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A hybrid meeting of the Synod Council of the Diocese of Ontario was held on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at St. Paul's Parish in Kingston at 6 pm. Highlights of the meeting include:

The Rev Canon Michael Read led devotions for the feast of St Thomas Aquinas. He read about his life and importance, and prayed the Collect for his day.

Bishop Cliff thanked people who offered prayers during his surgery and recovery. He is now almost fully recovered and back in good health. He continues his parish visitations. He hosted Indigenous Archbishop Chris Harper for a week, showing him the Diocese of Ontario.

The minutes of the December 10 Synod Council meeting were approved. The bishop then spoke about the structure of the national church and the Primate’s Commission, which will offer suggestions for restructuring the Church in a new and less expensive way. The Anglican Church of Canada must restructure to be more efficient.

Council discussed the resolution of Synod 2023, making the Church a blue community. The Investments Committee is working hard to have up to date reports on ESG status of our investments, including good use of our natural resources.  There will be a diocesan Teams meeting prior to Synod this spring open to the diocese about investments and ESG.

Michael Read and Barb Gilbert talked about Synod 8 to 10 May, inviting the people of the diocese to think and pray about Synod. There is an active website; Bishop Mallett has offered interviews. There are questions for congregations and individuals. There will be four workshops that all will be able to attend. Youth delegates will be involved.

Dr Graham Bowcott of Huron College spoke about the Licentiate in Theology program at Huron that currently has 360 students enrolled. There was a motion to utilise a bequest for education for the diocese to cover the cost of students enrolled in the program. The motion passed.

CFO Alex Pierson spoke of working with staff for a balanced 2025 budget. The financial audit is currently under way. Alex is beginning to develop a three year budget plan.

Archdeacon Wayne Varley spoke of Doors and their 30th Anniversary. Last year, Doors hosted 51 refugees.

The Diocese of Ontario Green Group continues to be focused on Creation Care. Archdeacon Varley represents the national Church on an Interfaith Group on Prison Chaplaincy.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Synod Council will be Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 6pm. This meeting will be in person only.

The approval of the minutes of the January 28 meeting are pending. For questions about Synod Council, please contact the Ven. David Selzer, diocesan executive officer, by email at dselzer@ontario.anglican.ca or by phone at 613-777-0540.