We envision a church growing
in membership, faith and service in God’s world
Spring, 2005, Mississauga, Ont.
(Queen of Apostles)
Sunday, May 8
Council convened at 9 a.m.
The Nominating Committee reported. Nominated to the search committee for a new General Secretary are Peter Elliott, Susan De Gruchy, Sydney Black, Percy Coffin, Don Thompson and one member of Church House staff to be appointed by the Primate. Carried.
Nominated to the General Synod Planning Committee are Peter Irish and Barbara Burrows. Carried.
Nominated to the Anti-Racism Working Group is Clarence Randell. Carried.
Council received a draft message from the Writing Committee. Members of Council reviewed the message and made a number of comments and suggestions.
Council heard a report from Dean Peter Wall, its partner with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. Council heard from Sonja Free, its Lutheran partner. She commended council for the respect displayed during difficult discussions and said she hopes the same atmosphere will prevail when the Lutheran national convention meets this summer. She noted that although issues around sexuality got the most media attention, the church is involved in a great deal of other important work.
Council adjourned for Eucharist and lunch at 11 a.m. and reconvened at 1 p.m.
Council considered a revised draft of a message to the church now entitled In Conversation with the Church. Council approved the document unanimously.
Denise Hambidge, partner from the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, reflected.
The Primate asked Council to consider three questions with regards to the Anglican Consultative Council:
- What do we mean by members not participating?
- What do we include in the presentation we have been invited to make?
- How many people do we send and who will they be?
Council agreed that members would not take their seats, speak or vote, but that they would be present.
Council discussed elements to include in the presentation:
The response to the Windsor Report; the report of the Primate’s Theological Commission; Canadian political and social background; how the Canadian church is organized and the importance of the synodical model; biblical perspectives that reflect our understanding; representation from gay/lesbian community; a first-nations person might be an appropriate member of the group.
Council voted to refer these questions to the Officers of General Synod.
Council adjourned at 2:15.