A message from Archbishop Anne Germond…

The National House of Bishops meeting in Niagara Falls has ended and we are on our way home to our respective dioceses and homes.  Our time together was deeply prayerful and through our discernment we nominated five bishops who will stand for election as Primate of Canada.  We spent time in conversation about General Synod and would like to call the church to prayer as we consider the difficult matters before us.  We felt the prayers of the wider church – thank you so much!  Our final evening and morning was spent saying farewell to our beloved Primate – in gift giving and in prayer.  I am delighted that he will be attending Algoma’s Synod in May.  Please join me in praying for our church and our Primate in this time leading up to General Synod.

General Synod 2019 will bring three important issues before the Church:  The proposed revision of the marriage canon; a primatial election; and indigenous self-determination, in addition to other areas of our common life together.

We know that the consideration of same-sex marriage has been painful and caused deep concern across our Church. Although we are not of one mind on this matter the House of Bishops, in Christian love, affirms:

1. That Indigenous Peoples will seek God’s direction on these matters in their own way and in their own time.
2. That we have two views of marriage that are held by the faithful of the Anglican Church of Canada.
3. That clergy be protected for holding, teaching and, with permission, exercising either view of marriage.
4. That we commit to remain in communion, living together with respect.

In light of these affirmations we invite the Church to join us in prayer for the work of General Synod 2019 that we may bear with one another in unity and love under the guidance of God the Holy Spirit.

Prayer for Synod:

Book of Alternative Services

Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in General Synod for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honour and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord.    Amen.

Book of Common Prayer

Guide, we beseech thee, Almighty God, by the light of thy Holy Spirit, the counsels of the Bishops, Clergy, and Laity who will assemble in General Synod; that thy Church may dwell in peace, and fulfil all the mind of him who loved it and gave himself for it, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.    Amen.