Report on the 66th Synod

Clergy and Lay delegates gathered from all corners of the Diocese of Saskatchewan for the 66^th Diocesan Synod at the Cathedral Church of St Alban the Martyr in Prince Albert on Oct. 16 and 17.

Friday afternoon included two presentations, one on issues surrounding Elder Abuse, and the second on the plans being developed for a Northern Manitoba Area Mission.

The opening Eucharist service on Friday evening included three special features: the Bishop’s Charge, an Institution to ministry, and Investiture into the Order of Saskatchewan.

The service opened with the procession of lay readers, clergy, deans and canons, and Bishops, including both the Right Reverend Michael Hawkins, Bishop of Saskatchewan, and Archbishop David Ashdown, Metropolitan of Rupert’s Land. Nick Bilyk read the Epistle, and the Reverend Beryl Whitecap read the Gospel.

The Bishop’s Charge centred on the theme, “Called and Sent.” Bishop Hawkins reminded the gathered delegates and observers that followers of Christ are both Called Out, from the world and into a life of holiness, and Sent Out, back into the world to spread the good news of God’s saving love. These are our Vocation and our Mission. And in the context of the Diocese of Saskatchewan, these lead to two priorities upon which Bishop Hawkins wishes the Diocese to work: Mission, as reaching out to the world around us according to the Five Marks of Mission, and Indigenous Self-Determination within the Church. (To read the Bishop's Charge, click here for Part 1, and here for Part 2).

Following his charge, Bishop Hawkins instituted the Reverend Joanne Beacon as Chaplain (P) at the Saskatchewan Penitentiary. He led the congregation in praying for her, then presented her with Letters of Institution and License and blessed her and her work.

Six people then came forward to receive Investiture into the Order of Saskatchewan. The recipients were: Jane Bannerman, Rae Benson, Nick Bilyk, Betsy Brunner, Louisa Buck, and Bob Robinson.

Bishop Hawkins then celebrated Holy Communion. A reception for delegates, visitors and observers followed the Opening Eucharist service.

The second day of the 66^th Synod began with Morning Prayer, followed by a small-group Bible study from Ephesians 1 and 4. Once the business portion of the Synod was called to order, Archbishop Ashdown brought greetings from the Province of Rupert’s Land, and the Reverend Dan Haugen brought greetings on behalf of the Saskatchewan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and their Bishop Cindy Halverson.

The morning session of Synod also included voting on amendments to the Constitution and Canons, most notably to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the Finance Committee, to streamline corrections and alterations of form within the Constitutions and Canons, and to alter both to replace the usage of “Indian” with “Indigenous.” Delegates were updated on the budget and financial situation of the Diocese. Then nominations were made for positions on the various Diocesan committees.

The afternoon session began with what proved to be a lively election, as several ties in the House of Clergy voting required a second ballot to be resolved.

Archdeacon Larry Beardy from the Diocese of Keewatin, and Mrs. Freda Lepine from the Diocese of Brandon addressed the delegates and observers on the topic of Indigenous Ministry and Self-Determination in the Diocese. They spoke of the work that has been done in northern Manitoba, and fielded questions about their work and the topic of the Diocese of Saskatchewan joining this process.

Delegates also debated and voted upon Resolutions and Memorials. These included motion to ask that General Synod not change the marriage canon at the next General Synod gathering, and a call for General Synod to uphold the moratoria on the blessing of same-sex unions, the consecration of bishops in same-sex partnerships, and the exercising of jurisdiction across diocesan boundaries. Another motion affirmed the Anglican Covenant process and committed to fully engage further drafts. All of these motions carried. Other motions that were carried addressed the need for an action plan to implement the recommendations of the Evangelism and Mission Strategy Task Force struck at the previous Synod, and the need to engage in dialogue with the Indigenous Council and Indigenous Clergy toward greater self-determination.

The 66^th Synod of the Diocese of Saskatchewan came to an end with all present, delegates, visitors and observers, men and women, clergy and lay, Cree and non-Indigenous, all joining together to sing, “Jesus Saves!”

We have heard the joyful sound:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around:
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land,
Climb the steeps and cross the waves;
Onward! 'tis our Lord's command;
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!