The Provincial Synod of BC and the Yukon has set up a Committee on Restructuring to study the boundaries and resources of the five dioceses that make it up.

 

A motion brought by Bishop James Cowan of the Diocese of BC - which only includes Vancouver Island - asks that a committee of three, appointed by Metropolitan Terry Buckle after consulting members of the synod, look at the structure, resources, demographics, and needs of the areas within the boundaries of the five dioceses.

They are also to look at the former Diocese of Cariboo, which was in practical terms disestablished in 2001 due to lawsuits relating to residential schools. Bishop Gordon Light, a suffragan bishop to the Metropolitan who administers what is now called the Parishes of the Central Interior, seconded Bishop Cowan's motion.

Provincial Chancellor Douglas MacAdams said that formally changing the boundaries would require amendments to five acts of the BC Legislative Assembly and an ordinance of the Yukon Territory. However, informal arrangements could be struck amongst the dioceses, as now happens. Parishes in Fort Nelson and Telegraph Creek, British Columbia, although legally within the Diocese of Caledonia, are under the care of the Bishop of Yukon.

The current diocesan boundaries "made good sense when the transportation structure of the province was different," said MacAdams, but times have changed. He said that the Provincial Synod will have to find and provide resources to the Committee if it is to carry out its task by 2009, the date specified in the resolution.

McAdams and Laurie Dye of the Diocese of New Westminster were welcomed as chancellor and provincial treasurer, respectively. Synod bade farewell to the Reverend Kevin Dixon of St. Mary's, Kerrisdale as provincial prolocutor, and welcomed the Ven. Gordon Payne (Diocese of B.C.) into the position.

 

Another resolution that carried at the synod was a motion to use inclusive language at provincial synod worship.

Delegates and guests went on a field trip to the Adams river to see the salmon run, while at the same time learning about the environmental hazards that not only endanger the salmon, but also the entire Shuswap Lake ecosystem. This trip complemented the theme presentation given by Cathy Haig (Kootenay) and Susan Titterington (Yukon) on the Columbia River Watershed - the realities of what is happening and the possibilities for change and renewal.