Popular Report

163rd Synod of the Diocese of Huron, May 2007

Note to Synod Delegates: The following report is a summary of the proceedings of Synod 2007. It is intended to provide a brief overview of Synod's highlights. You are encouraged to use it in preparing an informative report for the people of your parish. For a complete list of motions please see Section 3 of your Convening Circular. For background to motions please consult Section 2 and relevant materials distributed at Synod.

“Jesus Christ our Light and Life” was the theme of the 163rd Synod of the Diocese of Huron, gathering on Pentecost Sunday, the 27th of May to Tuesday, May 29th, during the Sesquicentennial year of the Diocese.

The Synod service, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in London was a raucous and joyfilled event. The air was electric and, true to form, was also extremely warm as the clergy, delegates, postulants and observers filled the Cathedral. Bishop Bruce Howe introduced Cliff Kearns, the artist commissioned to create the painting “We Have an Election.” This painting, which depicts the election of Huron’s first Bishop, Benjamin Cronyn, was unveiled by Canon Christopher Pratt, Madame Justice Mary Marshman, Mrs. Jane Howe and The Rev’d Nick Wells.

Bishop Bruce presented his charge to synod with enthusiasm and vitality. His charge was informative, speaking of the history of the Diocese, the significance of the beaver as a symbol, and the importance of anniversaries in both “celebrating the past and look[ing] ahead to the future.” The Bishop thanked Canon Christopher Pratt and Madame Justice Mary Marshman, cochairs of the Sesquicentennial committee for their hard work and dedication.

The Bishop’s Charge also welcomed Bishop Ed Leidel from Eastern Michigan. Bishop Ed will be working with our Huron family in the development of small congregations. The Bishop also welcomed The Rev’d Eleanor Caruana as the new Gift Planning, Stewardship and Synod Consultant for the Diocese.

Bishop Bruce spoke of the five wounds of Jesus which marked him as the risen Lord as well as the five marks of mission that must become our goals and our work in a new Huron for God’s world.
- To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom of God
- To teach, baptize and nurture new believers
- To respond to human need by loving service
- To seek to transform the unjust structures of society
- To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of
the earth

The Order of Huron was awarded to four very deserving recipients:

Mr. Stephen Guiler: retiring Solicitor of the Diocese of Huron
Mrs. Jane Moffat: Director of Social Services at the Daily Bread Food Bank, St. Paul’s Cathedral
Mr. Scott Saunders: Chair of 53rd Weekend
Ms. Elizabeth Walton: Chair of the Diocesan Refugee Committee.

Bishop Bruce Howe announced the Appointment of four clergy to the Cathedral Chapter of Canons:

The Rev’d Megan Collings-Moore, The Rev’d Stephen Haig, The Rev’d Greg Smith and
The Rev’d G. Nick Wells.
The Bishop closed his Charge by repeating his final words in the Charge to Synod 2006. “Dare to live, dare to love, dare to risk. If you don’t take a risk, that’s the biggest risk of all. Not to risk is not to live. My friends, and my brothers and sisters, let us choose to live.”

After a wonderfully choreographed Eucharist, clergy and laity filed out of the Cathedral onto the steps and lawn for the unveiling of the Commemoration Plaque, marking the lace at which the election of Bishop Cronyn had taken place 150 years ago.

Monday morning saw an enthusiastic crowd assemble for the 8:15 a.m. Eucharist at the London Convention Centre. The Rev’d Canon Ben Burry, who is soon to retire, spoke of his thanks to the Diocese of Huron for making him feel at home away from his home of Newfoundland. After Eucharist it was time to head upstairs to the business session of Synod.

Devotions this morning and throughout Synod were led by Bishop Jim Njegovan, Bishop of the Diocese of Brandon, which is companioned with the Deanery of Essex. Bishop Njegovan spoke fondly of the theme of Synod “Jesus Christ: Our Light and Life” as he referenced both St. Paul and St. Francis.

The Rev’d Michael Johnson introduced an entertaining DVD “Celebrate what’s right with the world”, featuring Dewitt Jones, a photographer with National Geographic who spoke eloquently and beautifully of vision. He asked “Do we choose to see possibilities? Do we really believe they are there?” and suggested we need to start recognising possibilities and responding to what is there. Dewitt Jones spoke of starting not with what is wrong, but with what is right. By celebrating what is right, he claimed, we will find the energy to fix what is wrong. He also spoke eloquently about perspective, saying “the times of most change always hold the most potential”. Dewitt Jones concluded “the world is an astounding place…let’s celebrate what’s right with the world.”

Our first of many musical interludes throughout proceedings occurred with The Rev’d Canon Bill Cliff and Musician Extraordinaire Angus Sinclair leading the assembly in “Hallelujah, We Sing Your Praises” as we were encouraged to loosen the Anglican bolts in our hips and celebrate.

Well, we tried.

The Imagine Huron Implementation Task Force Report – “Celebrating what is Right with the World” – voiced a call to positive thinking, seeing opportunities and a shift in thinking. Quoting Dewitt Jones, the presenters stated, “We will not see it until we believe it”.

The Implementation Task Force, whose job is to motivate and map out pathways for the human adventure, spoke of six goals, of which goal one and goal six are currently in development. Goal one concerns the development of skills and gifts, and goal six addresses our call to be faithful and effective stewards of resources.

Mr. Ron Birkett introduced the Diocesan Financial Update and stated that the Apportionment Budget has increased over $50,000 from previous year, an increase of approximately 1.5%, while Revenue continues to lag behind budget. Though there are challenges before us, the deficit has continued to decline over the past couple of years, and as such there is always room for hope.

The Rev’d Dr. Tim Connor introduced the Rev. Canon Dr. Alyson Barnett-Cowan, Director and Ecumenical Officer of Faith, Worship and Ministry of the Anglican Church of Canada. Dr. Barnett- Cowan walked the assembly through what to expect at General Synod, meeting this June in Winnipeg. She spoke of the resolutions regarding the Blessing of Same Sex Unions and commented that the issue is in danger of being buried under the rigours of procedure. The motion that is before General Synod is in fact not about the blessing itself, but rather the matter of whether such a practice is a doctrinal matter, being creedal or core doctrine. A lively discussion ensued with many questions from the floor being thoughtfully addressed by Dr. Barnett-Cowan.

She commented that the conclusion of the St. Michael report was taken to the church. The Council of General Synod in 2006 put the resolution before Synod: that the conclusion of the Primate’s Theological Commission that the blessing of same sex unions is a matter of doctrine but is not core doctrine in the sense of being credal. The members of Huron’s Synod were asked to keep the dates of the 23rd and 24th of June open in order to pray for General Synod as it considers these important matters. Dr. Barnett-Cowan also suggested that we could communicate our thoughts, concerns or questions to General Synod by posting them to the national website www.anglican.ca. She noted, too, that a variety of other matters and presentations, the election of a new Primate, bidding farewell to our Current Primate, the development of guiding principles for future revision of worship texts, and a day together with our Lutheran brothers and sisters on the 21st of June will fill General Synod’s agenda.

Ms. Jo Ann Hardy brought Greetings from the Diocese of Michigan and made a presentation to the Primates World Relief and Development Fund from the Diocese of Michigan.

The Rev’d Eleanor Caruana spoke briefly on how excited she is to be appointed Gift Planning, Stewardship and Synod Consultant for the Diocese and reminded us that “…we have not been to church; we ARE the church”. As such we need to dream and vision together to and for the glory of God. She then asked the blessing for lunch.
During Lunch there was a Musical interlude from the Sesquicentennial Singers and Musicians, an enthusiastic and energetic group who entertained those trickling back into the Convention Centre, even leading some to burst into song and dance in the corridors.
Afternoon Devotions were lead by Bishop Jim Njegovan, who observed that the Christian journey is about life: if you want to see life in abundance, faith lived out, spend some time with youth and catch their enthusiasm. God gives us new ways of seeing, of doing, of being. Jesus offers a new way of understanding what God desires and it is at once simple and challenging to recognize Jesus as our light and life, and to follow his command to love one another.

The Diocesan Sesquicentennial Committee made an entertaining and informative presentation on the events and activities planned or underway as Huron celebrates its 150th year. In leading this presentation, Canon Christopher Pratt proved a great straight man to The Rev’d Keith Nethery. The Rev’d Canon George Ferris presented what to expect on the 28th of October when our Sesquicentennial Service takes place at the John Labatt Centre. Most of the Canadian House of Bishops will be present. There will be a choir of 400 – 500 voices, and the new Primate will serve as preacher. The retired and current bishops of the Diocese of Huron, and Bishop Sitembele from our companion Diocese of Mthatha will be in attendance. Further information will be forthcoming in a general mailing/newsletter which should be out by the summer.

The Rev’d Catherine Ascah spoke on the pilgrimage of the Sesquicentennial cross, commenting how enthusiastically it was being received. She then placed it on the dais for all to regard.

Mrs. Jane Howe spoke of the painting depicting Benjamin Cronyn’s election as First Diocesan Bishop. The painting held a place of honour on the dais throughout the balance of Synod. Bishop Benjamin Cronyn (played by The Rev’d Canon Nick Wells) made an appearance, attempting to distinguish between the clergyman and the village idiot, and expressing his displeasure with the renting of an “ice house” to celebrate his consecration as Bishop.

The Sesquicentennial committee has a website for promotion – www.diohuron150.org and click on “150th Anniversary” which contains downloadable resources, the 150th anniversary prayer, a schedule, a bulletin, and links to the academic conference being held next summer entitled, “Sacred and secular in a global Canada”.

Bishop Bruce is anticipating 10,000 people to be at the JLC, and asked that no church have a “main service” on the 28th but to have an early service for those who cannot make the JLC service. The Bishop sincerely desires that everyone who has the opportunity will attend this event that will be the talk of the Diocese of years to come.
Our devotional speaker, Bishop Jim, spoke of his excitement in the partnership between the Diocese of Brandon and Huron’s Deanery of Essex. He described life in Brandon, noting that with 56 parishes and 22 parish groups travel is the largest expense in the Diocese. The Henry Budd College is within the diocesan boundaries and is an invaluable resource for the area. As slides flashed in the background, Bishop Jim mentioned that old clergy don’t retire; they are bound and moth-balled by the ACW. And he had pictures to prove this. He was very excited about a new program “Teens Encounter Christ” and likened it in his time to a program affectionately called OPEC (Old People Encounter Christ), which is also known as Cursillo. Bishop Jim spoke eloquently and passionately about how the people of the Diocese of Brandon live out their baptismal covenant in their mission. He said “in Christ and through Christ we have been made God’s own people…centred in Jesus and gathered around the Bishop of Brandon…empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out our baptismal covenant.” By the end of the journey may we have been enriched and transformed. Rejoicing in the opportunity to celebrate and learn more about one another. This is an exciting time, holding one another up in prayer. Bishop Jim concluded by stating he was looking forward to this journey together.

The Youth Synod report was presented by the Rev’d Rachael Parker and Ms. Trish Taylor. This Diocesan event is held from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon of Synod weekend. Youth Synod is comprised of youth ages 14 – 19, representing every Deanery in the Diocese. 2007 marked the largest group ever to attend Synod, at last count 34 in attendance. The theme for this year’s Youth Synod was “Mission: Possible” and included a fruitful discussion led by The Rev’d Jay Koyle as to how we are led to share in God’s mission and find our place in it. St. John the Evangelist in London was the host church. Facilitated by the Dean of Huron, The Very Rev’d Terry Dance, a special gathering of Youth Synod was held at St. Luke’s Broughdale last October to discuss the St. Michael Report.

Two motions were received from the Youth Synod, each discussed and carried by the House. The first posed a challenge to parishes and deanery councils to plan and implement an outreach project, reporting to Diocesan Synod in 2008. The second asked the EnviroAction committee to investigate and act in ways to reduce congregations’ ecological footprint and report back to Synod 2008.

Josh Houle of Christ Church, Markdale, was elected as the Youth Delegate to Provincial
Executive Council. Katie-Scarlett MacGillvray is the Diocese of Huron’s Youth Delegate to General Synod in June.

Motion: Regional Funding
The Diocesan deficit is approximately $45,000. The Diocese has worked hard to lessen the deficit and continues to do so. Synod reaffirmed their commitment to ministry at the local level, and that funding be set at not less than 65% required in accordance with the formula and budget subcommittee. The motion was carried.

Motion: University Chaplaincy
Brought before Synod was a motion seeking to have a clergy person’s time spent as a chaplain in University settings included in the calculation of the retirement gratuity. This motion garnered healthy discussion and resulted in a referral to the Human Resources Committee; a report to Diocesan Council to follow at the October meeting.
Motion: Consultation with Human Resources Director In an attempt to provide assistance and guidance to wardens and parishes in the dismissal of employees, a motion was passed that requires wardens to consult with the Director, Human Resources at such times. Testimonial was given by clergy of the benefit of such a requirement.

One of the highlights of Synod was a DVD from Mike from Camlachie (The Rev’d Keith Nethery) – and his friends Mike from Corunna (Dave McEwen), and Mike from Courtright (The Rev’d Michael Johnson). They sang about their desire to be on the cover of the Huron Church News and their “blue haired groupies”. The DVD can be purchased for $20, and includes the Mike episodes from past Synods and a “bonus presentation” on Church Image with The Rev’d Keith Nethery. Contact Rev’d Keith at St. Stephen’s Memorial in London at (519) 681-5153.

The mood was joyous and melancholic at the annual Synod banquet as we prepared to say goodbye to four clerics and their spouses who are retiring, as well as Catherine Chapman and her spouse John, Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Ottawa. Retiring is The Rev’d Canon Ben Burry (spouse Betty); The Rev’d Canon Brenda Clarke (spouse Vern); The Rev’d Stan Fraser (spouse Joan) and also The Rev’d Michael Wellwood (spouse Mary-Anne) who was not able to attend.

An emotional farewell was bid to Catherine who was celebrated by both Canon Paul Rathbone and the Very Rev’d Terry Dance. Catherine spoke eloquently about what Church House and the Anglican Family of Huron has meant to her and to John over the past 30 years. The Rt. Rev’d John Chapman was celebrated by Bishop Bruce, who presented John with the choir habit of a bishop, which is affectionately referred to at the House of Bishops as the “lobster suit”. John humbly thanked those present who were able to attend his consecration as Bishop, those who had been and were continuing to pray for him, and dismissed us with the blessing.

On Tuesday morning, The Rev’d Canon Greg Smith delivered the Huron Hunger Fund report, stressing the importance of the volunteers in parishes throughout the Diocese. He thanked them as well as the Huron Hunger Fund Committee, the Three Cantors and Angus Sinclair for their fundraising efforts. He asked that we share in the moral courage of our brothers and sisters in faith. He implored us to believe in our brothers and sisters as fellow children of God. The Synod service collection on Sunday night raised $36,000.
The Ad Hawk Committee presented their report, including the showing of a DVD on the gifts of Aboriginal people, “no longer slave or free, Jew or Greek, male or female for all of you are one in Christ Jesus”. The presentation encouraged us to “Look, listen, embrace the gifts we have been given by Aboriginal people.” It touched on themes of Alternative Justice, spiritual development, and the importance of oral tradition. The presentation spoke of awareness without words speaking volumes, especially that aboriginal drumming and dance is known as the heart beat of the ancestors. We were treated to slides celebrating the Native influences in literature, art, television, film, music and sport and finally, Native humour. The Ad Hawk Committee is available to come to parishes to make presentations and/or ask questions.

A presentation by the EnviroAction Committee, chaired by Rev’d Linda Nixon, challenged Huron to “go green” and make ecologically friendly choices, striving to maintain the integrity of creation.

Contact information has been given to all Regional Deans which will be forthcoming shortly to parishes.

The Rev’d Deacon Gerry Adam and Giulia Marchesan gave an update on the Huron Church
Camp Capital Campaign. A deficit was incurred last year. This year’s fundraising goal is $75,000, with a direct mail campaign being undertaken. $17,000 has been raised to date. The majority of the funds generated goes toward bursaries to help children come to camp that otherwise could not. Registrations were up nearly 10% last summer, with anticipation for another increase this year. Camp programs for teens and leaders-in-training are full. However there is lots of room for children to come to camp.

Ms. Beth Baskin of the Primates World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) Refugee Committee made a moving presentation on what it is to be a refugee, paralleling the flight of the baby Jesus and his parents with that of refugees throughout the world today. 240,000 newcomers come to Canada each year, approximately 12% of which are refugees. She shared the transformative stories of two refugee families and their arrivals in Canada. Their joys and challenges, together with their faith, will help them succeed in their new country. The refugee families and the sponsoring churches are changed indelibly for the better through the recognition of Jesus Christ, our light and life. Ms. Baskin asked the assembly to answer three questions:

What can the Diocese do to support refugee ministry? What excites you about refuge ministry?

What concerns do you have about refugee ministry? She reported that more than $506,000 has been raised by the Diocese of Huron and the Three Cantors and that more than $177,000 has been given to Partnership for Life, addressing AIDS work, which is sponsored by PWRDF.

The Rev’d Dr. Michael Peterson made a presentation on the Magnetic Church, a vision of new member ministry developed by Andrew Weeks. All are encouraged to come and hear the fun and practical evangelism of Andrew Weeks on the 16th and 17th of November at East London Anglican Ministries (ELAM), 2060 Dundas Street East in London. Send anyone from your parish who is interested in attracting, welcoming and retaining new members.

An entertaining DVD “Survivor: Anglican Church” suggested the four candidates for Primate be sent to Baffin Island for 40 days and 40 nights to pray, together with a humorous series of challenges.

Dean Terry Dance spoke of a church calendar being produced with pictures of AIDS orphans and churches of the Diocese of Mthatha, and noting days of significance to the South African church.

If we sell all calendars produced (8,000), we will generate $50,000 for AIDS orphans in the Diocese of Mthatha at two orphanages. The cost will be $8.00 per calendar. Orders can be placed through Huron Church House or Dean Dance at St. Paul’s Cathedral.

David Parson, editor of the “Huron Church News” (HCN) and the Rev’d Jay Koyle, outgoing Chair of HCN’s Board of Trustees, updated Synod on the paper’s financial campaign. If the campaign’s success continues, HCN should finish the year in the black. Delegates were encouraged to continue this wonderful support of our Diocesan publication.

In the closing moments of Synod thanks were expressed to Catherine Chapman for her hard work over many years. Without her Synod would not happen. The Episcopal Blessing was offered by Bishop Bruce Howe, remembering Bishop Sitembele in Umtata, Bishop Jim in Brandon and wishing all safe journeys home.

Respectfully submitted by Andrea L. Brennan