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An online virtual meeting of the Synod Council of the Diocese of Ontario was held on Tuesday march 23, 2021. Highlights of the meeting include:

  • The main agenda item was the 2020 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the diocese. Colleen Lawrie, a partner at Wilkinson Chartered Accountants presented the draft statements to Synod Council, along with the Auditor’s Opinion and a high level commentary. Canon Peter Case (chair of the Diocesan Audit Committee) gave the report of the Audit Committee and their recommendation for approval. After some questions and discussion, Council approved the financial statements. The bishop thanked the auditors, Audit Committee and our financial staff for all their work. Once the final copy is received from Wilkinson, the statements will be posted on the diocesan website. 
  • An update of the Diocese of Ontario Investment Policy Statement was presented to Council for approval by the Investment Committee. The changes include bringing the Kerrison Fund inside the policy, adjusting asset mix and updating the history of returns. The updated policy was approved. It will also be posted on the diocesan website.
  • The Pandemic Financial Response Team presented the Ministry and Mission Surveys for the final two churches proposed to receive subsidies from the Church Pandemic Support Fund. The payments were approved. This brings the total number of churches receiving the subsidy for 2020 COVID-19 impacts to eleven.
  • The Executive Board presented an update on the work being done to bring the New Ministry in North Kingston to a reality. After review of candidates, interviews and a final meeting with the bishop, an offer has to been made to an individual to fill the contract position of Program Engagement Co-ordinator, beginning the middle of April. The Ministry Centre itself will come under diocesan control in the same timeframe, so we will now have both “keys” to developing and implementing ministry in that area (the co-ordinator and the facility). More announcements to follow on this exciting project.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Synod Council will be Tuesday April 27, 2021 at 6pm. This meeting will be online only.

The approval of the minutes of the March 23 meeting are pending. For questions about Synod Council, please contact Alex Pierson, Diocesan Executive Officer, by email at apierson@ontario.anglican.ca or by phone at 613-544-4718.