Canadian Anglicans to move forward at Halifax General Synod
When the Anglican Church of Canada is mentioned in the news, it is usually in connection with sexuality issues, such as the controversial blessing of same-sex unions initiated by the B.C Diocese of New Westminster in 2003.
That issue dominated the last Anglican General Synod in 2007 in Winnipeg, with a resolution to endorse the autonomy of local dioceses in blessing same-sex unions failing narrowly due to opposition among the church's bishops.
As the church prepares for its triennial gathering in Halifax, Nova Scotia from June 3 to 11, the issue of same-sex blessings remains unresolved.
But this time clergy and lay delegates are unlikely to spend much time breaking the stalemate. Instead, Canada's second largest Protestant denomination is going to look for a way forward amidst continuing financial problems and declining numbers in the church pews—a desire to move forward manifested in a plan called "Vision 2019."
Financial shortfall
The financial shortfall of the church faces, particularly at the national level, has meant unprecedented efforts to look for new ways of supporting even the general synod meeting itself.
The church has approached businesses it does business with for sponsorships for the synod. Sponsors are categorized according to their donation: Friend ($2,500), Supporter ($7,500) and Visionary ($30,000). The benefits that come with these sponsorships are branding opportunities, signage and displays at the meeting and a private lunch with the Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz.
This initiative, while controversial with some because it involves a church gathering, reflects the church's need to cover expenses such as the webstreaming of the meeting, which costs $10,000, but has attracted thousands of viewers at previous synods.
In 2008 the church started a separate department for philanthropy, which is in the process of moving from what director Holland Hendrix calls a "theology of scarcity" to what is a more mission-driven "theology of philanthropy," which "inspires Canadians to give gladly as a faithful expression of their vocation."
The department has also put together a new gift guide called "Acts of Faith," which tells the stories of all the ministries of the church and encourages giving.
New course
The theme of the meeting is "Feeling the Winds of God: Charting a New Course," and Vision 2019 will urge the church to look at all its ministries through five marks of mission: proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom; teaching, baptizing and nurturing new believers; responding to human need with loving service; seeking to transform the unjust structures of society and safeguarding the integrity of creation while sustaining and renewing the life of the earth.
There's no question the agenda is packed with significant issues. General Synod is being asked to consider signing on to the Anglican Covenant, which is being circulated to all members of the international communion.
Also up for discussion is a resolution to study whether to continue solemnizing marriages, or leave that to civil authorities. That would mean churches would offer the blessing of civil marriages.
As a continuing reminder of the theological diversity in the church, the Anglican Essentials Federation, now renamed the Anglican Communion Alliance, will be present in Halifax to offer a conservative viewpoint. It includes the Prayer Book Society of Canada, Anglican Renewal Ministries and Barnabas Ministries.
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