The Special Session of Synod 2025 took place via Zoom on November 15 from the Cathedral of St Michael and All Angels, Kelowna, with 60 participants (lay and clergy delegates plus guests). Commencing with a worship service presided over by The Right Rev Dr. Lynne McNaughton, Bishop of the Diocese of Kootenay. The theme of this Special Synod was the same as the previous year.
Bishop Lynne began by welcoming a new parish “Churches of the Transfiguration in the Southwest Kootenays,” which contains St Andrew’s Trail; St John the Evangelist, Fruitvale; St Paul, Salmo; St David’s, Castlegar; St Stephen, New Denver; Christ Church, Creston.
Worship: Morning Prayer for Ordinary Time starting with Psalm 133.
Reading: “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for the One who has promised is faithful. And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds …encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25
Hymn: “Let Us Build a House”
Bishop’s Charge
The Bishop’s Charge was followed by a video message from The Most Rev Shane Parker Primate of Canada.
This was followed by a report from the Resolutions Committee being received and discussed by the delegates. (Chris Parsons)
Kootenay Fair Share (KFS) was presented and discussed by the delegates. (Chris Harwood-Jones).
During discussion it was pointed out that KFS is not a canon and will go before the Diocesan Council for final approval.
To clarify KFS: approximately 15 % of a parishes “defined Congregational
Income” goes to the diocese.
Income” goes to the diocese.
Regarding Shared Ministries, as the revised percentage of the KSF for Ecumenical Shared Ministries is given to both judicatories, they only give half of their KFS to the Diocese. Voted on and carried.
In response to the discussion, Bishop Lynne said, “We’re not in the business of closing congregations.”
The Financial Report and the Budget was given by the Treasurer, Shelia Nelson.
After lunch, Synod continued with a prayer and the hymn, “Live in the Light.”
- A presentation on “Thriving Communities and Structure Working Group” was conducted by Andrew Stephens-Rennie.
- A presentation on “Rebuilding Camp OAC” was given by Ian Dixon.
- A motion that the position of Director of Missional Renewal be a full-time position was discussed and passed by the delegates.
- Canon 2: changes to Synod Protocols were discussed and passed.
- Canon 10.2: concerning approval for erecting buildings on church properties were discussed and passed.
- Canon 12: updates to regulations concerning cemeteries, columbaria, and scattering gardens were discussed and passed.
- Canon 17: revised to bring the policies concerning “Ecumenical Shared Ministry” and “Shared Ministry Covenant” inline with current practices. The canon was discussed and passed.
Closing Worship and the Bishop’s Blessing concluded this Special Session of Synod.
Thanks be to God!
