Welcome
This was the first gathering of Diocesan Council (DC) following the August 31st retirement of Bishop Michael Ingham. The Dean of the Diocese of New Westminster, the Very Reverend Peter Elliott according to the Canons and Constitution became Diocesan Administrator, September 1st, and he, with Senior Synod Staff is currently responsible for the day-to-day operations of the diocese.
Dean Elliott announced that Chancellor, George Cadman and he would share the Chair for the evening and for subsequent meetings over the months prior to the arrival of the new Bishop. For this meeting, September 10th he would Chair the first half of the meeting and the Chancellor would Chair the section after the break.
The Dean began with a brief summary of the Bishop’s Friend’s Dinner in honour of Bishop Michael Ingham held at the Arbutus Club, the previous evening, September 9th, 2013. The Chancellor of the Diocese, George Cadman, QC was the MC and was “brilliant.” It was a very successful event and a fitting tribute and celebration for the recently retired Bishop.
The next item in the opening section was to welcome the new Chair of the Communications Committee, Valerie Casselton, a long-time parishioner at St. Francis-in-the-Wood and currently in her work life, Managing Editor of the Vancouver Sun.
As Chair of a Standing Committee of the Diocese, Val is now a member of Synod and a member of DC.
With Valerie’s career as a segue, the Dean spoke for a few minutes about some of the stories currently in the news, from the decisions the world community must make about Syria to the disturbing stories from UBC and St. Mary’s University regarding hazing practices. Dean Peter encouraged DC as people of faith to remain engaged in world events and continue the work of peace and justice.
Next he spoke briefly about Reconciliation Week September 16-22, not just the Walk of Reconciliation on the 22nd but the other events taking place in other venues. He repeated our former Bishop’s desire that Anglicans participate. “We are very much a people of signs” he said and a significant turnout of not only Anglicans but others would be a powerful sign to the rest of the world.
Please click to download the current TRC WEEK EVENTS LISTING compiled by diocesan TRC liaison, the Rev. Laurel Dykstra
Following the Opening Prayer, the Dean announced to DC that the Archdeacon of Westminster and Rector of Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Venerable John Bailey would be retiring October 31st but will continue in a leadership role in the Holy Trinity rejuvenation and property development project.
Episcopal Election Update
Dean Peter asked the Chancellor to bring DC up-to-date on the work of the Search/Nominations Committee. The Chancellor began by listing the members of the Committee elected at the June 11th meeting of DC:
Lay Members
• Reinhard Rudersdorfer• Leslie Arnovick
• Helen Brown
• Charles Nurse
• Starr Allaby
Clergy Members
• Rev. David Price• Rev. Fr. Michael Fuller
• Rev. Marnie Peterson
• Rev. Brian Vickers
• Ven. John Struthers.
The committee met twice in August and the initial work of the committee has involved the development of the Diocesan Profile, a draft of which had been circulated a few days earlier to DC members.
DC members were asked to provide the committee with some feedback about the profile draft. The committee has also been working on a timetable for key events in the process.
The committee meets next on September 12th, 2013, with Val Casselton and diocesan communications officer Randy Murray in attendance at the beginning of the meeting to engage with the committee on communications needs regarding design of the profile and subsequent distribution out into the world to encourage nominations.
It is expected that a call for nominations will go out as early as September 16th, 2013.
Digital Voting
The Chancellor asked Business Administrator, Rob Dickson to speak briefly to the issue of digital voting as an option for the upcoming Electoral Synod.
Rob shared information about some of the companies that supply this service and specifically about the Toronto company, Data on the Spot (DOTS) who have submitted a quote. DOTS was the company that supplied digital voting services this past summer at Joint Assembly – General Synod, July 3rd-7th in Ottawa and for the election of the suffragan bishop, the Right Rev. Bishop Peter Fenty last April in the Diocese of Toronto.
One of the potential problems is that they do not have the capacity to electronically track more than ten outcomes.
George reminded DC that decisions about the Electoral Synod are ultimately the responsibility of the Metropolitan, the Most Reverend John Privett, therefore a resolution on going ahead with digital voting would be deferred until the October DC meeting after consultation with Archbishop Privett.
George then asked the other members of the Search/Nominations Committee to offer additional information. Charles Nurse informed DC that there has been some work around beginning the process of developing questions in a questionnaire that will go out to each prospective candidate prior to moving into the interview process tentatively scheduled for mid-October.
George Cadman put the Resolution forward to Fix the Date and Location of Electoral Synod as Saturday, November 30th, 2013, at Christ Church Cathedral.
That Motion was CARRIED
Diocesan Profile Draft
George Cadman introduced DC to the Diocesan Profile Draft document and how it will be used. He turned the floor over to Search/Nominations Committee member Reinhard Rudersdorfer to speak about the profile. Reinhard said that the committee had to find a broader and much more visionary way to produce the profile as so much has happened in the diocese in the more than 20 years since the last profile was written. As a guideline, the committee looked at a number of existing profiles of current or recent episcopal elections which included; the Diocese of Calgary and the Episcopal Diocese of New York profile as guides. Reinhard stressed that the work of the Executive Archdeacon, the Ven. Douglas Fenton and the Assistant to the Bishop, the Rev. Eileen Nurse were extremely helpful in this major work done by members of the Search/Nominations Committee.
Charles Nurse and John Struthers members of the committee stressed that what DC had before it was just the text, which is static, reminding DC members that there will be layout features: photos, charts, fonts and design ideas that will create a compelling communications piece.
Over the course of the next 20 minutes a number of DC members gave their opinions and suggestions concerning the draft profile content and messaging. Suggestions ran the gamut from the desire to include a reference to the diocesan strategic plan, Plan 2018 to more references to youth and youth ministry to a proposed adoption of the Theology of Abundance and generous stewardship as a diocesan priority.
Dean Elliott brought the discussion to a close by asking people who had made specific suggestions to send them in by email to the Executive Archdeacon and the Assistant to the Bishop. George asked that those who wish to contribute ideas please do so by Thursday, September 12th at 9am.
The goal for release of the profile is the week of September 23rd.Report on General Synod – 2013
Dean Peter Elliott opened the reporting on Joint Assembly - General Synod, July 3rd-7th, 2013, in Ottawa. This was the tri-annual meeting of the National Anglican Church of Canada held in part with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
There were 6 members of General Synod from the Diocese of New Westminster present at DC on September 12th. Each of the 6 members was asked to speak for 2 minutes on a particular element of General Synod.
The Dean began by offering information about the proposed structural changes to General Synod structures much like what we have experienced here in the D of NW with the White Paper, and the subsequent decision made to accept the recommendations of restructuring at Diocesan Synod this past May 24th and May 25th.
The Venerable Lynne McNaughton, Archdeacon of Capilano and Rector of St. Clement, Lynn Valley spoke about events directly involving or integrating Canada’s First Nations at General Synod. On the evening of Day 2 (July 4th) there was a unanimous vote to support the National Indigenous Ministry in the Canons of the National Church.
Diocesan Business Administrator and Chair of the National Church Finance Committee, Rob Dickson spoke about finances at the National level. Rob presented the budget at General Synod which was passed without questions or comments from the floor.
Anglican Archivist and Lay Secretary of Synod, Melanie Delva spoke about the motion regarding the division of the Diocese of Keewatin so that the area defined as Northern Ontario Region by the Constitutions of the Diocese of Keewatin may become a separate indigenous diocese. This motion passed on the last day of General Synod with unanimous approval.
Cathedral Vicar and Archdeacon of Burrard, the Ven. Dr. Ellen Clark-King spoke about Resolution C003. This resolution would “direct the Council of General Synod to prepare and present a motion at General Synod 2016 to change the Canon on marriage to allow the marriage of same sex couples in the same way as opposite sex couples.”
Archdeacon of Vancouver and Rector of St. Philip, Dunbar, the Venerable John Stephens spoke about the resolution on “creation care” and an addition to the baptismal covenant regarding the safeguarding of creation “to respect, renew the life of the earth.” The motion passed. He also spoke about the gathering on July 6th at the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill to bear witness to the need for clean drinking water. An initiative championed by the youth of both denominations.
After the GS report DC had a 10 minute refreshment break and following the break, the Chancellor chaired the meeting
MINUTES – June 11th, 2013
The Motion to approve the Minutes of June 11th, 2013 was CARRIED
CORRESPONDENCE
Click to access the Letter from Archbishop John Privett of August 14th, 2014
ACTION – FOR DEBATE
Sorrento Centre – Request for extension of Loan Terms
Treasurer Bob Hardy spoke to the item and summarized the Précis (available by clicking the link above) briefly and succinctly.
There were no questions on the motion
The Motion was Carried.
DNW Office/Centre Task Force report
Treasurer Bob Hardy summarized the report which is available here by clicking the link above. He clarified that the proposed plan of locating the D of NW offices and a Diocesan Centre at St. John’s, Shaughnessy is one option.
The Task Force analyzed the needs of Synod Staff and the needs of the diocese and diocesan leadership regarding meeting space, central locations, and the projected plan to use current and future communications technologies for meeting electronically.
Rob Dickson spoke next and he said that there is an opportunity to reduce occupation costs substantially even with the capital cost expenditures to renovate the space.
Bob mentioned that there would be a property tax benefit.
The Executive Archdeacon, the Ven. Douglas Fenton stressed that what is proposed is a Diocesan Centre, a place where all the things that we do in ministry come together in one location.
The Chancellor asked the Task Force members that if DC recommended this report what would be the next steps.
Business Administrator Rob Dickson responded by saying that with a favourable recommendation the Task Force can begin negotiating with the Parish Of SJS and the next stage of planning and implementation could take place within a matter of months.
Prior to the question being asked, the Chancellor opened the floor for comments and questions. There were concerns about the location of SJS, a property located in the western part of the City of Vancouver. There were numerous concerns that this was the only site looked at, which might preclude other options.
Those who commented and were opposed to endorsing the Task Force Report appreciated that time is running out regarding the current Synod Office lease but believed that there needs to be a variety of proposals.
A motion was made to defer the motion and refer back to the Task Force and table until October but that motion was defeated.
THAT DC endorses in principal the creation of a Diocesan Centre being established at St. John’s Shaughnessy.
The MOTION was Carried
George Cadman reminded DC that an endorsement in principal still means there is significant work to be done both by the Task Force in determining the best route to take regarding this proposal and potential implementation.
Nominations
New members of Grants and Loans were confirmed at DC: Former Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer of the Diocese, Jim Stewart, former Clerical Secretary of DC, the Reverend Karin Fulcher, the Venerable Lynne McNaughton and the Venerable John Bailey were all confirmed as G&L members.
The Chancellor called for Adjournment at 10:10 pm and all members of DC and support staff stood and said “The Grace.” The next scheduled meeting of Diocesan Council, is Tuesday, October 8th at St. Augustine’s, Marpole.
Images: Top and homepage, Lay Secretary, Melanie Delva (centre) confers with Youth Delegate, Anne Kessler on the left and Archdeacon Ellen Clark-King on the right. Upper left, Diocesan Council co-chairs, Dean Peter Elliott and George Cadman. Upper right, the new Chair of the Communications Committee, Valerie Casselton. Upper-middle left, the Venerable John Bailey’s October 31st retirement as Archdeacon of Westminster was announced; to Johns’ right are Charles Nurse (partial) and Mark Beley. Middle right, The Venerable Lynne McNaughton reporting on Joint Assembly – General Synod. Middle left, The Chancellor of the Diocese of New Westminster, George Cadman was the chair for the second portion of DC, Legal Assessor, Don Paul is on the right. Lower left, Diocesan Treasurer, Bob Hardy. Lower right, Deanery Representatives, the Rev. David Price and Kaye Kerlande listen intently during the Diocesan Office re-location discussions.
Diocesan Council is the decision making, governing body of the Diocese of New Westminster consisting of: the Diocesan Officers (Bishop, Dean, Executive Archdeacon, Chancellor, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer)
the Archdeacons of the five Archdeaconries
the Archdeacon who is the Director of Deacons, two additional Diocesan Legal Officers, (Registrar and Legal Assessor), a Lay Secretary, a Clergy Secretary, the chairs of the Diocesan Standing Committees
There are two Deanery reps either Ordained or Lay. Sometimes Deaneries have two lay reps and sometimes two clergy reps, sometimes one of each. A Deanery is a group of churches, geographically affiliated and the reps are elected at the Annual Synod Meeting.
Synod Staff also attend meetings but are not members of Diocesan Council. They include: Business Administrator, Stewardship and Planned Giving Officer, Comptroller, Youth Coordinator and Communications Officer (and other staff as required).
Diocesan Synod consists of all the active clergy in the Diocese of New Westminster and 2-6 lay people elected from each diocesan parish proportionate to the size of the parish community.
Diocesan Council functions as the Synod between Synods, it is a representation of the large group that meets annually.
Diocesan Council and Diocesan Synod are both chaired by the Bishop.
Diocesan Council meets monthly on the second Tuesday of the month usually at St. Augustine, Marpole at 7:30pm. Diocesan Council is adjourned for the months of July and August.