From June 3 to 11, 2010, over 300 delegates will gather in Halifax, N.S. for the Anglican Church of Canada’s national meeting, General Synod, held once every three years. This web forum is a place to discuss the major topics that will arise at General Synod—from governance to sexuality. You are invited to join the conversation.

Welcome to the web forum for General Synod 2010. I am the chair of the Planning Committee, and I would like to introduce you to our forum. Over the next few months, this space will feature short columns that will introduce you to some of the topics that we will discuss at General Synod. We encourage you to participate in our online discussion of these topics by posting comments below.

We are looking forward to General Synod being held in Halifax NS from June 3 to 11. We will join the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island as it celebrates 300 years of continuous worship in their diocese.

Many changes

We are aware of the constant change happening in our world, and in our church. In acknowledgement of this, and in keeping with the maritime location, we chose our theme, “Feeling the Winds of God—Charting a New Course.” Mission is the focus for the synod, and we have invited partners from around the world to join us. Each day will remind us of our commitment to one of the Marks of Mission, which draw us together as Anglicans.

In keeping also with the theme of change, and to respond to a number of requests over the years to make synods different, we are attempting a number of new things. You may have already noticed a few new things in our preparations. We have heard many requests for greener synods, so we have an online registration system for delegates, and we anticipate that documents in the convening circular (reports and agendas for our meeting) will be available online. We encourage delegates to download them, rather than printing everything. Diocesan offices have agreed to print documents and help with registration for those who do not have access to the internet. At General Synod, documents, resolutions and worship materials will be displayed on the large screens in the plenary room.

We will have many opportunities for worship and prayer while we meet. We will have an opening service at the Cathedral of All Saints, a large celebration service with the diocese, a simple worship at St. Paul’s to give thanks for the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), and a number of other opportunities for worship in the mornings, at noon and in the evenings. There will be receptions, dinner with the Diocese of NS/PEI, and numerous other social occasions to meet and greet your friends, new and old.

Here are some of the topics we will discuss at General Synod:

• Vision 2019—to set priorities for the next three triennia
• Governance—to consider the role, jurisdiction, size and membership of General Synod, and to honour the desire of our Indigenous members for self-determination
• Primacy—to examine the roles and responsibilities of the Primate
• Philanthropy—to learn about our new Philanthropy department which is working on achieving financial equilibrium and encouraging a culture of generous giving.
• Human sexuality—in continuing discernment over the matter of human sexuality
• The Anglican Communion and the proposed Anglican Covenant

I invite you to post your comments on this major upcoming event: What are your hopes for General Synod 2010? How are you preparing?

I look forward to your participation, and to General Synod 2010 in Halifax. See you all there!

Canon Barbara Burrows
Chair, General Synod Planning Committee