Synod Convenes Virtually, Once Again, Via Zoom

Posted September 28, 2021

Synod LogoThe 147th Synod of the Diocese of Niagara will convene by Zoom videoconference on October 30. 

"We made the decision to meet online once again in order to keep members of synod as safe as possible and to limit the potential for the spread of COVID-19 during the fourth wave of the pandemic," explained Archdeacon Bill Mous, executive officer and secretary of synod.  "As with last year, we will still be able to attend to all of the essential work synods are called to undertake: the building up of our Church through prayer, discernment, and decision-making."

'Facing Forward: Called to Life, Compelled to Love' is the theme chosen by Bishop Susan Bell for synod as we look forward to the future with hope-filled expectation. Inspired by the Letter to the Philippians, chapter 4, verses 4-9, the theme invites members of synod to carry on the work of ministry with patient endurance, one foot in front of the other, trusting in God and the things that God loves. At the same time, the theme also points to the diocesan Mission Action Plan (MAP), inviting members to consider new, emerging, and uncharted opportunities for missional ministry.

"Synods seek to build up the whole Church through prayer, story-sharing, relationship-building, discernment, and decision-making," observed Archdeacon Mous. The Synod Agenda Committee, building on the online format of last year’s pioneering synod, is working to create the virtual space for all of this to happen.

At the outset of the half-day synod, Bishop Susan Bell will share her charge with members, reflecting on its theme and drawing our attention to the ways the Spirit working in and through us in Niagara. Several ministry presentations, including a report from the Anti-Racism Working Group, are also planned to share how the diocese is living into its Mission Action Plan.

The business parts of the synod will include receiving the 2020 auditor’s report, consideration of the 2022 diocesan budget, as well as a few housekeeping changes to the canons.

The election of General Synod delegates – which is set to meet next summer in Calgary - and regional representatives to Synod Council will happen using an online voting platform. 

To learn more about our upcoming synod, people are encouraged to review the convening circular, complete with all synod reports and resolutions, which will be posted on the synod's webpage

"In the coming weeks, please also hold the members of synod in your prayers as they discern how best to help our diocese – and all its parishes - face forward through the decisions made at synod," said Archdeacon Mous.