Unlike the case in some other dioceses in the Anglican Church of Canada, Diocesan Synods in New Westminster are seldom dull.

There was the surprise vote of 1998, when the motion asking for a blessing of same sex unions passed by a slim margin; the emotional synod of 2001, when the blessing was vigorously debated; the dramatic synod of 2002, which saw a walkout.

Synods since then haven't been as momentous, but the rendition of "I Walk the Line" in May 2003 by synod guest Bishop Vincent ("Johnny Cash") Warner of Seattle was worth the price of sitting through the routine business.

This month's synod will work on a response to the Windsor Report. The report is an important document that will shape the future of Anglicanism for years.

It advises us to stop the blessing of same sex unions. Do we do that? Do we respectfully reject that advice? Or do we continue the blessing, but only in the handful of parishes to date that have been authorized to do them?

Then there's the task force that has been studying diocesan ministry and outreach which takes place through groups like Missions to Seafarers, Camp Artaban, the Coming Home Society, and South Fraser Community Services.

Virtually everyone agrees that our diocesan efforts are vital, and these groups as well as other need support - which historically has come from Stewards in Action. But SIA isn't raising the money it once did. The task force says we should wind up SIA and try something else. Should we?

This will be an important synod. It won't be dull.