The Rev. Kevin Dixon
St. Mary's Kerrisdale
A perception exists that the Anglican Communion worldwide is in a state of civil war. If this is so, the word "civil" deserves to be emphasized as a consequence of the experience of General Synod 2007.
With much talking and listening, our Church is ever so slowly inching toward equity and justice for gay and lesbian Christians.
The Ven. Ronald Harrison
Executive Archdeacon
The Synod was intense, with an exhausting, top-heavy agenda. There were moments of celebrating deep joy and sharing with others of diverse culture and experience. Any movement forward on issues of human sexuality and governance revision was painfully minimal, given the cost in time, money and emotion over a week. I was disappointed in the weak leadership from the House of Bishops, but rejoiced in our own Dean Peter Elliott's leadership as Prolocutor and that of our outgoing Primate Andrew Hutchison, and in the election of a new Primate who should prove to be a very good fit.
Ardith Bailey, youth delegate
Holy Trinity Cathedral,
I feel both encouraged and frustrated. In a divided synod, diverse voices have demonstrated a willingness to listen to one another. In addition, societal justice concerns have been a central focus of the week's events.
But the reluctance to move beyond discussion of issues such as governance and sexuality make me wonder when can we begin to act?
Steve Schuh
My appreciation for our Church, for communities urban, rural, and aboriginal, struggling and thriving, progressive and traditional, has been deeply enriched by the people I've met across our many diversities.
It's also been my privilege to contribute, in my own way, to "drawing the circle wider still" for other people too. It's been an engaging, interactive, and simultaneously deeply personal experience.
The Very Rev. Peter Elliott
Dean,
I've never voted so often in my life! 5 ballots to elect a new Primate, counted votes on all contentious issues, the members wanted to express their views. Every important vote was very close. We're a national church in conflict about identity, vision and mission; what's clearly emerging is a pastorally inclusive church!
Bonnie Fulton
The body gathered is amazingly eclectic, caring, hardworking, and at times confusing. I am uplifted by the work of our Church and grateful for the privilege to represent our diocese.
I was especially moved by the presence of First Nations people, and sharing a table with Dr. Susan Brown of the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops has been a joy.
Charles Nurse
St. George’s, Fort Langley.
This was my third general Synod and it was so good to see old friends, people I had met at previous General (and Provincial) Synods and people I had come to know well in the last triennium on the Communications and Information Resources Committee.
I find that I really enjoy the legislative debate and this year we had plenty of that.
Susan Brown
Representative for the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops.
(Dr. Brown sat at one of the Diocese of
Engaging in a synod which covers so much and gives voice to so many requires a lot of patience and stamina, especially when controversial matters are on the agenda. Some divisions are apparent.
Yet the Church has bountiful spiritual and theological resources with which to address the challenges it faces.