Together on the Way

The 68th Synod of the Diocese of Edmonton was held on October 21 and 22. In addition to the 57 members of the clergy and 130 members of the laity who registered for synod, representatives from ministries of the diocese and national church, bishop's appointees, ecumenical guests and observers were present at All Saints' Cathedral and St. Matthias Anglican Church in Edmonton.

A Service of Holy Eucharist, held Friday evening at the Cathedral on Treaty 6 Territory, began with a smudge led by Cree Elder Russell Auger and a reading by Derian Tremblay of Church of the Nativity, Frog Lake. In his charge to the synod, the Rt. Rev. Stephen London, Bishop of Edmonton reminded all who were present that to be true to the gospel in today's world, the church must make reparations for past wrongs and share God's love with all people, especially those who are on the margins of communities, by building good and right relationships.

"As Jesus people, we are always called to good relations with each other and the world.... The love of God transcends all of our divisions...God loves all people. No exceptions."

Bishop Stephen acknowledged the lay leaders of the diocese and installed, collated and blessed the following lay and clergy leaders for ministry:

• Ms. Lois MacLean, KC, Chancellor
• Mr. Robert Reynolds, KC, Vice-Chancellor
• The Rev. Canon Dr. Scott Sharman, Canon to the Ordinary
• The Ven. Jordan Haynie Ware, Archdeacon for Justice
• The Ven. Susan Oliver, Archdeacon for Children, Youth and Family Ministries
• The Ven. Rachael Parker Archdeacon for Rural Ministry
• The Ven. Travis Enright, Archdeacon for Reconciliation and Decolonization
• The Ven. Richard King, Archdeacon for Mission and Discipleship

Listen to an audio recording of the Bishop's Charge or Read the text

Immediately following the opening session of synod, many people were elected or acclaimed to Executive Council, Provincial and General Synod and Synod positions. Click Here for Election Results

The 68th Synod followed the theme of Together on the Way and featured the principles and goals of the Edmonton diocese's strategic path, Finding Our Way. Synod passed several RESOLUTIONS to guide the diocese forward on this path, including establishing a fund for local Indigenous-led community projects and healing initiatives; the affirmation of LGBTQ2SIA+ persons by creating safe and affirming communities; and the creation of a regional Ecumenical Shared Ministry Coordinating Circle. 

Click Here to read more about the resolutions

Watch next week's Synod Scene and the December issue of The Messenger for more stories on the 68th Synod.