On Friday, June 18th and Saturday, June 19th, the Synod of the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada was held on ZOOM. Delegates from the seven eastern dioceses, Montreal, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia/PEI, and three dioceses of Newfoundland attended meetings chaired by Archbishop David Edwards and Prolocutor, Trevor Lightfoot. The two days included worship, presentations and small group discussions.
In Archbishop Edwards Primatial address he expanded on the Synod theme, “Rejoicing in Hope”, asking if parishes exist for self-preservation or for the impact of their local community for good. He noted that the numbers of religiously unaffiliated are rising, and asked if we, as the church, are ready to play our role.
Bishop Mark MacDonald was welcomed with gratitude as he spoke about the recent discoveries of unmarked graves of children who had attended residential schools. He stressed the need for repentance and the urgent need to build relationships with Indigenous communities.
Primate Linda Nicholls spoke about a new vocabulary arising from worship during the pandemic. A key word is “pivot” as we are called to rediscover Morning and Evening Prayer and to discuss the future of the Holy Communion. Our Primate also called us to the work of dismantling racism.
General Secretary Alan Perry outlined projects of the Council of General Synod, including the dismantling of human trafficking, support for a developing indigenous church and the attack on climate change. General Synod 2022 in Calgary, Alberta will focus on the theme, “Let There Be Greening”.
As Sue Winn stepped down as executive lay secretary following three years of service, Dion Lewis was elected as Deputy Prolocutor (2021-2024), and The Rev. Andy O’Donnell and Eden Mancor were elected to the new Provincial Council. These individuals will provide leadership in the changing roles of the Provinces as strategic planning continues through this next triennium.
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