RESOURCES
Ministry Formation
- Priest
- Ordination Standards for Priesthood
- Overview of Postulancy Process
- Deacon
- Lay Reader
- Bursaries
- Servers
Synod
Synod Organization Committee
Report of the Organizational Committee of Synod. To the Bishop, the Chancellor and the Members of Synod: The Synod Organizational Committee meets regularly throughout the year to plan for the annual meeting of Diocesan Synod. It also meets to prepare for special sessions of Synod as necessary. The Committee discusses the finances of Synod and makes annual recommendations as to Synod fees and other costs. As well, details as to venue, meals, set up, audio visual needs, evaluation forms, comments and the preliminary agenda are addressed and discussed. Our volunteers and members are to be thanked for this behind the scenes ministry.
For information regarding past or present Synods of Huron, please contact Sarah Chase, Synod Coordinator.
180th SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF HURON:
IDENTITY AND MISSION IN CHRIST
Rescheduled for September 26, 2020.
2020 Synod – Letter from Bishop Todd Townshend
2020 Synod – Letter from the Secretaries of Synod
Past & Future Synods
Synod 2019 – Downloads | |
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Charge to Synod – Bishop Linda Nicholls, May 27, 2019 | Click here for the text (PDF) |
Huron Popular Report – Rev. Cheryl Highmore | Click here for the text (PDF) |
Synod 2018 – Downloads | |
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Charge to Synod – Bishop Linda Nicholls, May 28, 2018 | Click here for the text (PDF) |
The Primate’s Address to Synod, May 28, 2018 | Click here for the text (PDF) |
Huron Popular Report – Brittany Cartwright | Click here for the text (PDF) |
Synod 2017 – Downloads | |
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Charge to Synod – Bishop Linda Nicholls, May 29, 2017 | Click here for the text (PDF) |
Huron Popular Report – Jeff Kischak | Click here for the text (PDF) |
Synod 2016 – Downloads | |
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Charge to Synod – Bishop Robert Bennett, Sunday, May 15, 2016 | Click here for the text (PDF) |
Huron Popular Report – Matthew Kieswetter | Click here for the text (PDF) |
Address to Synod – Bishop Linda Nicholls | Click here for the text (PDF) |
Future Synod Dates
Year | Diocesan Synod | Provincial Synod | General Synod |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | May 24-26 | ||
2021 | Further Dates To Be Determined | ||
2022 | Further Dates to Be Determined | ||
2023 |
Q | What materials do I need to take with me to Synod? |
A | The minimal information you will require at Synod is: Registration Form (previously mailed) Section 3 – Motions Agenda |
Q | Where do I find the Registration Form for Synod? |
A | Registration forms will be mailed out to all Synod Delegates. If you did not receive one, you should contact Cathy at Church House @ 519-434-6893, or toll free 800-919-1115 ext. 221 |
Q | This is my first Synod. Is there any information that will help me understand the process? |
A | Yes. From this site you can get a copy of So You’re Coming to Synod |
Q | I would like to go online to download the necessary documents. How do I do this? |
A | Contact Sarah Chase for complete information on how to download the Convening Circular |
Q | Do I have to download all of the documents in each section? |
A | No. You can view, print, and/or save whichever documents you wish. You have 2 choices to do this; each page has been scanned separately and can be viewed this way, or you can download the entire section. |
Q | How do I make a motion at Synod? |
A | Please see Section 0-4 to 0-6 of the Convening Circular |
So You’re Coming to Synod Welcome Program For more information, please contact: Sarah Chase Synod Administrator & Administration Coordinator Paul Rathbone Director, Administrative Services
Episcopal Election (179th Synod of the Diocese of Huron - Electoral Synod) October 26, 2019
- Video of the candidates from the Meet and Greet (Sept. 21, 2019 at St. Paul’s Cathedral)
Candidates’ answers to Electoral Procedures Committee questions - Questions for candidates with links to candidates’ biographies
- Letter from the Secretaries of Synod to Members of Synod (August 20, 2019)
- A Prayer for Guidance (August 19, 2019)
- Electoral Procedures Committee Update to the Diocese (August 14, 2019)
- Electoral Procedures Committee Letter to the Diocese (August 12, 2019)
Constitution and Canons
TOC | Table of Contents |
Glossary | Canon Definitions |
Constitution | Constitution |
Canon 1 | Election of a Bishop |
Canon 2 | Election of a Coadjutor Bishop or a Suffragan Bishop |
Canon 3 | Appointment of Dignitaries and Other Officers and their Duties |
Canon 4 | Candidates for Ordination |
Canon 5 | Candidates for Orders who have been Ordained in Another Denomination |
Canon 6 | Clergy Licenses, Permits, Leaves of Absence and Letters Dimissory |
Canon 7 | Permission to Officiate |
Canon 8 | Licensing of Lay Leaders |
Canon 9 | Clerical Appointments and Vacation |
Canon 10 | Retirement of Bishops, Clergy and Lay Employees of Diocese |
Canon 11 | Notice to be Given on Leaving a Parish |
Canon 12 | Partnership, Realignment, Reorganization, Disestablishment and Administration of the Parishes/Congregations of the Diocese |
Canon 13 | Rectories |
Canon 14 | Title to Real Property, Acquisition, Sale, Financing, Maintenance and Repair of Church Buildings |
Canon 15 | Investment of Trust Funds |
Canon 16 | Parish Records and Their Custody |
Canon 17 | Authorized Service Books and Scriptural Translations |
Canon 18 | Vestries and Churchwardens |
Canon 19 | Parish Councils |
Canon 20 | Differences Between Clerics and Their Parishes/Congregations |
Canon 21 | Discipline |
Canon 22 | Financial Appeals |
Canon 23 | Episcopal and Archdeacon’s Fund and the Sick Benefit Fund |
Canon 24 | Diocesan Mission Grants |
Canon 25 | Ordination Outfit Grants |
Canon 26 | Elections of Members to General and Provincial Synods and of Standing Committees of Synod |
Canon 27 | Bishop’s Fund for Professional Assistance of Clerics |
Canon 28 | The Diocesan Budget and Its Apportionment |
Canon 29 | Administration and Finance Committee |
Canon 30 | Archdeaconries and Regional Deaneries |
Canon 31 | Deanery Council |
Canon 32 | Revolving Loan Fund |
Canon 33 | Diocese of Huron Pension Plan |
Canon 34 | Retiring Gratuity and Group Life Insurance |
Canon 35 | Insurance |
Canon 36 | Other Committees |
Canon 37 | Archives and Archives Committee |
Canon 38 | Identification |
Canon 39 | Human Resources Committee |
Canon 40 | Screening in Faith |
Canon 41 | Cemeteries |
Canon 42 | Huron Development Fund |
Canon 43 | Chapels of Ease, Cemetery Chapels and Summer Churches |
Canon 44 | Litigation |
NATIONAL CANONS | Link to the canons of the Anglican Church of Canada |
Marriage Canon Task Force
Considering the Proposed Changes to the Marriage Canon
Resources for the Diocese of Huron
Marriage Canon Task Force (MCTF)
General Synod 2016 passed a resolution to change the Marriage Canon (Canon XXI, On Marriage in the Church) so it will apply to “all persons who are duly qualified by civil law to enter into marriage.” This resolution will only come into effect if it is passed by General Synod at a second reading (in 2019). Between the first (2016) and second (2019) reading, the resolution is to “be referred for consideration to diocesan and provincial synods.”
Overview of the Diocese of Huron Consideration Process
Diocese of Huron Marriage Canon Consultation Report
General Resources:
- Background Paper and Resources, March 2017, MCTF
- Written to accompany the 2017 Report to Synod; includes a brief overview of events and actions, as well as links to resources, from the Anglican Church of Canada, the Diocese of Huron, and across the Anglican Communion.
- Timeline, Summary taken from March 2017 Background Paper, May 2018, MCTF
- Summary of Theological and Scriptural Issues, September 2017, MCTF
Synod 2018 Video Resources:
- Discussion Guide to 2018 Synod Videos on the Marriage Canon
- Video 1: Ongoing Discernment about Marriage
- Video 2: Impact of Changing the Marriage Canon on Our Ecumenical and International Relationships
- Video 3: Living Together With Different Views of Marriage
- Video 4: Conflict in Congregations
- Video 5: Leaving the Anglican Church After the Vote
Deanery Gatherings Resources, 2017:
- Video for Deanery Conversations, October 2017, MCTF
- Questions for Deanery Conversations, October 2017, MCTF
- Group Norms for Deanery Conversations, May 2017, MCTF
Synod 2017 Resources:
- 2017 Report to Synod, February 2017, MCTF
- 2017 Synod Presentation, May 2017, Bishop Linda Nicholls
- 2017 Synod Conversation Group Questions, May 2017, MCTF
- 2017 Synod Conversation Group Norms, May 2017, MCTF
- 2017 Synod Participant Feedback, June 2017, MCTF
Other Resources:
- This Holy Estate, September 2015
Report from the National Marriage Commission prepared for General Synod. - Summary of This Holy Estate
Uses a question and answer to clarify issues and address common concerns. - Authority in the Anglican Communion
An explanation about how the churches of the Anglican Communion try to come to a common mind. - General Synod’s Canon XXI (On Marriage in the Church)
- Amendment to General Synod’s Canon XXI (On Marriage in the Church)
Chain of Prayer
PDF FORMAT
Diocesan Procedures and Policies
- Huron Church House Mission Statement
- Solar Energy Policy
- Terms of Reference, Land and Property Subcommittee
- Policy for Consideration of Sale or Demolition
- Structural Changes in Our Parish Buildings
- Procedure for Sale of Rectories
- Requests for Heritage Designation
- Guidelines for Disestablishment of a Church
- Guidelines for Chapel of Ease
- Selection Committee Guidelines
- Summary of Diocesan Insurance Plan
- Archdeaconry Commissions on Mission and Ministry
- Duties of Territorial Archdeacons
- Community Standards Guidelines for Social Media Platforms

Benefits
- Clergy group benefits
- Maternity and Parental
- Leaves (Vacation, Illness)
- Continuing Education
- Pension Policies
- Huron Pension – Canon 33
- Retiring Gratuity
- Retirement Moving Expense
- Gratuity Calculation
Bishop's Clergy Conference and Huron Clergy Days
February Clergy Days
All clergy are expected to attend one of the four days.
February 7, 2019 Saugeens: St. Paul’s, 248 High St, Southampton, ON N0H 2L0
February 14, 2019 London: Church of St. Jude, 1537 Adelaide St N, London, ON N5X 1K6
February 21, 2019 Essex: St. Mark’s by the Lake, Tecumseh, 150 St Marks Rd, Windsor, ON N8N 2H4
February 28, 2019 Waterloo: St. George’s, Forest Hill, 321 Fischer-Hallman Rd, Kitchener, ON N2M 4X9
REGISTER ONLINE (Registration form here)
Bishop’s Clergy Conference 2019
Mount Carmel Spiritual Centre
7021 Stanley Avenue, Niagara Falls
September 25, 26 & 27
Liturgical Standards and Other Resources
- Admission to Communion Other Churches
- Admission to Communion The Unbaptized
- Anglican-Roman Catholic Marriage
- Authorized Liturgies
- Authorized Version of Scripture
- Baptismal Discipline
- Baptismal & Holy Communion
- Blessing of a Same Sex Civil Marriage
- Blessing of a Stillborn Child
- Blessing or Commissioning for Attending Huron Church Camp
- Catechesis
- Celebration of New Ministry
- Christian Burial
- Clergy Active in Politics
- Clergy in Additional Employment
- Clergy not Licensed to the Bishop of Huron
- Common Worship Guidelines
- Copyright
- Deliverance Ministry
- Diocesan and Regional Liturgies
- Ecumenical Cooperation
- Emergency Baptism
- Forms of Clergy Addres
- General Permit Application
- Good Friday – Third Collect
- Guidelines for Deacons Retirement
- Huron Blessing of Civil Marriage with Eucharist
- Inclusive Language
- Lay Administrants of Holy Communion
- Lay Distribution of the Holy Sacrament
- Lay Readers
- Marriage in the Church
- Marriage Outside of the Church
- Marriage Rite Adapted from the Episcopal Church
- Massage Therapy
- Ministry of Healing
- Parish Invitations to Bishops
- Pastoral Letters from the Bishop
- Powers of Attorney
- Remarriage of Divorced Persons
- Regarding Anglican-Lutheran Clergy Transfers
- Return of Former Rectors
- The Reserved Sacrament
- Restoration of Profaned Property
- Seasons of Creation Study Program
Baptism
Confirmation

Congregational Development
Mission and Ministry Plan
Human Resources FAQ
Parish Leadership
Parish Policies
- Alcohol on Parish Premises
- Christmas Offering
- Parish Registers
- Protocol for Parishes –Invite Primate
- Resources for Liturgy
- Eucharistic Practice and Risk of Infection
- Parish Confidentiality
- Parish Policy on Gambling
- Policy on Indirect Methods of Raising Money for Church Purposes
- Policy for Use of Church Buildings by Outside Groups
Stewardship Resources
Parish Building Guidelines
Pre-Authorized Giving
Accessibility
As you are planning for parish renovations of the Church or Hall it is critical to consider issues of accessibility.
To help you think through physical accessibility including for your liturgical spaces, the following people with experience concerning accessibility issues are available for initial consultations (one or two) including a visit to the site:
- The Rev. Matthew Arguin – Associate Priest, Regional Ministry for St. Alban the Martyr & The Church of St. Jude
Phone: 519-455-5788
Email: [email protected]
- The Rev. Preston Parsons – Priest in the Kitchener-Waterloo Area
Email: [email protected]
- Mr. Terry Marklevitz – Architect
Email: [email protected]
- Dr. Karen Sunabacka – Associate Professor of Music, Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo
www.sunabacka.com
Email: [email protected]
Wardens' and Treasurers' Workshop Materials
- Letter from Bishop Linda
- Church House Staff arreas of focus and contact information
- Outlines of Canons of Importance to Wardens
- Canon 18 – Vestries and Churchwardens
- Canon 19 – Parish Councils
- Special Vestry Meetings
- Case Study
- Policy for Use of Church Buildings by Outside Groups
- Safe Church brochure
- Warden&Treasurer responsibilities (Diocesan Council, Year-End and Synod)
- Stewardship Tips
- Overview of our website
- Power Point Presentation (Ministry of Wardens and Treasures; Team Building; Property, Safe Guarding of Assets, Charitable Status; Safe Church)
- Power Point Presentation – Canons and Policies
- Power Point Presentation – Human Resources
Greening Resources for Parishes

Diocesan Apportionment - 2020 Actual and 2021 Budget
Financial Forms and Information
- Financial Appeals
- Grants and Loans
- Mortgages of Church Property
- Apportionment to Parishes
- Parish Paymaster
- Parish Paymaster -Worksheet
- Collection of Tax -Retail Sales Tax
- Travel Allowance Rates
- Cemetery Trust Fund Investments
- Trust Fund Information Sheet
- Pre-authorized Giving Authorization Form
- Credit Card Giving Authorization Form
- Receipts for Donations
2020 Year End Forms & Documents
2020 Year End Forms & Documents
- 2020 Yearend Announcements
- 2020 Annual Financial Return (electronic)
- 2020 Annual Financial Return (manual)
- 2020 Financial Reporting of Key Operating (Apportionable) Costs
- 2020 Parish Statistic Form (printable)
- 2020 Parish Statistic Form (online)
- 2020 Trust Fund Report
- Safe Church Compliance Annual Report
2021 Financial Documents
2021 Forms & Documents
- Certificate of Election (will be mailed to Clergy in January 2021)
- Annual Vestry Meeting Notes & Reminders
- 2021 Apportionment/Payroll PAP Authorization
- Minimum-stipend-schedule-2021
- 2021 Diocese of Huron Budget
- 2021 Final Apportionment by Congregation
- Clergy Remuneration Info
- Clergy-Compensation-Sheet-2021 (Complete and submit for Changes Only)
- Lay Staff Payroll Update Form (Complete and submit for Changes Only)
2020 External Insurance Groups Program
2020 External Insurance Groups Program

The Verschoyle Phillip Cronyn Memorial Archives
In response to COVID-19, the Archives will be closed to church personnel (other than Archives staff) and patrons until further notice.
Closed churches are advised to transfer their archival records on a temporary basis to the church to which it has been amalgamated until such time the Archives reopens.
Active churches are advised to retain their archival records until such time the Archives reopens.
Patrons requiring birth, marriage and death information are advised to contact the Archives by phone or e-mail.
Archives staff are available at the Archives to take all other inquiries and may be reached by phone or e-mail.
Research in the Diocese of Huron Archives may be undertaken in the following manner:
In person at:
1349 Western Road, London
(below the Chapel of St John the Evangelist, Huron University College)
Hours:
Monday 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday 9:30 – 3:30 PM (4:00 PM when the Archivist is present)
Wednesday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Thursdays and weekends closed
Patrons are encouraged to make an appointment first before using the Archives.
By mail addressed to:
Diocese of Huron Archives
Huron University College
1349 Western Road
London, ON
N6G 1H3
Phone: 519-645-7956
Email: [email protected]
Fax: 519-645-8669
Archives and the Parish
(What goes to the Diocesan Archives and what does a parish keep?)
Those doing genealogical research must clearly indicate the purpose for their research. All requests are answered first in order of arrival and secondly, in order of priority. Requests for extract are usually answered within one week.
Fee Schedule
- The daily fee for visitors seeking genealogical information is $25.00.
- Genealogical research carried out by the Archivist will be done at an hourly rate of $25.00.
- Fee for an extract of a Baptism, Marriage or Burial record is $20.00.
Note: We do not provide an “actual” certificate of the requested extract.
All fees are payable in advance and are non-refundable. Cash, cheque or money orders are acceptable and
U.S. funds are accepted at par. All fees are subject to change without notice.
The policy of the Anglican Church in Canada forbids the duplication of Parish Records for circulation or for profit. Access to certain records may be restricted, subject to the permission of the Bishop of the Diocese.

Ministry Opportunities
As of February 16, 2021 the following parishes are without rectors/incumbents:
PARISHES CURRENTLY AT THE INTERVIEWING STAGE:
- Christ Church, Meaford
PARISHES WITHOUT INCUBMENTS (they have supply, Interim or transitional ministry):
- St. James’, Wallaceburg and St. James’, Port Lambton (part-time)
- St. Paul’s, Port Dover (part-time)
- St. James, Ingersoll
- St. Paul’s, Stratford
- St. Hilda’s-St. Luke’s, St. Thomas (part-time)
- Trinity, Port Burwell (part-time)
- Christ Church, Petrolia and Christ Church, Forest
- Christ Church, Amherstburg
- St. Mark’s, Brantford
- St. Thomas the Apostle, St. Thomas
- Parish of Rondeau Bay (St. Paul’s, Erieau, Trinity, Blenheim and Grace Church, Rondeau Park)
PARISHES WHERE THE INCUMBENT WILL BE LEAVING:
Opportunities
St. James’ Anglican Church in Cambridge, Ontario, has a rich history of meaningful music and seeks a permanent part-time music director/organist.
Responsibilities include playing the Tracker Organ, directing the choir (Weekly practices and Sunday services), and meeting regularly with the Minister and monthly with the Worship Committee to plan the service music and anthems. Salary and benefits commensurate with experience, education, and credentials, consistent with St. James’ ability to pay. Two weeks paid vacation by arrangement with the Rector (with an additional week after first full year). We welcome expressions of interest or applications until August 30. For a complete job description, please go to our website at www.stjamesang.ca or contact our Church Office at [email protected] or via phone at 519-658-4547.
St. Thomas’ Anglican Church in Belleville, Ontario is searching for a Director of Music.
St. Thomas’ has a rich musical heritage rooted in the Anglican tradition. We are open to new ideas and change. We are blessed with a well-maintained 1977 Gabriel Kney organ.
We welcome applicants with the following: interpersonal and communication skills; a demonstrated ability as an organist and choir director including recitals; openness to a variety of musical styles, and strong leadership. You will work collaboratively with the rector and others involved in worship planning, being respectful of the diversity of the congregation. Salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience according to the 2020 RCCO guidelines is based on an average 20 hour work week. Additional income options at St. Thomas’ and the broader community are available and encouraged.
A full job description can be obtained by contacting the church office by phone at 613-962-3636, by email at [email protected] or on our website www.stthomasbelleville.ca. Additionally, a description of our Gabriel Kney organ, is available on our website under the Music tab. For additional information about this position please contact Search Committee Chairperson, Anne Clark 613-969-1846.
Applications will be received at [email protected] with a deadline of Friday February 7, 2020.