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  Final General Synod Report – Monday, June 25, 2007
 
    

What happened Monday, June 25, 2007
The day was quieter than Sunday; however, General Synod dealt with a number of resolutions and referred many more to the Council of General Synod (CoGS). Here are some of the more significant items:

Resolutions A189 passed mandating CoGS to consider a revision of Canon 21 (on marriage) including the theological rationale for allowing marriage of ALL legally qualified persons – including those in same sex relationships. CoGS will report back to General Synod in 2010.

Resolution A224 passed – General Synod approved a statement from the House of Bishops urging the church to show pastoral understanding and sensitivity to all same-sex couples and committing the House to develop pastoral strategies to give effect to the acceptance of gays and lesbians.

Rejection of Global Primates – General Synod refused to ratify proposed changes to the membership of the Anglican Consultative Council (a global governance body) that would see all Primates of the Communion automatically become members.

Ecclesiastical provinces to be reviewed – General Synod agreed to discussions on the possible reorganization of the ecclesiastical provinces of the Anglican Church of Canada. The Primate is now to consult with the House of Bishops and initiate talks with the provinces and dioceses on possible changes, including:
Eliminating some of the provinces and transferring some or all their powers to General Synod
Reorganizing the dioceses into groupings based on common goals, concerns, needs and interests
Adjusting diocesan boundaries and/or reducing the number of dioceses 
Implementing any other changes that might improve the effectiveness, efficiency or economy of the operation of dioceses.

It was noted that, in 1971, there was an average of 38,249 Anglicans in each diocese, according to parish rolls. By 2001, the number had dropped to 21,395, with 20 dioceses below this number.

Evangelical Lutheran clergy now eligible for election to Anglican office – This is a result of second reading of a resolution that the Declaration of Principles be changed to state that the Order of Clergy shall consist of clerical members of the Anglican Church of Canada or of a church in full communion with it.


Other news
The work of Essentials at General Synod was possible only because of the many hundreds of hours put in by volunteers prior to and during our time in Winnipeg. Even so, expenses were high. To date, just over half of the amount needed to cover AEC’s General Synod expenses has been received. Please consider a donation to help us erase that deficit. (Thanks!)
The General Synod blog has received about 32,000 visitors and 110,000 “hits” since it was launched. Due to popular demand, Peter is hinting that he may continue the blog.


A Message from the Anglican Essentials Federation…
Canadian Anglicans have been left trying to grasp all the implications of passing a motion declaring the blessing of same-sex relationships as “not in conflict” with Anglican doctrine – while, at the same time, rejecting the “local options” motion. Within that tension, we now await the response of the rest of our Communion and will be looking to the Communion for guidance in the work of answering the many questions this Synod has raised but not clearly answered.

The Federation gratefully acknowledges the bishops who gave leadership in these crucial debates – as well as the delegates who bravely championed orthodox views.


A Message from the Anglican Network in Canada…
Conflicting decisions of General Synod have once again caused confusion among Canadian Anglicans. By declaring that same sex blessings are not in conflict with Anglican core doctrine, while not proceeding with the explicit authorization of same sex blessings on a local option, many have been left wondering what it all means. Despite the news headlines, the Network believes the Anglican Church of Canada did NOT close the door on same sex blessings at General Synod but, in fact, opened the (doctrinal) side door for these blessings.

In addition to the above, by overwhelmingly refusing to take the steps specifically requested by the Primates, they have failed to repair the bonds of communion with the global church. In light of the Dromantine and Dar es Salaam Communiqués, we believe the Primates will see these actions as a clear indication that the Anglican Church of Canada has chosen to “walk apart”.

We are committed to remaining in full communion with the overwhelming majority of global Anglicans, who are, like us, committed to historic, biblically-faithful Anglicanism. We look forward to the response of the Primates to clarify what has happened and will be consulting with our membership regarding the best way forward in light of these decisions.

Please see our website for more information about Network: www.anglicannetwork.ca


Thanks for your encouragement
During General Synod we received emails from many of you with prayers and Scripture verses and expressions of thanks, sadness, encouragement, inspiration, advice and faith. Some also let us know what General Synod’s decisions meant to them personally.
Thank you.

One member provided the following quote…
I SIMPLY ARGUE THAT the cross be raised again,
at the centre of the marketplace
as well as on the steeple of the church.
I am recovering the claim that
Jesus was not crucified
in a cathedral between two candles
but on a cross between two thieves;
on a town garbage heap;
at a crossroad of politics so cosmopolitan
that they had to write His title
In Hebrew and in Latin and in Greek ...
and at the kind of place
where cynics talk smut,
and thieves curse, and soldiers gamble.

Because that is where He died,
And that is what He died about.
And that is where Christ's men ought to be,
And that is what church people ought to be about.
- George MacLeod


We rejoice to be counted worthy to suffer for Christ

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church.
Colossians 1:24 (NIV)

Thought - When you face the perils of weariness, carelessness, and confusion, don’t pray for an easier life. Pray instead to be a stronger man or woman of God.
Luis Palau


Although General Synod is over, prayer is needed now more than ever.  Watch for the 1st Friday of the Month Call to Prayer coming soon with suggestions for prayer.


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