Council convened at 9 a.m.
Partners’ reflections
Council heard reflections from Rev. Canon Stephen Lane , ECUSA partner. He noted that the responsibilities of CoGS are much broader than that of ECUSA’s executive council. He also applauded the way in which the issue of same-sex blessings is being addressed. He also said he found the report on alternative Episcopal oversight very interesting. He noted the confidence members had in their approach to residential schools and commended a similar approach to the blessing of same-sex unions.
Committee Reports
Partners in Mission
David Watts presented the report. The report contained a number of items for information. The report also contained a number of resolutions to go to General Synod and a response to the Framework.
Mr. Watts, seconded by Cynthia Haynes Turner presented a motion to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Rwanda genocide on Palm Sunday. Carried
Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund
Cynthia Haynes Turner presented the report. The report contained a number of items for information.
Handbook Task Force Report
Chancellor Ron Stevenson presented the report.
Two changes to the Canon on Licensing of Clergy were proposed to be sent to General Synod. Carried
A motion was presented to be sent to General Synod amending the Declaration of Principles on the status of Lutheran clergy. Carried
An amendment to the Rules of Order on the Courtesies of the Synod was introduced to add to those allowed to speak indigenous partners and representatives of PWRDF. Carried
Amendments to the Marriage Canon were presented for forwarding to General Synod. Carried
A number of housekeeping changes were presented to the canon on the election of the Primate. There were carried .
A report was presented on seeking a change to legislation which incorporates General Synod.. Carried
Planning and Agenda Team
Dean Peter Elliott presented the report.
The report recommended the continuation of PAT for CoGS 2004-2007. Carried
Faith, Worship and Ministry
CoGS was asked to forward to General Synod the following revised motion on the blessing of same-sex unions.
The new proposed motions were discussed by council.
Council recessed for Eucharist, followed by lunch
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Council resumed at 1:30
Council considered the following revised motions:
A . Be it resolved that the Council of General Synod place the following motions before General Synod:
1) Blessing of Same-Sex Unions
Be it resolved that this General Synod:
1) Affirm that, even in the face of deeply held convictions about whether the blessing of committed same-sex unions is contrary to the doctrine and teaching of the Anglican Church of Canada, we recognize that through our baptism we are members one of another in Christ Jesus, and we commit ourselves to strive for that communion into which Christ continually calls us.
2) Affirm the authority and jurisdiction of any diocesan synod, with the concurrence of its bishop, to authorize the blessing of committed same sex unions;
3) Affirm the crucial value of continued respectful dialogue and study of biblical, theological, liturgical, pastoral and social aspects of human sexuality; and call upon all bishops, clergy and lay leaders to be instrumental in seeing that dialogue and study continue;
4) Affirm the principle of respect for the way in which the dialogue and study may be taking place, or might take place, in indigenous and various other communities within our church in a manner consistent with their cultures and traditions; and
5) Affirm that the Anglican Church is a church for all the baptized and is committed to taking such actions as are necessary to maintain and serve our fellowship and unity in Christ, including provision of adequate episcopal oversight and pastoral care for all, regardless of the perspective from which they view the blessing of committed same sex relationships.
2) Resources regarding Same Sex Unions
Be it resolved that this General Synod request the Faith Worship and Ministry Committee in the next triennium to assist the church in implementing the resolution on same sex unions and to prepare resources for the church to use in addressing issues relating human sexuality, including the blessing of same-sex unions and the changing definition of marriage in society.
B. Be it resolved that the Council of General Synod affirm in principle the process for presentation of the resolutions to General Synod outlined in 006-27-04-03 and invite the General Secretary and the Prolocutor to work with Faith Worship and Ministry in preparing General Synod to address these resolutions.
Motion A. 1) – carried
Motion A. 2) – carried
Motion B – carried
Anti-Racism Working Group
A revised resolution was presented, that CoGS receive the draft charter on anti-racism and refer it back to a re-mandated anti-racism working group for further refinement; and that the Anti-Racism working group ensure anti-racism training for CoGS, committees and councils. Carries
Planning and Agenda Team
A motion describing a No Debate List procedure was introduced and carried .
A motion on Nominating and Election Procedures was introduced and carried .
Members’ Concerns
Concerns raised included:
- Rules of order at General Synod.
- Process for the nomination of a primate.
- Resource people at CoGS
- Planned giving consultants gathering
Council adjourned at 2:45 p.m.