Resolutions

A Primer on Bringing Motions to the Synod

Introduction

A synod is so much more than just a big church meeting. A synod is disciples of Jesus in a particular time and place agreeing to walk ‘together’ (syn) ‘on the way’ (hodos) as the church discerns what the Holy Spirit is calling us to be and to do here and now. Although there are indeed procedures to follow, rules of order to adhere to, votes to tally, and so on, it is important to remember that, first and foremost, this is a spiritual gathering task and one which takes place in a spirit of prayer and mutual love.

One feature of a synod gathering is that it is a forum where groups and individuals can bring forward ideas which they believe need the attention of the wider church. These ideas typically involve motions that seek affirmation to direct the bishop and diocese to take particular kinds of action. Not all synods have motions to consider. Indeed, several of the most recent synods in the Diocese of Edmonton have had few or none. Yet motions can be an important outcome of the synod experience.

This primer is offered to help members of the synod to understand the motion-making process better and to assist people in making their ideas known to the synod in appropriate and effective ways.

Process

In our system, motions can be developed by committees and other bodies within the diocese, or by individuals who are elected or appointed as members of the synod according to the Constitution of the diocese. If you have an idea that you would like to turn into a motion to synod there are a few steps to follow to bring it forward:

The place to begin would normally be to write up a draft and share it with the Agenda and Resolutions Committee. An example template is provided at the end of this document to give a better sense of the form such a draft might take. It may be that you do not quite have the words for that yet but want to talk it over with someone from the Agenda and Resolutions Committee who might be able to help you develop it into a workable form, and this is certainly welcome.

The Agenda and Resolutions Committee is a team of people appointed by the bishop that begins preparations for the synod many months in advance and helps to shape the content of the proceedings. The role of the Committee is not to police what motions come to synod, but rather to serve the members of synod in making sure the desire and intent of their idea is clear to others and that it is directed in such a way that action could be taken on it if ultimately is approved. The Committee may have to exercise some discretion in determining when and in what order a motion is included in the agenda. It may be that certain ideas do not necessarily require a resolution of synod to be addressed, in which case the drafters may be encouraged by the Committee to consider whether other avenues might be more effective towards achieving the same intents. Sometimes related motions can be combined into one for more efficient progress. Other scenarios are possible. In any case, the Agenda and Resolutions Committee is at your service.

The rules of the diocese as established by our Canons tell us a few things about how these motions need to be shaped. First, “a motion shall be worded in affirmative terms.” In effect, this means it must ask for something to happen rather than say what it does not want to happen. Second, a motion shall “express fully and unambiguously the intent of the mover.” This is to say that what is being asked for, and why, needs to be clearly stated and readily understood. Third, motions must not be “preceded by a preamble or other expression of opinion.” In other words, the text should get right to the point of the ask. While a notice of a motion often appends a paragraph or two of background as an “Explanatory Note,” this information is not formally part of the motion itself. Keeping these three criteria in mind can help to structure the content of a motion in such a way that the synod can fruitfully address it. To read more, visit the Constitution and Canons link on the diocesan website, especially sections C2-C48 of the Constitution, and Canon 7.

If your idea involves a potential change to the diocesan Constitution or Canons, additional steps are required. Such a proposal must go first to the Legislative Committee, which is a body with special responsibility for the Canons and Constitution, and then to the Diocesan Executive Council, for their respective review. It is good to be aware of these further preparatory measures, and the time they may take, so that they can be initiated well enough in advance of the synod meeting. If they are not, then such motions will not be able to be addressed.

After you have the desired language of the motion in place, every motion to synod requires a mover and a seconder. Both are normally named in advance and indicated in the notice of motion. At the synod, the Chair will follow the Rules of Order as outlined in Canon 7 to facilitate debate, amendment, referral, and/or decision on the motion, as may be appropriate. If you are the mover, you will likely be called upon to speak to the motion’s intent and to respond to questions.

Deadlines

In order that notices of motion can be included in the package of synod preparatory documents known as the Convening Circular, all notices of motion for the 69^th Synod are asked to be brought to the attention of the Agenda and Resolutions Committee by September 8.

By canon, it is possible for certain kinds of motions to be brought forward for consideration from the floor of synod itself. However, this will require approval by a majority vote of the synod before the motion can be presented. Because the synod agenda is planned well in advance, it may be difficult for the synod to adequately address a motion from the floor in the time available. It is, therefore, much easier for everyone involved if notices of motion can be provided well in advance.

Contacts

If you wish to discuss the details of a potential notice of motion with members of the Agenda and Resolutions Committee and/or the Legislative Committee prior to making a formal submission, or if you are ready to share your notice of motion with the Committee, please direct your correspondence to the Secretary of Synod, the Rev. John Gee, who can be reached at treasurer@edmonton.anglican.ca. Someone from the Committee will then be in contact with you to follow up.

Sample Motion Template

Resolution R-1 to the 69^th Synod of the Diocese of Edmonton –  

On Flavours of Ice Cream

It will be moved and seconded:

That the Synod of the Diocese of Edmonton:

1. Affirm that chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream is the official ice cream flavour of the diocese;
2. Communicate through all appropriate channels that chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream is the official diocesan ice cream to all parishes;
3. Direct the Executive Council to develop policies and procedures for ensuring that everyone in the diocese who wants some chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream gets it.

Moved by: Ben

Seconded by: Jerry

Explanatory Note:

Many people have a favourite snack, and perhaps also a favourite ice cream. Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream combines three things that are already great on their own: Chocolate, cookies, and ice cream. When people eat any of these things separately, it tends to make them happy. If you put them together, you can reasonably expect even more of the same. It is true that there are other kinds of ice cream, and they are good too. Some people are not able to eat ice cream because of dietary restrictions, and we need to respect that and seek appropriate alternatives for them. But now is clearly the time to make a diocesan ice cream choice, and to ensure that people are able to enjoy it if they want some. This motion is designed to respond to that need.