The 113th Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster got underway with delegates arriving at the Italian Cultural Centre on the bright May morning of May 24th.
For the first time in five years the Opening Worship took place outside of a church building as the Grand Ballroom of the ICC was transformed into a space for 350 worshippers.
The worship included the commissioning of four new Regional Deans: the Reverend Stephen Muir, North Vancouver: the Reverend Dr. Richard Leggett, Granville/Point Grey; the Reverend Heidi Brear, Burrard/East Vancouver and the Reverend Grant Rogers, Westminster.
The Venerable Douglas Fenton was collated Archdeacon and although he has been the Executive Archdeacon of the Diocese for almost 6 months it was uplifting to hear the Bishop’s words installing Douglas making his appointment “official.”
The music in worship led by the Reverend David Taylor and the Reverend Andrew Halladay connected with the global theme of Synod and the congregation joined in the singing of the primarily African themed music with gusto.
2013 Synod Partner, the Right Reverend James Tengatenga, Bishop of the Diocese of Southern Malawi and Chair of the Anglican Consultative Counsel delivered a homily where he asked the Synod congregation to prayerfully think about what it means to be authentically “ourselves” and “church” in this place and time.
After a quick change over from worship space to meeting hall, Synod was convened and the Chancellor, George Cadman, QC confirmed that a quorum was present.
The Most Reverend John Privett, Metropolitan of the Ecclessiastical Province of BC and Yukon shared some thoughts with Synod. He made reference to his time in the Diocese of New Westminster as a Priest at St. Mary’s, Kerrisdale. In recognition of Bishop Michael’s imminent retirement, August 31st, 2013, he thanked Bishop Michael for his service to the province and was grateful for the time they had spent together in the House of Bishops.
Updates on diocesan initiatives rounded out the morning with presentations from: the Diocesan School for Leadership, the Task Force on Diocesan Reorganization and a report using images and descriptive language given by the Rev. Emilie Smith summarizing her three and half years as a priest of the Diocese of New Westminster in Mission in Guatemala.
The afternoon had a business and administration focus. Assistant Treasurer Jim Stewart and Treasurer Ian Robertson gave some of the history and established the context that has led to the suspension of operations at Camp Artaban.
The Venerable Lynne McNaughton, Archdeacon of Capilano and a representative from the Ecclessiastical Province of BC and Yukon to General Synod led a team of four, sharing information about the upcoming meeting with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada July 3-7th , “Joint Assembly” and how members of the D of NW can participate and stay informed concerning the structural changes that are proposed for the National Church.
The rector of St. David of Wales, the Reverend Michael Batten gave a compelling talk about the diocese's role in regard to Indian Residential Schools, urging Synod Delegates both lay and ordained to go back to their parishes and encourage everyone to take part in the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission wrap-up activities scheduled for venues in and around Vancouver, September 17-22.
Chartered Accountant and parishioner at St. Catherine’s, Capilano, Michael Ashby presented the Audited Financial Statements and Ian Robertson, Jim Stewart, Diocesan Business Administrator, Rob Dickson and Diocesan Controller, Mark Beley presented the 2013 Actual Budget and the 2014 Vision Budget. The Motions to accept the diocesan financials were all CARRIED by a substantial majority.
However, the most significant events of the day were the passing of 10 resolutions which will greatly change the way the diocese is governed and administrated.
These changes will mean considerable work for the diocesan legal team as these changes will necessitate alterations to the Canons and Constitutions of the Diocese of New Westminster which will likely go into effect after Synod 2014.
One of the changes is that Synod will take place every two years with a major Mission and Ministry conference event produced during non-Synod years.
Standing Committees will be disbanded and replaced with two committees, one that focuses on Mission and Ministry and the other on Administration and resources for Mission and Ministry.
Images: Top and homepage, Bishop James Tengatenga preaches at the Opening Worship. Archbishop John Privett top left. Middle right, the Reverend Scott Gould shares some thoughts about the Artaban situation. Lower middle left, the head table. Lower left, the "Peace" during the Opening Worship