On the first day of General Synod 2004; delegates and visitors gathered at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont., the venue for the 37th triennial meeting of the Anglican Church of Canada.
By 9.00 a.m. today (Friday), 218 delegates out of the 301 expected had registered.
“We expect to get more delegates registered by 1.30 pm today,” said Dianne Izzard, a staff member, adding that there had been some delays in flights.
Among non-delegates — partners, observers, visitors and staff — 81 had registered by yesterday morning. Twenty media representatives had also arrived. “Within the Anglican Communion we have a good representation of media that will cover Synod 2004,” said Josie De Lucia, news room assistant.
Last touches are being made in the plenary hall, a gymnasium and the Sean O’Sullivan Theater, where the evening opening worship service and the presidential address by Archbishop David Crawley, the Acting Primate, was to take place in the evening.
In the display area, 20 displayers out of the 63 registered have already finished setting up their exhibits. “The displays range from advocacy groups to pension companies,” said Mr. Paul Pakyam, co-ordinator for displays.
Those wishing quiet time for prayer and meditation before the official program starts, a “Quiet room” has been set up and is being managed by the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer. “People are free to walk in at any time and they can also leave their prayer requests in the boxes provided,” said Annette Harris of the Anglican Fellowship of Prayer.
The official program for Thursday included an orientation session for new members and a reception hosted by the diocese of Niagara, which includes St. Catharines.
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