When and where is synod?
The Diocese of New Westminster’s annual synod will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 26 and 27, at Capilano College, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver, and begins at 8:30 am. Registration opens at 7:30 am. On Saturday, balloting and late registration begin at 8 am.
What is a synod?
A synod is our gathering of the bishop, clergy (priests and deacons), and laity, who together constitute the governing body of the diocese. The purpose is to bring people together for worship, to educate them on issues facing the church, and to deal with the diocese’s business. This will be the 105th session of synod since the diocese’s founding in 1879. Synod must be held at least every two years; the practice in recent years in this diocese has been to meet annually.
Who is a synod member?
Synod is made up of all licensed clergy in the diocese and elected lay members. At its annual vestry meeting in February, each parish elects lay people to become members of synod for one year. Each parish is entitled to from one to six synod members, depending on parish size, plus one youth member (age 16-21). The membership of synod totals about 350.
What will synod members do?
They will be treated to several presentations. The theme of synod this year is “And God Created,” with three main presentations relating to the stewardship of God’s creation – of our environment, of financial resources, and of our physical resources (property and buildings).
There will be a Eucharist Friday morning, with a homily from Bishop Michael Ingham, and a shorter worship service Saturday morning. The delegates will be presented with the financial statements and budget, and have the opportunity to present and vote on resolutions. In addition, several elections will be held.
Who will be elected?
Yes, delegates will be fed at Synod 2006. Others however are advised to bring a bag lunch
Synod as a whole will elect to Diocesan Council a treasurer, two secretaries (one clerical and one lay), and a diocesan youth representative. Delegates will also elect one representative from their own deanery. Between Synod meetings, Diocesan Council makes decisions on Synod’s behalf.
There will be five clergy and five laypeople and one youth delegate elected as delegates to the national Anglican Church of Canada’s General Synod, which meets every three years. Its next meeting is June 19 to 25, 2007, in Winnipeg.
In addition there are other positions to be filled by election: members of the board of discipline, the bishop’s advisory committee on appointments, administrators to the Anglican Initiatives Fund, and provincial synod delegates.
Can anyone attend as a visitor?
All sessions of synod are open (unless the synod votes otherwise – which hasn’t happened in recent years). A special seating area has been set up for visitors.
Will there be food?
Lunch is included for all delegates. However, visitors are advised they should bring a bag lunch.