Walking Together: Voices from General Synod 2025

General Synod 2025 brought together voices from across the Anglican Church of Canada to reflect on faith, leadership, and the future of our church. Dialogue recently sat down with a few of our General Synod delegates who shared their most meaningful moments, insights on change, and personal experiences of grace. Their reflections offer a glimpse into the spirit of unity and transformation that continues to shape the Anglican Church of Canada.

This article captures highlights from those conversations, organized by question and featuring extended quotes from The Very Rev. Doug Michael, Jane Kirkpatrick, Aveleigh Kyle, The Ven. Bram Pearce, and The Rev. Canon Michael Read.

What was the most meaningful moment for you at General Synod 2025?

Doug Michael:

Synods are generally exciting for me. I’m a big believer in the Anglican way of governance—bringing people together to discern where the Spirit is leading us. What stood out this time was the election. It didn’t go as expected, but there was a moment when things shifted, and a new name emerged. Something crystallized for people, and it felt like the Spirit was clearly guiding us. The next vote was just one short, and then the following vote showed clear consensus. That’s meaningful—it shows the Spirit working through us and our willingness to listen.

Jane Kirkpatrick:

Besides the election, which was fascinating, I found the mixed groups incredibly rewarding. Every table had youth, bishops, clergy, laity, and often Indigenous voices. We did Bible study together and had open discussions. The perspectives—from Newfoundland to the Arctic—were eye-opening. Chancellor Claire Burns was also a standout. She knows her canons inside out and wasn’t afraid to keep things on track. It’s amazing how much you learn just chatting before sessions start.

Aveleigh Kyle:

I didn’t know what to expect, but the youth were absolutely amazing. The way Shane Parker’s name came forward—from Doug’s daughter and her group—was a proud moment. I kept hearing there’d be heated discussions, but I never saw animosity. Everyone was generous and respectful. That really surprised me and made the whole experience feel sacred.

Bram Pearce:

The primatial election was the most meaningful part for me. Coming from a different denomination, I was fascinated by how leadership is chosen. We started with four candidates and ended up requesting a fifth—who became the Primate. It was dramatic and moving. Seeing all three Houses—Bishops, Clergy, Laity—come together around Shane Parker was powerful. It was a moment of real unity.

Michael Read:

For me, it was the installation service for the new Primate. It was a deeply precious moment, especially with Indigenous Archbishop Chris offering the smudging and blessing. The music was phenomenal, and the worship space—gathered in the round around the cathedral’s labyrinth—made it feel sacred. Lisa Brant-Francis opened with an exhortation recognizing creation and our connectedness. It was the last day, and you left floating on cloud nine, filled with energy, spirit, and community. It reminded me that we’re part of a much bigger family, something we easily forget in our day-to-day ministry.

What stood out to you about the six pathways to change recommended by the Primatial Commission?

Jane Kirkpatrick:

I’m most interested in governance—how we move forward, especially with the primate’s role. Are we going back to the model where the primate is also a diocesan bishop? There’s risk, and we voted positively for risk. That’s not easy. Some won’t want to upset the status quo, but there’s a real recognition that change is needed. A lot of work went into developing these pathways, and I’m eager to see them unfold.

Doug Michael:

The governance and financial issues are deeply connected. Just before Synod, a financial issue came to light. Once investigations are complete, we’ll need to ask how we got here and how to prevent it in the future. That touches everything—from primacy structure to ministry in the North. It’s all interconnected. The big question is: can we imagine a different way of operating?

Aveleigh Kyle:

We need to deal with what happened a month ago first. Governance depends on cash flow and commitments like leases. But Indigenous ministries were well represented, and sitting with people from the Arctic at the closing was powerful. Talking to them about what their Sunday mornings look like compared to mine was a real eye-opener.

Bram Pearce:

I have concerns, and I think that’s why the pathways were created. The national church reflects what’s happening across Canada. Changing demographics will have real consequences. I’m glad we’re taking that seriously, even if I’m unsure where these pathways will lead. It’s important that we’re asking the right questions.

Michael Read:

It felt like the process behind the six pathways was unclear and centralized. Unlike past changes, there wasn’t broad dialogue with the wider church. It seemed like restructuring decisions were made at the national level without enough input. The controversy around the lease renegotiation and funding for the Council of the North added tension. I didn’t feel we accomplished much in that conversation. It’s like having a new compass without knowing how to use it. If we wait three years to act, much of what’s in the document may be outdated. It felt like it was dropped on us without clear leadership or inclusion.

How do you see the decisions made at General Synod impacting our diocese in the next few years?

Doug Michael:

There’s a renewed sense of community. The decisions around restructuring, relationships with the North, and Sacred Circle help us reframe local challenges in the context of a greater family. We often focus on our immediate area, but our future depends on being more connected. These decisions will filter down, and we’ll start asking national-level questions locally—how do our resources support each other? How do we gather with diversity and openness?

Jane Kirkpatrick:

It all comes down to relationship. The Anglican Church of Canada leads in building relationships with First Nations and Inuit communities. That leadership is vital. We also saw strong ecumenical partnerships—with the Lutheran and United Churches. These relationships provide a roadmap for local partnerships. I left Synod feeling extremely positive about our leadership and direction.

Aveleigh Kyle:

It made me want to pursue something Doug and I talked about a year ago—building relationships with First Nations people who come here for hospitalization or stay locally. The community I saw at Synod could be part of our cathedral’s outreach.

Bram Pearce:

Financial decisions will affect us—how we support the national church, for example. But we’re already ahead of the curve in supporting the Church of the North. Bishop Cliff has shown concern for northern churches, and we’re helping in tangible ways. It’s great that the national church is catching up to what we’ve started.

Michael Read:

The national church’s financial challenges could have ripple effects, especially if decisions are being made by staff about their own structure. But what really stood out to me were three things. First, the work around migrant and transitory workers—especially in agriculture and healthcare—was eye-opening. It made me think about how we can support these workers locally. Second, the presentation by the Taskforce on Ability and Inclusion led by Jodey Porter a blind woman from Niagara was powerful. Inclusion isn’t just about accessibility—it’s about attitude, language, and truly welcoming everyone. Third, we need to go deeper into Indigenous truth and reconciliation. We dabble, but we need to immerse ourselves. Hosting speakers, marking Indigenous Sunday meaningfully—these are ways we can move beyond surface-level gestures.

Were there any personal moments of grace, laughter, or connection that stood out to you?

Aveleigh Kyle:

Bishop Currie was a huge highlight. The service went on for hours, but I could have listened to him all night. He has the Spirit flowing through him and doesn’t read from anything. I came home in such a good space—I’d go back next week just to feel that again.

Jane Kirkpatrick:

Reconnecting with friends from Huron was special. Kyle, a boy I mentored years ago, drove from Stratford to London just to spend ten minutes with me. That meant a lot. I also spent time with my friend Stephanie, a Deacon at Saint James. It was a beautiful reunion.

Doug Michael:

I know people in every diocese across the province, and reconnecting with them was wonderful. Hearing different perspectives from people who care about the same things was inspiring. And worshipping together—200-plus voices singing simple hymns—was powerful. It was pure joy.

Bram Pearce:

This Synod felt more positive and forward-looking than the last. Canon Scott Sharman spoke about synodality—walking together—and used the road to Emmaus as an example. I really felt that spirit. Even when decisions were hard, there was no anger—just a desire to find common ground. I came back excited about the church and my faith.

Michael Read:

Meeting people was one of the best parts of Synod. I made connections with folks I’d never met before and now stay in touch with regularly. One moment that really struck me was sitting beside someone from the Yukon whose parents I knew from my time in Bancroft. It reminded me how small and connected our church really is. But the most heartfelt moment was seeing my godmother—whom I hadn’t seen in 15 or 20 years. She came as an observer, and we had dinner together several times. Reconnecting with her was pure gift and completely unexpected.