as our Bishop, he remarked that the Acts passage speaks of ‘in between’ times, during which we often ask ‘why?’
In his last teaching to the disciples Jesus had responded to their ‘why’ questions by providing them “with an entirely new context for them to consider, painting a powerful new image of the situation in which they find themselves.” Jesus instructed them to wait for the gift of the Spirit to begin their new mission. Bishop Michael indicated that our Synod theme links us back to that experience. “We who live in the great ’in between’ time of Jesus’ ascension and return are always seeking to discern our mission and purpose for the times in which we are placed. The ‘why’ questions of uncertainty are replaced with the ‘how’ questions that give shape to our mission. How are we called to serve? How do we order our common life to assist in fulfilling our mission? How can we best communicate the Good News of Jesus in word and action so that others may see the pearl of great price before them? How are we being called forward through the times in which we find ourselves?”
He remarked that this Synod had been planned around three words – situation, inspiration and celebration and referred back to his first Charge in 2012 in which he had charged us with three imperatives – fiscal, governance and missional, with the first two being shaped in service to the third, our priority. He reviewed some of the ways, sometimes involving difficult choices, in which we have made fiscal and governance decisions to enhance our ability to serve Christ’s mission. The Ministry Task Force was a key part of this process, especially in the creation of parish covenants. The Task Force focus on “breaking down silos” continues to be of vital importance.
Our diocesan Vision and Strategy, “Living Boldly into the World,” adopted in 2016 called us to “Mission Driven Stewardship,” “Investing in Ministry” and “Serving Communities,” further committing us to connections, ministry and mission beyond our congregations. Based on the good work that has flowed from these initiatives, it is his hope that we will move forward “from strength to strength,” so he highlighted some examples of how this has been happening.
Referring again to ‘situation, inspiration and celebration,’ Bishop Michael upheld them as a “wonderful chart and compass for our time together in synod.” He noted how we are having to adapt to times and situations that change more rapidly than we previously could have imagined, and how we need to discover or recover a sense of curiosity rather than suspicion as we engage the world, and “take a wrecking ball to the silos that too often keep us separated from one another,” striving for greater collaboration and cooperation as we engage in Christ’s mission.
Bishop Michael welcomed Bishop Susan Bell of the Diocese of Niagara, who, after our engagement in our ‘situation’ on Friday, on Saturday was invited to lead us through a process to inspire us in our mission. Working towards parish ‘Mission Action Plans’ will help us equip all lay people for their part in our mission, even as the wider church is working diligently towards the formation of clergy for this mission focussed church of the future.
While COVID-19 took much away from us, he expressed his delight that, on Sunday, we would celebrate our diocese’s 160th anniversary, with our Metropolitan Archbishop, Anne Germond, preaching.
He welcomed our Synod Observer, Bishop Michael Pryse of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Eastern Synod.
Bishop Michael announced the names of this year’s recipients of the Diocesan Medal of Merit, “eight faithful people who have made significant contributions to our life together, as well as supporting the mission and ministry of Christ through the conscientious offering of their time and skill,” being Sylvia Dopking, Doug Green, Michelle Hauser, Aveleigh Kyle, Haroldine Neil-Burchert, Mary Raddon, Paula Walker and Laurel Dempsey.
He also announced his appointment of Deacon Fran Langlois of St. Mary Magdalene’s Parish in Picton to the Canonry of St. Phoebe.
The Bishop expressed his deep appreciation for the staff of our Diocesan Centre.
He concluded by noting the joy he has experienced in coming to be among us in our parishes, saying that “the clergy and lay people of the parishes stand on the front line of the Churches’ presence in the world.”
He noted the ‘unique time’ in which our Diocese exists following the events after our recent episcopal election, and reiterated his commitment to remain with us through this process, and wrapped up by referencing the motto he has taken as our Bishop, from Frederick Buechner, that “your vocation is found where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need,” concluding by saying “may joy continually be at your side as you carry your vocation forward into the world where Christ beckons. The world is waiting.”
Following the Bishop’s Charge, parish groups returned to their table groups to discuss the following questions related to the Charge: How are we called to serve? How do we order our common life to assist in fulfilling our mission?
- How can we best communicate the Good News of Jesus in word and action so that others may see the Pearl of Great Price before them?
- How are we being called forward through the times in which we find ourselves?
- How would you answer the question the Bishop posed regarding the decisions we take regarding the fiscal and governance areas that order our life together in the Church and how those relate to our mission?
- What other models to support our mission would you propose?
- How will our fiscal and governance decisions enhance the mission of the Church of Jesus Christ?
Second Plenary Gathering
Gathering back in plenary, Bishop Michael welcomed Archbishop Francisco de Assis da Silva, who is with us during his sabbatical and who then extended greeting from his Diocese of South West Brazil, noting our historical relationship and similar ministries. Archbishop Francisco noted that our Synod is happening in a good liturgical time, because “liturgy teaches us about God’s economy” and we’re now in a time to wait, which will conclude this Sunday as we celebrate the Holy Spirit who comes to give us the joy of God after the time of darkness of Covid, which unfortunately did not change the world’s behaviour. He stated that we need to live joy, not “fear and hard faces,” except for hard faces against injustice and inequality. He urged us to stay together as those first disciples did, and join our fire with each other, not to destroy but purify. He concluded by offering his blessing.
Bishop Michael invited the Lay and Clerical Secretaries to declare quorum, thereby duly constituting synod. He then reviewed the nominations received for Members of Synod Council and Delegates to Provincial Synod, found in Section 6 of the Circular. He called for further nominations, and received:
For Synod Council
- Anne Striker, Holy Trinity Frankford, for Hastings (Lay)
- Susan Withers, St. Mary Magdalene Napanee, for Quinte (Lay)
For Delegates to Provincial Synod
- Rev. Canon Sharon Dunlop, St. James’ Kingston, (Clergy)
Financial Presentation
Diocesan Financial Office Alex Pierson made a presentation on our finances,
He noted the major changes since 2011, including sales of properties and reduction of our proportional gift to the National Church from 26% to 20%, and the impact of COVID-19 through the financial lens. Assistance from the Federal Government mitigated our reduced income somewhat as we received almost $1Million support. He spoke of the ongoing priority of seeking financial efficiency while Common Ministry and Mission from the parishes, the major source of income, has been ‘trending down.’
In 2023, income is down from 2022, while expenditures are ‘flat,’ leading to a projection of a $151,000 deficit.
He spoke to pie charts depicting areas of budget expenditure and where the dollars go.
Alex noted that we’ve had a big shift to more part time staff.
He indicated that the plan to fund the 2023 deficit includes use of the approximately $90,000 remaining in the ‘pandemic fund’ from government support, and $50K from the Ministry Allocation Fund, which grows as properties are sold. This would cover most of the deficit, which is projected to be around $151,000.
He noted that $40,000 of depreciation is included in expenses, and noting that payroll is often made before funds are received from parishes, highlighted that cash management is very important.
Alex acknowledged the excellent committee who manage our finances. The policy is available here.
Investment Funds declined in 2022 due to markets, but we have been able to maintain a return rate of approximately 5% over a number of years. Diocesan Funds at the end of 2022 totalled approximately $4.8M, including funds held for other parties, e.g. DOORS, and including other funds with external, e.g. per Wills, and internal, e.g per Canons, restrictions, leaving approximately $1.1M unrestricted.
He reminded Synod that parishes have responsibility for maintaining records and proper use of their funds.
Parish receivables are trending up since 2018 and loans are also up. To best manage these realities, congregations that may be struggling engage in a process towards financial viability plans, with five congregations having gone through review, resulting in two loans now in place totalling $97K, and three plans/loans completed (including forgiveness).
Alex reviewed the proposed three year financial framework, with a longer planning horizon for things that take longer to come to fruition. The planned process is to prepare a three year financial framework after consultation on goals, objectives and investments, with synod to approve the framework and synod council to approve the annual budget.
The planning process is to set goals and objectives, develop a financial framework and measure performance and progress. Based on feedback, the development of the three year financial framework is deferred until we have new episcopal direction. Based on consultations, Synod Council will develop and approve a budget for 2024.
He reviewed some of the input from the financial consultations which have taken place, especially regarding priorities.
Prior to lunch, all gathered in offering The Coventry Litany of Reconciliation, saying ‘Creator forgive.’ During lunch attendees had opportunity to visit the resources booths/displays for The Anglican Diocese of Ontario Foundation, PWRDF, Canterbury Club, Anglican Foundation of Canada, Green Group, Stewardship and Congregational Development, Broughtons, Lay Readers Association, Recruitment, Training & Development Committee, Reach & Stretch Grants, Sisters of St. John the Divine, Ministry in Corrections, College of Deacons and Rev. D.J. Robson.
Third Plenary Gathering
Executive Director Callie Hill, assisted by Karen Lewis spoke to Synod about the past, present and future of the Mohawk Language on Tyendinaga. The presentation included the location and brief history of Tyendinaga and other Mohawk communities, and the wider Iroquois Confederacy.
Callie shared some of the story of the Mohawk language, which was originally oral and is the birthright of the people and was the mother tongue until the early 20th century. Missionaries in the mid 19th century recommended that the people ‘lay aside’ their language and adopt English and much pressure was exerted to force them to do so, including through the 1920 amendment of the Indian Act establishing day schools and bringing government control of education with the aim of bringing ‘enfranchisement’ to get rid of the so-called ‘Indian problem.’
They shared testimonials from ‘I’ll Sing ‘til the Day I Die’ by Beth E. Brandt, which spoke of Elders being fluent in the language, and their decision not to speak it with the children for fear of them being punished.
Reclaiming the language is not easy, as it took decades and threats and breaking down families to lose it. It is still a critically endangered language. Of 53,000 Mohawk people in area, approximately 30,000 of whom are in the Territories, less than 1,000 speak the language, and they trace back to certain families who were determined not to lose it.
The good news is that now we have over 1,000 2nd language speakers at mid level proficiency or above, but there is a long struggle ahead.
Callie spoke of the many actions they have taken and are taking to enhance cultural teaching, including through social songs and dances. Their organization was formed with a mandate of revitalizing Mohawk language, culture and traditional teachings, and they are seeing signs of hope. The hope is to soon build a facility to provide space for school programs, a teaching kitchen, art studio, gathering area and replica longhouse, with a goal of hearing the language everywhere.
Callie invited us to explore their website as she spoke of her determination to continue to learn and pass on her birthright language.
Bishop Michael thanked Callie and Karen for what they are doing and presented a gift of thanksgiving.
Financial, continued
Moved: that Synod approves the Guidance for Synod Council to work within as part of the 2024 Planning Process/Budgeting process.
Following discussion, including concerns, the motion was carried.
Other Motions
Moved: That as trees are removed from church properties across the diocese that synod expects congregations or parishes to plant at least one new tree to replace it. Carried.
Moved: That the Diocese assist congregations with the costs of the greenhouse gas reductions called for in the above resolution (from Synod 2021-to reduce their carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 over 2018 levels and to report annually to Synod on progress being made.) Carried.
Moved: that the Diocese of Ontario recognizes and affirms that access to clean, drinkable water is a basic human right; and that the Diocese of Ontario opposes privatization in any form of water and wastewater treatment facilities and services; and that the Diocese of Ontario will ban the availability of single use bottled water at all events where feasible, and will provide water jugs with municipal water instead. By declaring the three steps cited above, the Diocese of Ontario will become a Blue Community, which will include all the churches in the Diocese of Ontario.
Following discussion, including a proposed amendment to direct the diocesan investment committee to pursue divesting from investments in companies that promote the commodification of water, which amendment was tabled and directed to Synod Council, the original motion was carried.
Election Results
The following are acclaimed or elected with deep appreciation expressed by Bishop Michael.
Synod Council:
Leeds Grenville: Mary Haigh and Angela Kelman.Frontenac: Susan Orgill, with the additional appointment by Bishop Michael of Michael Anthony [Tony] Ashworth.
Quinte: Cathy Seymour.
Hastings: Ann Striker, Rev. Brad Beale and Rev, Jeff O’Hare.
Provincial Synod:
Lay-Philip Bury, Jane Kirkpatrich, Audrey Doliszny and Lesley Monette.
Clergy-Rev. Canon Nancy Beale, Venerable William (Bill) Clarke, Very Rev. Douglas Michael and Rev. Lynn Mitchell.
Alternates–Rev. Canon Sharon Dunlop and Rev. Jeff.O’Hare.
Resolutions, continued
Moved that this Synod resolves to pledge, by way of contributions and solicited donations, at least $30,000 towards the refurbishment of the guest house of SSJD, to support their ongoing ministry, and for the support of the future life of the Anglican communion in Canada.
Many spoke in support of the vital role of the Guest House, and Sr. Connie, with courtesies of the house, offered closing remarks. Carried.
Response to Bishop’s Charge
Russ Grant presented the response, having worked with Joyce Williams and Pauline Kuhlmann to collate the responses from the table groups.
People were inspired-it painted a picture of the future and made clear the need for change. It is a testament to what we’ve accomplished and a challenge about what we need to do.
In summary, we know what we need to do and some of it won’t be easy. We recognize the shifts in the world around us and need to build and restore trust through actions, not words. We need to remember the leadership role of all gathered at Synod and carry that back to our parishes. Bishop Michael was thanked for his leadership, passion and perspective.
Synod Observer
This is Bishop Michael Pryse’s third time as our Observer.
Some of the images he takes away: Acts 1 as framing the Charge-in between time living; questions are shifting from why to how; situation-inspiration-celebration with leaning into inspiration; wrecking ball to silos; deeply moving presentation about Mohawk language-the invitation to them and their presence shows desire to seek partnership and their generational experience might teach us about connection with younger generations re faith; full communion appreciated; joyfulness in being together here even in difficult time for our diocese; Archbishop Anne’s care; reference in the Charge to the Salt & Light candle as an image of what we hope to be—salt 90% of the time is in solution (i.e. in the world), light is 95% exterior. We need to claim that balance as being as it should be and dedicating time on Saturday to being missional speaks well to this.
Metropolitan’s Remarks
Archbishop Anne Germond brought greetings on behalf of the Province and spoke of the relationship that has been built between our diocese and her Diocese of Algoma.
She spoke of Bishop Michael’s role as a senior bishop and mentor in the Provincial House of Bishop’s and the House’s close and caring relationship, including prayer for each other. She assured us that we were held in prayer during this difficult time in our diocese, referring to the good way in which the church has a process for investigation, and asking for our patience in the process, and our prayers for the process and for the House of Bishops.
Evening Prayer was led by Rev. Sandra Hounsell-Drover, during which Ephesians 1:15-23 was proclaimed and current and new members of Synod Council were commissioned.
Bishop Michael introduced Bishop Susan Bell who reflected on what she had heard during the first day, applauding our desire to put our energy into a future seen through the lense of mission, so we should anticipate a full Saturday, the success of which depends upon our engagement with the process.
Bishop Susan led the gathering in learning the theme song for her upcoming work with us, ‘Your Labour Is Not In Vain’ by Wendell Kimbrough, Paul Zach and Isaac Wardell.
On Saturday of Synod Bishop Michael welcomed Bishop Susan Bell, who led the gathering in Morning Prayer.
She began with an overview of the day ahead. While Canon Missioner in the Diocese of Toronto she sensed something happening. Her work is rooted in mission being founded in renewal of faith. In her episcopacy she has listened to that process of growth. The Diocese of Niagara began to organize around the sense of longing and to try collaborative gatherings toward what would become a diocesan mission action plan. Firstly, to create a practical, living document for an organic process. Secondly, to identify one part of God’s mission the diocese was particularly meant to engage. Thirdly, to created a 3-5 year action plan to move into that. The priorities ended up being about creating opportunities, adapting structures to facilitate, and emphasizing social justice. COVID-19 became an opportunity to focus on what could be done and have forward motion in a time that could have been static. Parishes were excited to have mission action plans, so assistance was put in place for that. She noted that ‘parishes’ clearly means all of the geographical area, not just those who enter the walls.
The entire process is being gifted to our Diocese and will be available on our website.
The work that Synod members undertook in their parish groups on Saturday was an overview of what is intended to be at least an eight-week process primarily led by a lay leadership team in the parishes.
In the first of a series of parish group working times members addressed Adult Faith Formation in the parish as it currently exists and discussed how spiritual practices and discipleship could be strengthened, following which groups shared their highlights.
Bishop Susan reminded us that “mission is not about the growth of the church—that’s a by-product. It’s about sharing the Gospel,” and noted that this first ‘meeting’ is about the renewal in the parish that needs to be in place to set the stage for that reaching out in mission to the community. She recommended resources such as the new Alpha program, Revive, and the Christian Foundations program. Groups shared highlights from their conversations.
The second ‘meeting’ focussed on Reshaping Parish Culture to enable mission, beginning by describing the current parish context, not to criticize but to be clear about where we are.
Bishop Susan reminded us of the anxiety that change can produce and asked us to focus on what’s most critical in terms of things we need to add to or change about our current practices to enable engagement with God’s mission. She also emphasized the need to go out where the people are, not expect them to come to us.
Once again, groups shared from their discussions.
During lunch, Bishop Michael thanked Bishop Michael Pryse for his presence and input and made a presentation to him.
Reach and Stretch Grants
Following lunch a presentation was made, noting that nine grants have been approved, totalling approximately $45,000, with most focussing on food security and Truth and Reconciliation.
Video presentations sharing the fruit of two grants were made: St. Paul’s Cardinal Angel Tree Project, a grass roots response to assisting children and families at Christmas, which took the congregation’s ministry out to the public and which they hope, through the grant, will be sustainable. St. Mary Magdalene Napanee Harmony Lounge & Music Club, a project responding to the need of children and youth through creating a safe and comfortable space for music and fellowship.
Members were asked to consider: What is the burning bush in your communities that you have ways to serve?
Thanks were offered to the Diocese of Toronto, especially Elizabeth McCaffrey, for sharing this program with us.
Ministry and Mission, continued
The third ‘meeting’ focussed on Fullness of Life in the Neighbourhood. Members were invited to discuss community engagement strengths and opportunities, where God might be calling us into community relationships and what practices we need for that.
Bishop Susan noted that this segment forms the basis for our community visioning and that we should keep Mark 12:29-31 (‘The Great Commandment’) before us as we engage this part of the process and be mindful that this is NOT about liturgy. Liturgy is the food for the Body of Christ to go out in this mission!
Following sharing from the groups, Bishop Susan said that this is all about turning our hearts ‘out’ – that God’s heart is already there and that sometimes we need to catch up.
Being missional starts with relationship and listening is so important and “nothing less than a whole life of discipleship cuts it.”
The small groups did not engage the fourth ‘meeting’ per the Niagara mission planning resource, but Bishop Susan indicated that this is where mission action planning comes to fruition. Bishop Susan invited us to keep Isaiah 43:18-19 in mind as we spent time discussion what Adult Faith Formation ideas excited us and what we felt would most impact our parishes.
Following the group sharing, Bishop Susan noted the importance of this process fitting our particular context.
This process has generated much positive energy in the Diocese of Niagara, energy important to the flourishing of the parishes and the diocese as a whole.
The outcomes are only limited by the imagination of parish and are fuelled by their trust in the Holy Spirit.
She concluded by reflecting on the experience by transition to introspection through Ignatian Examen, prompting us to ask ‘God, what do you want to say to me?’ and asking us to slow down and think about both the ‘consolations’ and ‘desolations’ this discussion has raised in us. We concluded this time by once again singing the theme song Bishop Susan had introduced.
Bishop Michael expressed his joy at the energy of the conversations that have taken place and thanked Bishop Susan for being a gift to the wider church and especially to us today.
Conclusion
Archbishop Anne shared reflections on the day. She echoed her thanks to Bishop Susan. She had listened during the day and shared her comments in anticipation of our celebration of Pentecost on Sunday.
She gave thanks for sharing, vulnerability and listening. Thinking about the gifts of the Spirit St. Paul lists, she heard us speak about many gifts we share, all essential and marked by individual joy and community need. She heard much joy today. Gifts we have are not proof of faith, are not earned, but are the result of grace. Each of us is given gifts that are so distinct, for our own enjoyment and the common good. The world wants us to be consumers and sometimes it’s easier to wear our spirituality like clothes rather than letting our hearts and minds be transformed. The hard work today is that transformation at work in us. We don’t need flames or the gift of tongues to know the Holy Spirit is among us, through our gifts and in our relationships.
Using Bishop Susan’s image of a map, she said a large map lets us see the big picture. Phone maps only show a tiny bit of the route. We’ve been given a glimpse of the big picture in parish and diocesan levels. The theme of walking together has given us a way to do that. There’s been so much peer to peer learning and evidence of being energized.
There has been learning of a new language—‘missional’ not just sending money, but needing to learn more about ‘culture,’ the difference between ‘going to church’ and ‘being the church’, engaging with others. So much God language has been woven through. For some, our task has been out of the comfort zone, so she thanked us for sticking with it. Words on papers when we arrived have become, through conversations, a living thing to take back with us.
What we take home and plant in love will bear fruit, so we should trust the process and the disruptive power of the Holy Spirit. The first Pentecost was a movement from fear to faith, from despair to hope, from inwardly focussed to ready to be sent out, a change we too are called to. She shared the story of Lewis and Clark having to reframe their entire mission when they encountered unexpected mountains, as we’ve had an unexpected obstacle of COVID-19. They changed their equipment, asked for help and went on through uncharted territory, as we are called to do, and through our work today and the implementation of that in our parishes we’ve been given a ‘new map’ for this.
Bishop Anne concluded with four vital lessons:
- the world in front is nothing like the world behind;
- no one will follow us ‘off the map’ unless they trust us ‘on the map’;
- in uncharted territory, adaptation is everything and everyone is changed;
- believe in God who promises that we are not alone.
Bishop Michael thanked those gathered for their attentiveness and reminded us that Community Engagement Co-ordinator Russ Grant awaits our invitations to help us engage.
He thanked all who provided displays, reminded those gathered that the PWRDF co-ordinator, his wife Sophie Kiwala, welcomes invitations to parishes, and thanked Queen’s staff for their hospitality.
He presented a gift of thanks to Sr. Connie for her pastoral presence.
Following Bishop Michael giving Episcopal Assent to the proceedings a motion to adjourn was carried.
Stewardship Reflections with the Ven. Wayne Varley