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Forty-Third Session of General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada concluded its work on July 2.

More than 200 Anglicans from across the country met in Calgary from June 27 to July 2, 2023 for the Synod’s first meeting since the outbreak of COVID-19, jointly with a national gathering of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada (ELCIC). The joint Assembly was built around the theme “Let there be greening.”

Here are some of the most important decisions of the 43rd session of GS:

  • General Synod defines five transformational aspirations to guide new strategic plan

General Synod has overwhelmingly approved five priorities or “transformational aspirations” prepared by the Strategic Planning Working Group (SPWG) to serve as the basis for the Anglican Church of Canada’s new strategic plan.

As adopted by General Synod, the five transformational aspirations call for the Anglican Church of Canada to be a church that “invites and deepens life in Christ”; “champions the dignity of every human being; works to dismantle racism and colonialism”; “embraces mutual interdependence with the Indigenous church (Sacred Circle)”; nurtures right relationships among people of faith in local, national and global communities and networks”; and “stewards and renews God’s creation; protects and sustains the earth; pursues justice for all.”

READ MORE HERE 

  • A set of gender-themed liturgies authorized by General Synod

The 43rd General Synod has authorized a set of gender-themed liturgies, including a blessing on gender transition, for use in the Anglican Church of Canada—in dioceses where they have been authorized by the bishop.

Unlike motions to amend canons, which require General Synod to vote by order with a two-thirds majority in each order, Resolution A122 was a matter of worship and required only a simple majority to pass, with General Synod voting as a whole.

READ MORE HERE 

  • General Synod responds to GS 2019 Resolution C005: motions on changing the threshold for required votes by orders, and eliminating the need for approval by two successive sessions of GS

The 2019 resolution directs the Council of General Synod to review the composition of the membership and the rules of order and procedure of General Synod and bring forward any recommended changes for consideration at the 43rd session of General Synod.

ELIMINATING THE NEED FOR APPROVAL BY TWO SUCCESSIVE SESSIONS

CHANGING THE THRESHOLD FOR REQUIRED VOTES BY ORDERS

FROM OUR PREVIOUS POSTINGS:

  • General Synod votes no to primatial term extension: READ MORE

  • Ven. Tanya Phibbs (Diocese of Huron) elected Deputy Prolocutor for General Synod: READ MORE

  • Anglican Foundation to fund climate care and "green shoots" ministry: READ MORE

  • General Synod directs the Council of General Synod to establish a permanent National Advisory Council on Dismantling Racism: READ MORE

FROM THE JOINT ACC/ELCIC ASSEMBLY: 

  • Joint statement for peace and justice in Isareal and Palestine: READ MORE HERE

Sources:

https://www.anglicanlutheran.ca/assembly/ 
https://anglicanjournal.com/