On Saturday, November 7, 2026, clergy and lay members from across the diocese gathered for the 152nd Synod at the Burlington Convention Centre. It was an inspiring day of worship, reflection, presentations, and decision-making focused on faith across generations.
Meeting under the theme “From Generation to Generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus,” members of synod heard about the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for young people to participate in the life of the Church, building relationships across generations, and supporting ministries that help faith take root and grow.
The day began with a gathering Eucharist and Bishop Susan Bell’s Charge to Synod, which invited members to reflect on the familiar doxology drawn from Ephesians 3:21:
“Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, forever and ever. Amen.”
Bishop Susan challenged the Church to move beyond terminal nostalgia and respond to the needs of young people today, including the loneliness and isolation many experience. She described the Church as called to be both “communities of resistance and communities of rest,” offering young people a place to belong, find rest and meaning, and build relationships. “Our young people need both. They’re telling us, they need both.”
“Faith travels through relationships, and relationships take time, attention, and presence,” she added. “That is why the commitment to children, youth, and families is not one ministry or programme among many. It is the way the Church breathes.”
During her charge, the bishop announced the appointment of Leighton Lee (rector of St. Mark’s, Niagara-on-the-Lake), Victor Kischak (rector of St. Goege’s, Guelph) and Craig Luccock (chaplain of Appleby College) as honorary canons of Christ’s Church Cathedral in recognition of their faithful and exemplary service to the diocese and wider Church.
The Synod also received a report on the diocese’s Mission Action Plan (MAP). Emily Hill, parish development missioner, also spoke about the next chapter in the journey: the introduction of MAP 3.0 in 2027. Building on the work and learning of previous plans, this next phase will include a renewed focus on nurturing faith across generations, with children, youth, families and young adults identified as an emerging priority. As part of this work, the diocese will continue to discern how it can strengthen its missional culture, support sustainable ministry, and listen together for where God is calling it next, said Hill.
Kristen Jackson-Dockeray, diocesan children, youth, and family missional coordinator, invited members to consider where children, youth and families are already present in their parishes and neighbourhoods, and what a faithful next step might look like. She shared examples of young people actively contributing to the Church and offered a potent reminder to Synod: “They aren’t simply waiting for the adults to give them something to do. They have gifts to offer now. And that word matters. Now. We often say young people are the future of the Church. But they aren’t only the future of the Church. They are the Church.”
Other presentations highlighted ministries supporting faith and connection across generations. Sharon Millar and Allan Wadley from Canterbury Hills Camp shared its work nurturing young people through an increasing number of camp programs. Since 2022, more than $26,000 has been raised through the Anglican Foundation of Canada’s Say Yes! to Kids campaign for camp improvements and bursaries.
A significant initiative highlighted at Synod was St. Brigid’s Community, which is set to launch in 2027. Canon Sue-Ann Ward and Don Morrison shared that the five-year pilot, based at Christ’s Church Cathedral in Hamilton, will bring together adults aged 18 to 35 for contemplative prayer, meaningful conversation, mentoring, retreats, and compassionate service, both in person and virtually. Recognizing the loneliness and pressures many young adults experience, St. Brigid’s will offer a place to explore spirituality, build authentic relationships and grow in faith. As Don explained, “Our wounds are real, but they are not the whole story. Before brokenness, there is belovedness.” The community will seek to help young adults recognize their worth as beloved children of God, discover the gifts they have to share and find meaningful ways to put their faith into action.
Monica Romig Green, diocesan faith formation coordinator, introduced The Grandparents Club, a free resource for people in the second half of life who want to deepen their own faith and accompany younger generations on their spiritual journeys. Sarah Bird, youth engagement coordinator for Alongside Hope, and Kerry Lubrick, diocesan representative, also shared how Anglicans are supporting communities around the world, including opportunities for people of different generations to take part in the Wild Ride.
Scott Brubacher, executive director of the Anglican Foundation of Canada, highlighted the foundation’s support for children, youth and young adults. “There’s a difference between asking young people to participate in activities we’ve planned for them and inviting them to help shape the work and to make decisions together,” he said.
Delegates approved the 2027 diocesan budget, which makes an investment of $4.3 million in God’s mission across Niagara. Introducing the budget, Canon Eleanor Clitheroe, chair of the missional budget planning committee, reminded delegates, “Those who came before us invested in the Church they hoped we would inherit. This budget seeks to honour that legacy while investing in the Church we hope future generations will inherit.” The budget forecasts another operating surplus before capital expenditures, continuing the positive financial trajectory that saw the diocese return to an operating surplus in 2026. Diocesan Mission and Ministry contributions are projected to reach approximately $3.1 million, an increase of about $200,000 over the previous year, reflecting the continued generosity and commitment of parishes. The budget supports the diocese’s missional priorities, including St. Brigid’s Community, the beginning of discernment for MAP 3.0, designated diocesan missions, and investments in staffing and organizational capacity. Christine Morrow, treasurer and director of finance, affirmed the diocese’s improved financial position, saying, “Overall, the financial position of the Diocese today is significantly stronger than it was just a few years ago. Through careful stewardship and God’s provision, we can continue investing in ministry today while strengthening our capacity for the future.”
Synod also attended to the diocese’s governance responsibilities. Members of Synod approved the appointment of Norton McMullen LLP as auditors for 2026, a change from recent years. Four amendments to Canon 4.1, concerning vestries, churchwardens and lay representatives, were also considered and passed by Synod. Members of Synod also elected new regional representatives to Synod Council and received the election results for the upcoming diocesan delegate for Provincial Synod in 2027. In the end, all motions presented to Synod were carried and received the Bishop’s assent.
Throughout the day, the message was clear: every generation has a place in the life and mission of the Church. From children and young adults sharing their gifts today to older adults nurturing faith and accompanying younger generations, the Church is strengthened when people of all ages learn from one another, build relationships and grow together in Christ.
