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  General Synod Update – Saturday June 23, 2007
 
    

What happened today…
The issue of same sex blessing was discussed in “committee of the whole” during the afternoon. In the evening, two amendments were defeated which would have raised the majority needed to pass the Council of General Synod motions from the normal resolution of 50% plus one to 60% or 66 and 2/3%. This increased the likelihood that the same sex blessing motions would succeed.

However, when the time came for the Council of General Synod motions to be discussed, there were so many wishing to speak to the motions that the meeting was adjourned and the critical votes deferred until tomorrow. The motion under discussion at the time of adjournment last night was "that General Synod resolves that the blessing of same-sex unions is not in conflict with the core doctrine of the Anglican Church of Canada."


Other highlights of the day:
General Synod approved first reading Saturday of a resolution that will permit the election of future National Indigenous Anglican Bishops, as well as the Bishop Ordinary to the Canadian Forces. This proposed amendment to the Declaration of Principles must be passed at two successive sessions of General Synod and requires the consent of four provincial synods. (have you confirmed this process? I’m not sure)
General Synod approved an amended resolution Saturday to accept one of the conclusions of the Primate's Theological Commission's “The St. Michael’s Report” that the blessing of same-sex unions is a matter of doctrine but is not core doctrine in the sense of being creedal, and that it should not be a communion-breaking issue. The latter statement, added by an amendment is in apparent defiance of the Primates’ earlier statements to the contrary.
Chancellor Robert Falby was elected deputy prolocutor.
Newly elected Primate Fred Hiltz accepted an invitation to come to the Essentials evening session (5:30-6:30pm). His homily was based on a prayer that he said would be a reference point for his primacy. It focused on discipleship, service, mission and unity. He committed to ongoing conversation with Essentials and concluded by requesting prayer for the Church, for General Synod, for the days following General Synod and for himself. He then joined with us in a time of praise and prayer.
At their National Convention on Saturday, Delegates of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada rejected for the second time a motion allowing for the blessing of same-sex unions.


What’s coming up Sunday…
Voting on Council of General Synod (CoGS) motions on same sex blessings.
Farewell dinner for Archbishop Hutchison in the evening.


Please pray
For the many, many Anglicans across Canada who are hurt and confused by the same-sex debate and some who are considering their future in the Anglican Church of Canada.
For God’s wisdom for both Anglican Federation and Anglican Network leaders as they plan for the future, that we would honour and support each other while releasing each other to take different paths, as God leads.
That Canadian Anglicans will be aware that both Federation and Network have been working very closely together for a Biblically-faithful Anglican Church in Canada that is in full Communion.
For the Primates of the Communion who are watching our General Synod, that their response will provide clarity.
For an overflowing of God’s peace and joy in the midst of tension our delegates are experiencing at Synod.
For good opportunities for those at our display table to witness and encourage delegates.
That our delegates will have boldness and calmness of spirit as they speak to and debate emotionally-charged motions.
For godly wisdom and unity of spirit for our leaders and delegates who must react quickly and strategically as events unfold.
For God’s blessing on our gracious hosts in Winnipeg.


Please give thanks
For the gracious generosity and oneness of spirit that has characterized the teamwork among Essentials team members.
For the extensive distribution and good reaction to the Christ-centred literature from our display table.
For God’s provision of all we’ve needed (facilities, technology, volunteer support, etc) to carry out the work God has called us to here at Synod.


Living as Children of Light
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Eph 4:25


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