The 142nd session of Diocesan Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Ontario will be held November 1-3, 2018, at the Four Points by Sheraton Kingston. The main agenda items of our Synod will include:

Draft Constitution and Canons

The draft diocesan Constitution and Canons that were approved as policy at Synod 2016 will be presented at Synod 2018 for approval. Since Synod 2016, a wide consultative process has been underway with diocesan stakeholders and leadership soliciting input and proposed changes to the draft Constitution and Canons. Overall changes to the Canons and Constitution have been made to ensure compliance with changes to the new Provincial Not-For-Profit Corporations Act.

2018 Budget and CMM structure

Synod will vote on the proposed 2018 diocesan budget. Synod will also have the opportunity to review and debate conversation around the Common Ministry and Mission (CMM) structure going forward. A new CMM structure is intended to address the question of “what is the CMM structure aiming to accomplish?”

Proposed changes to the Marriage Canon

All diocesan synods are being asked to consider the proposed changes to the Marriage Canon that passed first reading at General Synod 2016. Diocesan wide consultation sessions on the Marriage Canon will be held in 2018 along with facilitated group discussions to be held at our 2018 synod. Written documentation as a result of our 2018 diocesan consultation sessions and group discussions at this year’s Synod will be collated into a body of material that will be forwarded to General Synod 2019. The following downloadable resources are provided as a “tool box” designed to assist clergy in planning sessions related to the proposed change to the Marriage Canon.

New Metropolitan to celebrate Eucharist at opening of Synod

Bishop Anne Germond, the new Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada will join us at our Synod along with a delegation from the Diocese of Algoma. Archbishop Anne will be celebrating the Eucharist at the opening of Synod at St. George’s Cathedral on Thursday November 1 at 7:30pm.