Following the opening prayer and initial agenda items including Safety Announcements, Privileges of the Floor, Nominations, etc. members of Synod were treated to an Address by the recently-elected Primate, the Most Rev. Shane Parker.
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.
