Our 2026 program,”One of Us” is very dear to our hearts as it was first created exclusively by the CTM community to celebrate the milennium. It includes lovely handcrafted slides designed by talented Montreal artists, telling the story of Jesus’ birth and childhood as recounted in the Gospel of Luke.

Each day the campers will experience one of these five exciting stories: “Mary’s Surprise”, “Born in a Stable,” “Let’s go to Bethlehem”, “Taken to the Temple” and “Talking with the Teachers” The program unpacks the stories through songs and games, small groups and creative media, including liturgical dance – all geared to children of 4-12 years.

Program Options

Classic Day Camp
A locally-led program for churches & communities with five days of content, lasting 5 hours per day. Cost: 500$

The Extended Day Manual
Additional resources to extend content to 8 hours, per day.Cost: 50$

Backyard Day Camp
A program for smaller host communities unable to mount a full-day program. This version includes five two and a half hour-long sessions, with content from the 5 Daily Stories including slides, sing-along songs, small group materials, creative activities, games and daily challenges. Cost: $250

Visit the Day Camps section of the CTM website for further promo details. The fillable application form for 2026 may be accessed here.
If you have further questions, please feel free to contact our office at any time.

Valerie Taylor,
Day Camp Director
Mobile- 514-481-1414
office@crosstalkministries.ca

The post CTM Day Camps 2026 appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

The Primate thanked Bishop Mary for her ministry as Diocesan Bishop and for her presence in the House of Bishops. He reminded Bishop Victor-David that many people are praying for him and noted that he, personally, looks forward to serving together in episcopal ministry.

The Primate said the Diocese should be optimistic and realistic about the future. Guiding change and speaking the Gospel at a time when much of society is not interested in faith are central to the work of the Church. The Church is largely still living in post-war (WWII) culture and Bishop Victor-David will need to guide the Diocese through change as the the General Synod (GS) is also working hard on guiding change.

Following the passing of the Six Pathways Report at GS 2025, the National Church is standing on a platform of three pillars: Property, Staff and the Operations of Church House.
In order to manage the implementation of the Pathways we need to embellish existing structures. The Primate will form a new “Primate’s Council” with designated teams to guide the changes needed under the three pillars. He emphasized that every diocese needs to do this work.

At GS, the Sacred Circle presented the Primate with a Survivors Flag (representing the survivors of the Residential Schools). This flag should be in every church in Canada as a symbol of acknowledgement, respect and compassionate welcome to survivors of the Residential schools.

Bishop’s Charge

The Bishop presented her final Charge to Synod beginning; “This is my 11th Charge to Synod in 10 years!! My first was in October 2015, just after being consecrated bishop and my last is just hours before I retire and hand over the reins to Bishop Victor-David! Dear Bishop Victor-David, … We are so grateful that you said “yes” to the Holy Spirit!”

She went on to give reflections on her past addresses to Synod, in which she and members of the Diocese focused on various themes, including:

Partnerships and our partner bishops from Masasi and APCI (now The Territory of the People)
Truth and Reconciliation: Anglicans Respond
The Challenges of Evangelism
Racism; Listening, Naming, Reconciling

She said that the focus of the past year has been on electing her successor and ensuring the new Bishop has adequate time to prepare for the role. “It is clear to me that the Holy Spirit led our Synod in making the right decision and that the Diocese will be very well served by Bishop Victor-David Mbuyi. Our job is to now pray fervently for our new bishop and to support him.”
Bishop Mary then discussed the challenges that the Church at large continues to confront and praise the work of General Synod in creating a framework to meet those challenges. Our newly-elected Primate, Shane Parker will lead us in executing the Primate’s Commission’s Six Pathways for Change for which General Synod voted to allocate significant funds.
And, finally, she named and thanked those who provided guidance and support along the way. Among them, the Vicar General, Robert Camara, the Dean, Bertrand Olivier, the archdeacons, the Synod Staff and Mr David Eramian, who served as Diocesan Chancellor since 2003.
“I am so grateful to you all.”

The complete text of the Bishop’s Charge (in both languages) is available on the Diocesan website.

Presentations

Ecumenical Partners, Pastor Sarah Wicks-Potter, Director of Saint Martha’s Chapel, brought greetings from the Disciples of Christ and the Right Rev. Bruce Myers, Bishop of the Diocese of Québec spoke a few words.

Ms. Lee-Ann Matthews gave a video presentation on her work in Youth and Children’s Ministry as well as the Supper Club.

The Vicar General gave an update on the recently formed Safe Church Review Committee. The Bishop has appointed an ombudsperson, Ms. Judy Yankowski, whose contact information is available on the diocesan website. The Committee will be responsible for recommending changes to current safeguarding policies and practices.

Mr. Mark Gibson, Chair of the Stewardship of the Environment Committee (SEC) gave a presentation on the work of the SEC. He noted that a GS Synod 2025 motion, calling for all dioceses across Canada to attain net-zero emissions by 2035, was passed.He said that approximately half of our churches are now running primarily on electricity, working towards zero emissions by 2030. The SEC is working with the largest and oldest church buildings in our Diocese to assist in creating the best heating solutions.

The Rt. Rev. Clara Plamondon of the Territory of the People gave a short history about the dissolution of the Diocese of Cariboo due to the restitution offered to survivors as part of the Truth and Reconciliation process. She explained how they are gradually building new structures with inclusivity and respect for the Indigenous people who form a large portion their congregations. Bishop Clara also spoke about their Partnership with the Diocese of Montreal with whom she hopes there will continue to be opportunities to cooperate in ministry and friendship.

Finance Presentation

Mr. Tam began by thanking Episcopal Council, Diocesan Council, the Finance Committee, the Audit Committee, the Chancellor and his colleagues in the Synod Office, especially Ms. Jennifer James Phillips for keeping everything in order in the accounting office.
Mr. Tam gave a short overview of what will be shown on the Balance Sheet and Statement of Operations slides.

2024 Audited Statements

Highlights show that investment income was down, with an overall operating loss of 403K. Revenues were 1.9 million. Expenses were also up.
Net income was 1.146 million. The net assets increased to 13.9mill. due to the sale of 2 churches and unrealized gain on investments.
Trends indicate that total revenues have remained flat over the past 2 years, while loans receivable are down.
A motion to Approve the Statements was moved, voted upon and carried.

2025 Forecast

Mr. Tam noted that the 2025 forecast for Loss from Operations stands at 416K with a net loss of 526K.

2026 Budget

The Budget is very similar to 2025 with no overall increases expected, including 950K in assessments, increases in investment income and steady ground rent.
Revenues are budgeted at 2 million. Expenses are budgeted at 2.4 million. Largely due to “Cost of Living” increases, the budgeted overall loss is expected to be 585K, with the the loss from operations estimated at 495K.

Expenses totals are 2.497K, up from the 2025 forecast of 2,438K. 60% of the Budget is allocated for Ministry and Mission. One noted new expense is for a Strategic Plan Consultation.
When asked if there were any comments or questions, The Rev. Deacon Jessica Bickford said that she is really encouraged by the decision to pursue a Strategic Plan, noting it is a “time to dream”.

Mr. Mark Weatherley noted there is a long -term trend of annual spending of almost half a million over what we receive, thus using up investments. Mr. Tam responded agreed that, while unrealised gains do help to cover losses, it is not good to be showing huge deficits. He added that discussions are happening at the committee level and there is hope that the Strategic Plan will help us to reduce expenses.

Mr. Steven Atkinson, a former Diocesan Treasurer, commented that Manulife Private Wealth returns are about 3% whereas the plan the Cathedral is using has a return of 7%. Mr. Tam responded that in 2021 the Diocese switched Managers. Last year our return was 10.3% and that we look at long-term performance.

The Rev. Fresia Saborio said that she is also encouraged by the announcement of a Strategic Plan. She hopes that such a plan might include supporting parishes in financial management. Mr. Tam expressed his hope that this area of concern will be addressed.

The motion to Approve the 2026 Budget was moved, voted upon and carried.

Motion “F”

Moved by the Rev. Jean -Jacques Goulet and seconded by the Rev. Jean-Fils Chery that: The diocese seek to divest itself from any financial investments in Israel.

The seconder the Rev. Jean-Fils Chery noted that he is from Haiti, a country that continues to suffer due to political upheaval. The church needs to speak out for peace and for all who suffer, such as the Palestinians. We should not remain silent on these issues.

A number of members proposed texts for amendments. After further debate, the Rev. Deacon Geoffrey McClarney moved to call the question on a friendly amendment to the motion, which was voted upon and carried.

The Final text of the motion reads: That the diocese seek to divest itself from companies that consistently, knowingly, and directly enable or facilitate war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Members’ Forum

Canon Chris Barrigar expressed his concern regarding the Provincial Government’s intention to pass a law stopping all public prayer. He asked if the Diocese has the resources to do something about it.

The Bishop invited the Rt. Rev. Bruce Myers to respond. Bishop Bruce responded that Canon Barrigar has raised an excellent point. The current government insists there is consensus on this issue. The Anglican dioceses, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Quebec Assembly of Catholic Bishops are working on a statement. There are public hearings, but groups are rarely invited to present. Societal implications are much larger and will likely happen through the media. Perhaps we can set up a conversation, but we do not have much time.

Mr. Dion Lewis suggested that everyone has access to email. The Roman Catholic Church has sent a letter to all its parishes. We could email our MNAs, we can “move the needle” on this, but the window will be very short.

Acknowledgement of Chancellor

Bishop Mary expressed her personal gratitude for all the Chancellor has done during his tenure, and, on behalf of the diocese and presented him with the Bishop’s Award. The Chancellor received a standing ovation, as he stepped down from Office.

The Bishop then welcomed Me. James Woods for agreeing to serve as the new Chancellor.

Symbolic Passing of the Crozier

Bishop Mary symbolically passed to Bishop Victor-David the crozier, given to her by the Diocese of Masasi.

Coadjutor Bishop’s Address

Bishop Victor-David addressed Synod. He spoke about looking ahead with hope and dedication to the work ahead.

Bishop Victor-David shared some of his life journey, starting in the Congo, becoming a Roman Catholic Priest, seeing God’s plan at work. He spent 17 years as an RC priest, 10 years of which were spent here in Québec, in the Diocese of St. Jerome. In 2014, he joined the Anglican Church and married his wife, Brigitte.

Bishop Victor-David asked Synod to work together for the future as we share friendship and love with Jesus Christ at the center. Listening to the Bishops who were here today, we heard how the Church needs to work and plan together, not just the Clergy, but the whole Church.

In creating a new strategic plan, he recognized the need to review past plans to see what elements can be used as we go forward.

He named five pillars upon which the future plan will rest.

The first pillar will be Missionary Co- Responsibility.
The second is to be proud of our diversity and respect our differences.
The third pillar is to ensure safe church policies. The Coadjutor Bishop is committed to a robust review of current policies in order to foster a future culture of transparency.
The fourth pillar is financial responsibility with a Diocesan Advisory Board offering advice to parishes.
The final pillar is ministry for youth and by youth. He plans to form a Youth Council to share in this ministry.

Bishop Victor-David closed his address by thanking the outgoing Chancellor and welcoming Me. James Woods, who will take up this role. He also thanked the Synod Staff for working so hard in this time of transition and to the Vicar General, the Ven. Rober Camara, as he prepares to leave the Diocese. The Rev. Dr. Deborah Meister has been appointed as Executive Archdeacon.
Bishop Victor-David then thanked Bishop Mary for welcoming him into the Diocese, and for her wisdom. Lastly, Bishop Victor-David thanked his wife and children for their support and asked the Synod to pray for our Diocese and for him as he exercises his ministry.

Thanks and closing

Bishop Mary presented Ms. Janet Best with flowers, thanking her as she steps back from fulltime diocesan photography.
Bishop Mary thanked everyone who had participated in this Synod and the people who facilitated this gathering.
The worship team lead in a closing hymn and reading.
The Right Rev Victor-David Mbuyi Bipungu, Coadjutor Bishop, closed the 166th Synod of the Diocese of Montreal with an Episcopal Blessing.

The post The 166th Synod of the Diocese of Montreal, October 4, 2025 appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

Keynote Addresses

Bishop Shannon’s talks centered on the theme of racism. She gave an overview of her experience as the first Black woman bishop of Vermont; of learning about the troubled history of the church where she serves; of leading the diocese remotely while participating in a diocesan anti-racism action group during the pandemic. All of this while being the only black clergy member in a diocese located in one of the least racially-diverse states in the country.
She said; “Being other has become an essential practice of my continued growth. This vantage point gives me a particular gift of discernment and understanding of inclusion of all God’s people and our church’s commitment to this work.”
While here she said how she enjoyed the diversity in Montreal as compared to Vermont. ” I don’t have diversity in Vermont so I love to soak this in.”
She said,” I’m excruciatingly aware of how much work it takes to process what it means to be a black woman in this world. I can only do so much. I’m committed to reconciliation of myself with myself. And I invite others to do the same. “
She noted of her experience in Vermont “The church as an institution isn’t immune from the inertia and resistance that comes when we attempt to do what is necessary and faithful. We’ve had to face head-on the resistance of institutional and systemic racism. We’re coming through it as a stronger and more unified diocese.”
She commended the work that our diocese has done so far, but reminded us that it is not done.
‘This is work that will outlast those who are here. Its gonna keep going and going.”

For her complete keynote addresses, go to www.montreal.anglican.ca/synod.

World Cafe Discussions

At the World Café discussions, participants worked together as they sat at round tables, which enabled easy, open – and often lively – conversations.
The subjects of the discussions were Visions and Priorities and Anti-racism and Anti-bias in the parish; results of which were captured on post-it notes that were stuck to the windows of Fulford Hall.
The notes, which were later collected and collated, identified challenges including: financial concerns; broken models of clergy, property, and colonialism; lack of growth or failure to thrive; heavy workload for leadership in small congregations; navigating regional differences; and being seen as a linguistic and cultural minority by non-Anglicans and especially by francophones.
Delegates were rewarded for their hard work with a cocktail reception featuring tin-drum music, hors d’oeuvres and wine.

Business Session

On Saturday, June 8th, delegates assembled in Fulford Hall, Cathedral Place, for the Business Synod.

Bishop’s Charge

In her charge, Bishop Mary shared examples of growth and hope in several parishes while recognizing the current diocesan-wide challenge of strained resources; one that the national church is struggling with as well.
She encouraged us to look for guidance in our anxiety about the future of the diocese; “I firmly believe that we can trust the Holy Spirit to guide us in the next steps of our mission…I urge you to use wisdom and to call upon the Holy Spirit to guide us in our financial decisions and in the work that we support. Hold onto the title of the strategic commitments we affirmed at General Synod: A Changing Church. A Searching World. A Faithful God.”
For the complete charge go to www.montreal.anglican.ca/synod. Il est également disponible en français.

Keynote Speaker Conversation with Q&A

The Rev. Canon Dr. Neil Mancor facilitated a conversation and Q&A with Bishop Shannon. Canon Mancor opened the discussion by reviewing how Synod had dealt with issues around racism during this triennium.
Bishop Shannon noted that there is no defined “end” to the work surrounding anti-racism. Dismantling systemic racism is a lifelong work. It is vital to remain centered in prayer and scripture through the Daily Office or finding other ways to be fed spiritually.
She reminded us that we are lucky to be in such a racially diverse city – everyday exposure to different races offers many opportunities for meaningful exchange and engagement.
Bishop Shannon commented that, by our baptismal vows, we are empowered to change the world but this requires God’s help by God working in us and through us.
It is good to do practical things but that isn’t the whole work, we need to be taking change to the next step. We do this anti-racism work within the framework of our faith.
Canon Mancor thanked Bishop Shannon for all she has brought to this Synod and also thanked the Anti-Racism Task Force for their work throughout this triennium.

Presentation of the Partnerships Committee

The Rev. Deacon Maylanne Maybee gave a presentation from the Partnerships Committee where she said that the Diocese of Montreal has built trust in partnership with the Territory of the People, with the Diocese of Masasi and with other prayer partnerships, near and far.
The Rev. Canon Andy O’Donnell, outgoing Chair of the Partnerships Committee, then elaborated on the work of the committee and about the experiences he has had as Chair over the past eight years. He thanked members of the committee for their service. Moving forward, the Rev. Tyson Rosberg will be assuming the Chair.
Father Linus Buriani, who will soon return to Tanzania, also thanked the Partnerships Committee for their support. Bishop Mary thanked Father Linus and gave him a parting gift from the Diocese.

Discussion of Motion for Election of a Coadjutor Bishop

The motion for Synod to begin the process of electing a Coadjutor Bishop, in line with the procedures outlined in Canon 1 was voted upon and approved.
(To learn more about the process, see page 1.)

Finance Presentation & Questions

Ms. Laura Prince, Diocesan Treasurer, gave the Financial Presentation, starting with a review of the 2023 Audited Statements. BDO Dunwoody, the auditors did not find any inconsistencies in the 2023 statements. Highlights show that investment income was down, with an overall operating loss of 422K. After a brief discussion, the motion to receive the 2023 Audited statements was voted upon and carried.
The Budget for 2024 was set at a 334K operating loss; with revenues and investment income down we are now looking at an operating loss of 351K at year-end. There are expected to be some additional expenses for the Coadjutor Bishop.
Several members asked about the ethical holdings of our portfolio. It was confirmed that the portfolio is carbon neutral and does not included holdings connected with armaments, alcohol or tobacco.
When asked about the potential for investments with ties to current conflicts, Mr. Tony Layton responded that the Board of Trustees of the Fund has not broached these issues with Manu Life, and that the Board of Trustees would not divest of investments unless the diocese requested them to do so.
Canon James Pratt noted that the annual meeting of Anglican Balance Fund unit holders is taking place later this month. Parishes with investments could attend and share their concerns.
The Treasurer then presented the Budget for 2025. It is relatively the same as 2024 with no overall increases expected, with Revenues relatively the same as in the 2024 Budget.
Expenses are budgeted at 2.4 million, largely due to cost of living increases, the budgeted overall loss is 538K, and the loss from operations estimated at 428K.
Ms Prince gave a few reflections starting by stating that there is more than a little concern as to how to offset the deficit. Changes are needed but it will not be easy. The 2025 Budget is an investment for the future, and we need to determine priorities, as well as make additional cuts and choices for the future. The support of the Diocese will be helpful.
There followed a robust conversation about the current financial challenges the diocese faces along with suggestions for remedies, and the importance for supporting new and emerging ministry. These conversations will continue at the diocesan level among the Finance Committee and Diocesan council.
Canon James Pratt thanked Ms. Prince for her service as Treasurer and for her very clear presentation, highlighting the big difficulty of drawing down assets. Parishes are all facing this type of situation and we need to keep hope. We are still coming out of the COVID slump, but the statistics indicate attendance is up at the Parish level.
The motion to Approve the 2025 Budget was voted upon and carried. Bishop Mary thanked the Treasurer as she steps down from service after the past two years and presented her with flowers.
Hispanic Ministry Presentation

Bishop Mary invited the Rev. Fresia Saborio to give a presentation on the newly formed pilot project for Latino Ministry.
The Services take place on the 4th Saturday of each month at 10:30am at Christ Church Cathedral. The Rev. Deborah Noonan, the Rev. Jean-Fils Chery and the Rev. Emmanuel St. Hilaire are involved in planning.
People are able to hear the word of God in their own language and to hear what God is calling them to do within an Hispanic context.

Presentation by the Stewardship of the Environment Committee

Mr. Mark Gibson, Chair of the Stewardship of the Environment Committee (SEC), presented a summary of the progress made since Synod 2023 when the Motion was passed calling for almost zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Mr. Gibson shared the SEC’s initiatives, such as the inventory of church buildings identifying high polluters and churches that could save money by moving to more efficient systems. The committee has met with congregations and done an analysis of geothermal installations. Grants from Hydro Québec are available allowing for payback costs to be recouped in five years.
The SEC has built a relationship with the geothermal system provider Marmott Energies. Parishes should contact the SEC to arrange for a quote. A Certificate for zero emissions for buildings has also been created.
The full report, in the Convening Circular, gives further information.
A number of clergy shared their positive experiences changing to electric or geothermal heating.

Discussion of Motion “G”- Repairs to Bishop’s Court

Mr. Mark Gibson, seconder, spoke to the motion, which calls Synod to authorise up to 250K for major repairs to Bishop’s Court.
The most critical issue is the urgent need for radon gas remediation, secondly for the replacement of 40 year old leaking windows and doors, and thirdly for the installation of a geothermal heating system. These improvements will increase the value of the house, whether it is occupied by the next Bishop, or sold by the Diocese.
After a discussion that brought up possible cost-saving measures, the merits of having a home that allows extensive hospitality and the future value of the diocesan property, the motion was voted on and carried.

Election Results

Diocesan Council
The Rev. Deborah Noonan, The Rev. Canon Dr. Chris Barrigar, The Rev. Rodney Clark Ms. Kim Briand, Ms. Danica Meredith, Mr. Brock Hanly

General Synod
Mr. Dion Lewis, Ms. Penny Rankin, Ms. Danica Meredith. Youth: Ms. Victoria Amato The Ven. Victor David Mbuyi Bipungu, The Ven. Robert Camara, The Rev. Grace Burson

The Bishop thanked those who helped in facilitating this Conference Synod. The Electoral Synod will take place on May 3rd 2025 and the Diocesan Synod on October 4th 2025.

The post Synod 2024 appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

Lives are changed as campers and leaders come to know Jesus and experience God’s love.

For summer 2024 we are offering “Signposts” exploring passages from the Gospel of John. Each day the campers will experience one of these five exciting stories: “They Have no Wine,” “Your Son will Live,” “They Have Opened My Eyes!” “Lazarus Come Out!” and “I Have Seen the Lord!” Our program will unpack the stories through songs and games, small groups, crafts and liturgical dance all geared to children of 4-12 years.

Visit www.crosstalkministries.ca/wordpress/ for further details and to access the fillable application form

The post Crosstalk Ministries Day Camp 2024 appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

The Bishop’s Charge

In her charge, Bishop Mary acknowledged that the pandemic and its aftermath left a mark on our diocesan family, and that parishes have recovered – or are still recovering – at varying speeds. “Our diocese continues to evolve and change and that can be a bumpy road at times…. Yet, wherever there are disciples of Christ, followers of the Jesus way, there ought to be some kind of ministry taking place for the glory of God.

She continued to share what she – and her fellow bishops at last year’s Lambeth Conference – sees as the challenge to today’s church; “What is very clear is that we are no longer called to serve only those who are already Anglicans and from our particular tribes and languages!” She said “Too often the church has been content with nominal Christians, people who have not really engaged in learning and relearning how to follow Christ. The Lambeth Call on Discipleship notes that some Christian commitment is one mile wide and one inch deep!”

Bishop Mary continued, “This past year, the Anglican Church of Canada developed Five Transformational Aspirations as part of its strategic planning initiative and these will be presented at General Synod, which meets in Calgary at the end of this month. I commend them to you as spiritual practices as we seek to train our lives as Christ’s disciples. In all that we do, we can look at whether the following apply:

• Invites and deepens life in Christ
• Champions the dignity of every human being; works to dismantle racism and colonialism
• Embraces mutual interdependence with the Indigenous church (Sacred Circle)
• Nurtures right relationship among people of faith in local, national and global communities and networks
• Stewards and renews God’s creation: protects and sustains the earth; pursues justice for all

This year I want to invite everyone to join me in a year of spiritual renewal, of intentional discipleship, of deepening our commitment to Christ, and of discerning ways to reach out into God’s world in his love. I want to challenge everyone to take on one spiritual renewal activity in your parish – and invite me to attend!”

(For the complete charge, in both languages, go to www. montreal.anglican/synod.)

Synod Presentation- Racism- Listening, Naming: Reconciling

Bishop Ogé began with a video clip of two young children of different ethnicities embracing and then shared his experiences of racism and discrimination, from his early childhood in Haiti to the present day.

During his early years as a priest in this Diocese he experienced racism but was able – through talking with those who discriminated against him – to build positive relationships.
Bishop Ogé concluded with suggestions for parishes to fight racism:

• Teaching is the key; encourage children to enjoy differences
• invite people from your neighbourhood to suppers,
• encourage inter- racial groups,
• work with other churches,
• get local politicians to speak out against racism while keeping them accountable.

As individuals we cannot say racism doesn’t exist, we cannot ignore it, we need to be the light and salt in the world, we cannot let racism take over the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Canonical Changes on Racial Diversity

The proposed Canonical Changes come out of the work of the Anti-Racism Task Force. All amendments were ultimately voted on and accepted.

The first amendment is an update to the Canon on electing a bishop, adding changes to create a more diverse membership on the search committee.
A new subsection is to be added under “Nominations for Bishop” encouraging a wider range of diversity in nominations.

The next section included amendments to the Constitution. The first includes increasing the number of additional members of Synod as elected by Diocesan Council from five to seven and also work at increasing diversity among those selected to better reflect the composition of the Diocese.

The final amendment tasks the Nominating Committee to aim for a diversity of candidates for all Diocesan committees. The Rev. Deborah Meister suggested a friendly amendment, adding “economic status” to the list of criteria for diversity, which was accepted.

Fossil Fuel Motion

Mr. Mark Gibson, Chair of the Stewardship of the Environment Committee and Mr. Ross Hamilton, spoke to the motion, which encourages all Parishes to move away from fossil-fuel heating sources in all church buildings, in order to eventually reach a goal of zero GHGs by 2030. All Parishes, their parishioners and neighbours should also be actively encouraged to move towards making these changes.

The motion was voted upon and carried.

Finance Presentation

Ms. Laura Prince expressed gratitude to all those who had assisted her in her first year as Treasurer.
In introduction, Ms. Prince highlighted some of the many important functions and services provided by the Synod Office. She noted that the Diocese has various sources of income that support ministry.

Investment losses were down by 10%, with an overall operating loss of 350K. Revenues are gradually increasing although investment income is down but stable. Receivables in 2022 were at their highest in recent years. Market value of investments is down.

The forecast for 2023 was for a 323K loss. With revenues and investment income down we are now looking at a net loss of 408K at year-end.

The Treasurer presented the Budget for 2024. It is relatively the same as 2023 with no overall increases expected. Ground rent is fixed and does not increase from year to year. The loss from operations is estimated at 335K.

The budget was voted upon and approved.

Motion from the Floor on Multicultural Awareness/Anti-Bias Training

The Rev. Deborah Meister spoke to the motion to “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you”. The Anti-Racism Task Force wishes to equip Clergy and Lay Leaders by offering mandatory training in multicultural awareness and an anti-bias posture. The motion seeks to implement a course as a prerequisite for all those in leadership and open it to all members of the Dioceses. A refresher course would be required, every 3 years.

The Rev. James Pratt noted that grace will be employed in being flexible in allowing people time and opportunity to complete the training course.
The motion was voted upon and carried.

Q&A with Bishop Ogé Beauvoir- Facilitated by the Rev. Canon Dr. Neil Mancor

Canon Mancor opened the floor for questions from delegates, expressing that this had been a wonderful Synod with so much inclusion. He asked Bishop Ogé to elaborate more on his comments about the relationship between racism and discrimination.

Bishop Ogé answered that racism becomes concrete through the application of discrimination. They are one coin with two faces; discrimination is putting into practice racist thoughts.
Canon Mancor asked Bishop Ogé to expand a bit more on the interesting stories of his childhood.

Bishop Ogé shared about his leaving the countryside at age 5 and how his faith had helped him move forward. He was not distracted from his mission to do the work he was there to do, which, at that time, was to get a good education. He has followed these principles throughout his life.

The Rev. Graham Singh asked how the downtown deanery churches can reach out to serve the wider community and multicultural groups and how do they go about having bigger conversations?

Bishop Ogé answered that we need to take risks in doing mission, and change the way we do mission. The field is out there, it is open to us. What are we doing to make people feel welcome? It is challenging, we need to meet people where they are and offer unity not uniformity.

Ms. Danica Meredith asked Bishop Ogé to offer his wisdom as to how to do “hospice care” for what we are leaving behind as we take risks and move into new areas.
Bishop Ogé responded that we need to find help along the way and look to where we want to go. We can use the skills we have, once we know where to go with them, in making choices, taking risks and being missional.

The Rev. Steven Maki asked for guidance on allowing communities of faith to be more open. His Parish is using English prayer books and English songs. These are very beautiful but how can they offer worship that would be relevant to the African students who attend their church?

Bishop Ogé recommended the model being used at the Church of St. Mark and St. Peter (CMP) and the need to learn from one another. Bishop Ogé took a group from St. Paul’s Church to visit CMP to experience a different style of worship

Canon Mancor asked the Rev. Fresia Saborio to share how she responds to the multilingual needs of the church she pastors in Granby. She suggested finding out the needs of the African students, how they worship and what they want rather than working top down.

The Rev. Graham Singh spoke about the theory of “Missional Distance.” This theory looks at our church community in terms of concentric circles, with ‘us’ at the centre, and those least like us on the periphery, with gradations of similarity in between. We have to grapple with these tensions especially when encouraging people to look towards Ordination, otherwise we end up ordaining the same sorts of people.

Mr. Mark Gibson noted that we need to remember our mission to the people around us. He recommended a course from Kairos on this topic.

Bishop Ogé concluded with a final word- “when you leave your comfort zone be prepared to be challenged”.

Update from Anti-Racism Task Force

Mr. Dion Lewis and Mr. Edward Yankie, Co-Chairs of the Anti-Racism Task Force, gave an update on its work over the past year.

Mr. Lewis noted workshops and resources have been offered by the Task Force, they have brought motions to this Synod, they are collaborating with other groups in the Diocese, and with community organisations. A lot of work is being done.

Mr. Lewis encouraged Members to read the Anti-Racism Task Force report in the Convening Circular and, as individuals, to speak out against racism in our communities and work at promoting these principles.

Mr. Yankie said the proposed anti-bias training will be of great value to us in reaching our goals. We need to make reparations for past injustices and continue learning. He thanked those in leadership and many others for helping the Anti-Racism Task Force in its mission.

Synod 2024 will be a Conference Synod – June 6th, 7th & 8th.

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