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Bishop's Charge to Synod 2008
127th SESSION OF THE SYNOD OF THE DIOCESE OF OTTAWA
Anglican Church of Canada
October 23 - 25, 2008 AD
"Look, I have set before you an open door..."
(Revelation 3:8)
Faithful Stewards...New Directions
 I am delighted to welcome you all to the 127th Session of our Diocesan Synod! It is a weighty responsibility that you carry. Synod is the most significant council of our Diocese, your voice is important, and your full participation is encouraged.
I am especially grateful to the Cathedral staff, music directors, musicians, greeters and altar guild for helping us begin our deliberations with a fulsome celebration of our shared faith and common mission around the table of the Lord - there is no better way for us to begin our work together.
It gives me great pleasure to welcome into our midst Canon Dr. Douglas Leighton. Dr. Leighton is a highly respected Canadian Historian with specialties in Canadian Church history and Canadian Aboriginal history. He is an often sought and well published tenured professor of Huron University College, the University of Western Ontario. He has been a valued colleague of mine for many years and I hold him in the highest esteem. I am proud that he graciously received our invitation to speak to our 127th session of Synod. I might add that Doug is a very personable and engaging individual. I am sure that he will be delighted to make himself available to you for informal conversations between sessions.
As well, it is my pleasure to welcome on our behalf a number of new clergy into our midst - all wonderful people and deeply gifted pastors. Please welcome our new deacons, soon to be ordained priests on December 4th, the feast of Clement of Alexandria; The Rev's. Jessica Worden, Naomi Kabugi, Mark Whittall, Gregor Snedden. From other Dioceses we welcome The Rev. Dana Fisher (Toronto), The Rev. Catherine Ascah (Huron), The Rev. Paul Donison (Fredericton) and The Rev. Susan Clifford (London, UK).
Many of you are aware, that this past Spring the parish of St. John the Divine morphed into a new creation. The Diocese of Ottawa and our full partner Church, The Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCIC) have begun ministry together in Barrhaven as one entity. The Rev. David Seltzer, an Anglican priest from Buffalo, USA, and the Rev. Ann Salmon a Lutheran pastor, also from the city of Buffalo will provide the leadership for this new church plant which has yet to be named. This is a very exciting innovation. Let us all keep this new community in our prayers.
An Australian Bishop told me this story at Lambeth.
A woman "from away" was visiting a sheep station which was owned by an old childhood friend. After admiring the flock, the buildings and various bits of equipment necessary to make for a functioning sheep station, she noticed to her surprise, that there were no fences to be found anywhere. She commented upon this to her host, "Why are there no fences on your property. Won't your sheep wander?" Her host responded, "We don't need fences, we have wells."
My hope and prayer for this Diocese is that we will continue to provide life giving water for all who seek Jesus. My prayer is that our wells will never run dry. My prayer is that the existence of our wells will be made known to all who come into our midst seeking truth, justice and salvation. My prayer is that our wells will be brimming with the living water of Jesus; fresh, clean and vital. My prayer is that we will never require fences to keep us close to home; the life giving water of our baptism will be sufficient.
"Look, I have set before you an open door..." says the book of Revelation, our 2008 Synod theme. Before us is an open door, inviting us to a deeper relationship with Jesus in these troubling times; inviting us into the community of Christ's body as "faithful stewards seeking new direction." And, my friends, we are faithful to our baptismal vocation. Sunday after Sunday I enter a different parish in our Diocese. I am overjoyed with the depth of faith, conviction to ministry and outreach, and love of Jesus that Catherine and I encounter in our parish communities. Sundays are such a highlight for me and reaffirm each week my affection for the congregations and community ministries of our Diocese.
Again, as last year, I will shape a significant portion of my charge around the nine Strategic Priorities of our current and ongoing strategic plan which was approved at our last Synod. But before I begin, may I express my deep gratitude to the Transition Team and all of those other committees and task groups that where charged last Synod to begin the onerous but exciting task - the implementation of our Strategic Plan. Peter Martin's dogged determination, commitment to the plan and careful support and encouragement of those committees and task forces charged with the responsibility to implement the nine strategic priorities has been stellar.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Last year, I stated in my charge that I will expect from the clergy, a prayerful, balanced, professional and conscientious performance. The needs of the church and the mission of Jesus are too great for us to be content with mediocrity and casual leadership - accountability is required. Well, we are indeed blessed with an effective and committed college of clergy. I put in place annual performance reviews for all clergy. Archdeacons took the lead in this task and I am pleased to say that this exercise has been positively received and effectively utilized. I am grateful to the Archdeacons for their leadership, and the clergy for their willing response.
The Rev. Bill Byers and the Leadership Development Committee launched our first offering of the Clergy Leadership Institute. It was a successful beginning. The institute has already enjoyed one successful season and plans are already underway for future sessions. Eventually, all clergy will avail themselves of this creative and helpful offering. As well, the Fresh Start programme, a continuing education exercise for clergy in transition from one parish to another had a successful launch this year and will continue as one of our regular offerings in the years ahead - thank you Rev. David Clunie and the Rev. Linda Hill for their skillful management of this programme.
Our clergy engage a profound ministry. We are obligated to provide for the faithful, able and spirit-filled leadership. Our priests and deacons willingly embrace this responsibility and I applaud them.
Canon Bill Prentice and Ms. Lisa Chisholm-Smith have worked very hard this past year responding to our stated need in the strategic plan to create, nurture and offer to the baptized, lively and appropriate Lay-Leadership Training. They too have enjoyed a successful year. May I commend them and thank all those who have assisted. You will hear more of their work in the Transition Team's presentation to Synod in the days ahead.
CONGREGATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND STEWARDSHIP
Shortly, you will hear about the successful year enjoyed by Francis Christensen and the Stewardship Committee and the work done by a variety of other committees including P&DS which have contributed toward vital and healthy congregational development. I want to welcome to our Synod and to the Diocese of Ottawa two new staff - Mr. Andrew Stephens- Rennie, our new Diocesan Youth Worker and Ms. Jane Scanlon, our Stewardship Officer, two critical staff appointments that will further our work on congregational development, stewardship and youth. Both of these individuals have already indicated to all who work with them that they will be an invaluable resource to the ministry of the Diocese. Both come to us with the highest recommendation and credentials. We are pleased to have them in our midst. May I encourage you to take advantage of their presence. They are with us, after all, to serve the parishes of the Diocese - to serve you, so please call upon them as need arises.
HOSPITALITY
Last Synod, I asked every parish in the Diocese to conduct a number of audits. Hospitality was the most crucial. While many engaged this task, some have not. I do need to impress upon you how important this is. While visiting parishes this last year I have become aware of how inconsistent we exercise this ministry. Some parishes have clearly embraced the ministry of hospitality and called individuals with appropriate gifts to lead this vital work. Others, I have noticed, have left this work to chance hoping that somehow new or newer members may happen to stumble upon an individual in the parish who might welcome them and introduce them to the membership and ministry of the community. This is not sufficient and you all know this to be true. We must welcome all people into the community of Jesus, faithfully and generously. I will ask each parish, if you have not already done so, to renew your commitment to a hospitality audit as a priority. Resources are available for you at this Synod and from P&DS. Please avail yourselves of these resources.
COMMUNICATION
We are all concerned about our ability to communicate amongst ourselves and to the wider community. While Art Babych and others have done wonderful work with Crosstalk and other less formal communication instruments, we share a concern that our webpage was inadequate - thank you Glenn Bloodworth and the communications committee for addressing this problem. This Synod launches our new webpage which is, I believe, second to none. It is my intention to make greater and greater use of this wonderful creation to support internal communications and planning as well as external communication to the wider church. The webpage will also enhance our ability to be hospitable to our Anglican community and to those who seek a closer relationship with us. If the entire Diocese makes a special intention to utilize our website, our ability to communicate and welcome will increase exponentially, the sharing of information will be fast and we will require less use of paper and mailing - costs will diminish.
GOVERNANCE
The Governance Committee will make a fulsome report to this Synod in response to the strategic Plan and my charge to Synod 2007. I will say nothing more about it here as they will be making a report later on in this Synod. I do, however, want to thank Dean Parker and the Governance Committee for their extra-ordinary work. As we all know, a governance review was critical for us, I am so pleased that the work was embraced so readily by so many. I too look forward to hearing their report later on in this Synod.
2009 AND BEYOND
First, special honours. This is the most enjoyable part of the Charge. While all leadership in this Diocese is exemplary, our tradition does allow me, from time to time, to call from our midst certain individuals, who through faithful service or a unique ministry offering, to be recognized in a special way. Tonight, I have opportunity to name six individuals who will be raised to the rank of Canon in God's Church. I will ask Dean Parker to recognize these individuals and install them in their rightful seat in our Cathedral.
Ms. Judy Darling
Our church is a better place for having Judy in our midst. She has served her parish, the Diocese and the Provincial and General Synods faithfully for decades. Anglicans speak of her dedicated and passionate work all over the country. It has been some time since a lay canon has been raised in this Diocese. I am honoured to do so tonight. No one is more deserving of this honour than Canon Judy Darling.
The Rev. David Clunie
David has offered himself to the work of Christ in the Church as priest since his ordination in 1982. His parish ministry has been marked by deep commitment and faithful service. As well, his ministry to the Diocese as Master of Ceremony, membership on the Administration and Finance Committee, Chair of Clergy Benefits Committee, and more recently, co-chair of the Clergy Fresh Start programme has been exemplary. Canon Clunie, you are most deserving of this honour and you will be seated in the chair of St. John.
The Rev. Michael Fleming
Michael has offered himself to the work of Christ in the Church as priest since his ordination in 1976. In addition to a long and faithful parish ministry marked by deep compassion and care, Michael has also given of his gifts to the wider church serving on the Executive Committee, Provincial Synod, the Cursillo Movement, Christian Education Ministries, Stewardship, Clergy Development committee and as Regional Dean. Canon Fleming, you are most deserving of this honour and you will be seated in the chair of St. Andrew.
The Rev. Dr. Gary Hauch
Gary has also brought to his parish and Diocese faithful pastoral service particularly marked by a dedication to the ministry of peace, reconciliation and justice. I wish to acknowledge Gary's unique gift as a scholar in our midst. He has shared freely with so many in the Diocese the wisdom and insight that he has gleaned from his scholarship, research and writing. Canon Hauch, you are most deserving of this honour and you will be seated in the chair of St. Luke.
The Rev. Roger Young
Roger has served Christ and this Diocese faithfully and carefully since his ordination in 1975. While serving in four parishes as incumbent, Roger is also noted for his commitment to liturgy as Master of Ceremony, a love of music and, quite frankly, the only person I know who has memorized the words to almost every hymn in the hymnbook. Roger's ministry is marked by his deep humility and quiet and faithful service for the Church he loves. Canon Young, you are most deserving of this honour and you will be seated in the Chair of St. George.
The Rev. Peter Lackey
Peter like all before him tonight has served the church faithfully, humbly and with deep love and commitment to his Lord. While exercising faithful service to his various parishes since his ordination in 1983, Peter has also given of his time and skill to the work of Cursillo, the Post Ordination Programme, Diocesan Executive, Provincial Synod and others. Canon Lackey, you are most deserving of this honour and you will be seated in the Chair of St. Alban.
Now, I must move on to other business.
My charge so far has been predominantly a reflection upon work that has been completed or is in progress. What about the future for our church and our Diocese? Dr. Richard Leggett, a notable Canadian Anglican Theologian reminds us that ... we are all created in the image of God. This is a gift which we have all received. But, to continue to live in the likeness of God is a choice we make over and over again, every day of our lives. My sisters and brothers, it is my prayer that the conversations, decisions and actions we engage these days, will further our desire and ability to live in the likeness of God!
Our Diocesan Community Ministries is foremost on my mind. We are experiencing a wonderful transition in the Church these days; movement from personal spirituality supported by a vibrant and lively community of believers to a church rooted and grounded in mission. Our Strategic Plan is indicative of such movement. As well, church life everywhere marks clearly a deeper appreciation for the mission that we were called to embrace at our baptism: A call to reach out to all of humanity including the impoverished, the lonely, those without faith and those experiencing injustice and persecution. All parish communities are called to reach beyond themselves which will in turn, I believe, create healthy and vital congregations. Without mission we are isolated communities of believers without purpose. Without mission, we will and ought to die. Jesus calls us to reach beyond ourselves every day. I am proud that while we have so much more to do in this regard, this Diocese does support and encourage vital community ministries at the parish level and at the diocesan level. In fact these ministries abound and seem to be growing - thank God. Our Diocesan Community Ministries continue to require your prayers and support as they begin a period of significant expansion and growth. The Diocese is currently in the midst of negotiations that will further our pastoral support for the Inuit communities gathered here in Ottawa. Cornerstone, as you will hear later, is embracing new plans to further ministry among our senior aged street women. Please listen to these ministries. As they call for help and support, please respond with your prayers, coin and labour.
Walking in procession tonight are a number of our young people holding signs that outline the eight Millennium Development Goals set by the United Nations in 2001. Recently the Diocese hosted a liturgy and walk, with our Primate, in support of these goals. The Bishops at Lambeth devoted significant time to this important topic particularly because a majority of nations are not giving the goals the attention they deserve. I invite every parish in the Diocese to become familiar with these goals. Allow them to lead and focus your mission plan. As well, figure out how you might encourage our Anglican community and our fellow Canadians to hold global nations accountable to the mandate these goals hold before all of us - goals they did agree to uphold.
- Goal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
- Goal 2: Achieve universal primary education
- Goal 3: Promote gender equality and empower women
- Goal 4: Reduce child mortality
- Goal 5: Improve maternal health
- Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
- Goal 7: Ensure environmental sustainability
- Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development
2009 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Primates Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF). While most parishes in the Diocese embrace PWRDF in some form, may I invite all of our communities in this special year to hold before our congregations the good work that has been done and will continue to be offered by the PWRDF. Our Diocese will be recognizing this special milestone with prayer and activities over the next year.
The Synod Agenda provides me with time, later on, to speak of the Bishop's Lambeth Conference 2008. However, I would like to say here how much I appreciate your prayers and support which allowed Catherine and me to attend the conference. It was indeed a very profound experience for both of us. My faith was nourished, my resolve to find the means to encourage diversity in our communion was bolstered and my confidence in the doctrine, discipline, teaching and practice of our Anglican Communion was encouraged. The Rt. Rev. Duleep de Chickera, Bishop of Columbo, the preacher at the opening Eucharist at Lambeth stated, "Unity in diversity is a cherished Anglican tradition - a spirituality if you like, which we must reinforce in all humility for the sake of Christ and Christ's gospel." I am committed to this teaching and practice.
This past year, the Diocese saw the departure of a number of parishioners from the parishes of St. Alban's and St. George's both located in the Deanery of Ottawa Centre. I need to remind this Synod that parishes do not leave the Diocese. Sadly, some individuals elect to move on while parishes remain within the Diocese subject to all rights and privileges of the Diocese living under the Constitution, Canons and Regulations of the Diocese. Many of you, I know, are wondering what is to come of these communities. I assure you that everything will be done to provide pastoral care for those members wishing to continue their faith journey as members of the Diocese and under the pastoral oversight of the Bishop of Ottawa. As well, it is my fiduciary responsibility and consistent with my oaths of office to guard and care for all property held in the name of the Diocese. Ownership of the properties of St. Alban's and St. George's has not nor will they ever be transferred to the Province of the Southern Cone! You also need to know that hours have been devoted to dialogue with these parishes. I assure you that I will take every step necessary to guard the history, heritage and memories attached to these wonderful parish communities - it is my responsibility.
Synod 2007 adopted a motion requesting the Bishop grant permission for clergy, whose conscience permits, to bless duly solemnized and registered civil marriages between same-sex couples, where at least one party is baptized; and that he authorize an appropriate rite and guidelines for its use in supportive parishes.
For a year now I have reflected on how I should respond to the mind of Synod. I have prayed for God's guidance, sought the counsel of fellow Bishops, and listened carefully to all who have spoken from various perspectives. In forming my response to this motion I have been strengthened in my conviction that God remains faithful in guiding His Church to the truth, that our chief call on this matter is a pastoral one, and that we are challenged to proclaim a prophetic voice to the Church and the world.
When we gather at Synod, we pray that our church will be guided by the Spirit of God. I believe God is faithful to us in this and as we discern how to proceed, the decisions we make, informed and shaped by healthy debate and conversation, are the result of the leading of that same Spirit for which we have prayed.
With the benefit of scientific and medical knowledge we know sexual orientation is a given and a gift from God in the lives of all people. Our challenge is to determine how all persons may rejoice in and celebrate this God given gift so it honours our creator and gives dignity to the creatures of God. I believe our dealing with the issues of human sexuality is fundamentally a pastoral matter. How is God calling us to proclaim the gospel, the good news of Jesus, to those whose sexual givenness has resulted in their marginalization and has often made them victims in their communities, families, and churches?
I am mindful that we do not normally act in isolation. The question of blessing same-sex civil marriages is before our sister and brother Christians in many Dioceses and provinces of the Church. My observation of how various parts of the church deal with the question leads me to believe we will not go forward at the same pace nor in uniformity. At the Lambeth Conference this summer the Bishops of the communion articulated a strong desire that we remain together as a communion. Equally strong were convictions held on all sides of human sexuality issues. Moratoria emerging from Lambeth, while reflecting a majority view, hold neither the command of consensus nor the proscriptive authority of legislation. In other words, it appears that a majority of Bishops desire a moratorium but a legislative motion or decision has yet to be taken. As well, majority support for a moratorium was not evident among the Bishops from Canada, the United States, South Africa, Brazil, Scotland, Ireland and the Congo to name just a few provinces. At this juncture I believe some are being called to speak with a prophetic voice, challenging long held assumptions, unseating prejudices, and advocating on behalf of those whose circumstances do not permit them to advocate for themselves. Others are being called to speak with a voice of caution calling the Church to evaluate and test all positions with the long-standing, three-fold reliance on tradition, reason, and scripture. While the prophetic voice and the voice of caution may not find a common place within the Church from which to speak they can both be embraced within the breadth of the body of Christ. For reasons, perhaps known only to God, I believe we, in the Diocese of Ottawa, are among those who have been called by God, to speak with the voice of a prophet. Synod 2007 reflects this communal desire. It is our voice that is called to affirm that all people are loved, valued and precious before God and the Church. It is our voice that is called to affirm that all unions of faithful love and life-long commitment are worthy of God's blessing.
It is my intention to place before the Canadian House of Bishops, next week, my prayerful hope regarding the issue of "blessings." It is important that I honour the collegiality of the Canadian House; we are, after all, an episcopally led and Synodically governed church. It is my intention at this meeting to discuss my hope which includes my desire to make the following statement: That, we, in Ottawa, begin to explore experientially, the blessing of duly solemnized and registered civil marriages between same-sex couples, where at least one party is baptized; to charge the Doctrine and Worship Committee with the responsibility to develop an appropriate rite for this blessing. Upon the authorization of a rite, I will give my permission for one parish within the Diocese to offer the blessing of civil marriages between same-sex couples. Discernment continues! This hope is not and must not be understood as a conclusive statement affirming that the church must and ought to proceed with the blessings of same-sex civilly married couples. As the church was not able to come to a clear mind regarding the benefits of the ordination of women to the priesthood until the church experienced the priestly ministry of women, so we must take the process of discernment to a place beyond discussion. We have talked about this issue since I was a seminary student in the mid seventies. In order to further the discernment process, we must "experience" the issue as church before clarity of heart and mind might be attained. For this reason, I hope to proceed, but slowly and cautiously. This would be an initial step from which we can observe and learn. If we are to interpret our scriptures using prayerful reason in interpretation and application as generations before us; most especially on matters that reflect a historical context and appear inconsistent with a scriptural mandate e.g. divorce, slavery, usury or the role of women, then, we must engage discernment fully and completely. What I propose will allow for a continuation of our discernment process without obligation or a non-negotiable commitment. Our process will allow ourselves to be better informed as we go forward to General Synod 2010 where this issue will be discussed again.
Within one month following the completion of the House of Bishop's meeting next week, I will make a conclusive statement to the Diocese regarding next steps.
Since our last Synod, we have wished farewell to a number of clergy who have reached their retirement years. These faithful servants include: Canon Jim Stevenson, Canon Garth Bulmer, The Rev. Catherine Wallace and The Rev. Sharon Tate, and from Carleton University, The Rev. Tom Sherwood. While not retiring but moving on to other work, we wish farewell and gratitude to Dan McCormick from the Canterbury House book store. All of these individuals have fulfilled years of faithful service - thank you.
Before I close, I want to thank you as representatives of our parishes for a wonderful year. We have worked hard together to further the mission of the church and the particular mission of our Diocese. Hundreds of volunteers have given of their time and talent for Christ. Our Synod office staff represents a group of dedicated people who clearly do not hold a job with us but rather a vocation. Their dedication and commitment is rooted in faith and a clear sense of the ministry God has called them to embrace - thank you to all of you. I also want to name a few of the individuals who work closest with me and provide invaluable assistance to me so that I may be faithful to you as your bishop.
Ann Day has worked in the Bishop's office as Executive Assistant long enough to have "broken in" three of us - and she still smiles. But as most of you know, Ann has been off sick and currently on LTD waiting for her back to heal. Please keep her in your prayers. I look forward to her return with anticipation. In the mean time, God has been good to us in the Episcopal office. Over the spring and summer months my daughter Sarah filled in for Ann admirably. Her cheerful disposition, capacity to learn quickly and her love for the Church and those who work in the Church enabled her to keep our office functioning well. Since her departure for England, Jude Green now occupies the "Ann chair." Jude has ably worked in a variety of positions in the Synod Office for as many years as Ann. She is very knowledgeable and capable. I am so pleased that she has graciously assumed these new duties during our hiatus.
Archdeacon Ross Moulton is just coming up to the completion of his first year as Diocesan Executive Archdeacon. Many of you understand the nature of his work so you will share with me my gratitude that he hasn't left yet. Seriously, we enjoy a wonderful working relationship that has been effective and I believe, extremely beneficial to my office, the Diocese, and the clergy. Thank you Ross!
May I also thank Dean Parker, Canon Prentice and Michael Herbert who share with Archdeacon Moulton the executive responsibilities of our Diocese. These are wonderful people each exercising their ministry to the church with conviction and skill. As well, I would like to express my appreciation to The Rev. Christine Piper who concluded her service as Archdeacon of Clarendon in August in order to take up her new work as Incumbent of St. James, Perth. The Venerable Chris Dunn will be stepping down as Archdeacon of Ottawa Centre on October 31st in order to assume his new responsibilities as Incumbent of All Saints Westboro. Christine and Chris have served us well. Their counsel and advice to me is always helpful. I will miss them very much in this capacity. On December 1, 2008 the Venerable Peter Crosby will assume the position of Archdeacon of Ottawa Centre. Peter is a wise and thoughtful priest; I look forward to his counsel and thoughtful contribution to the college of Archdeacons. While the Venerable Frank Kirby will be collated as Archdeacon of Stormont tonight, he has been functioning as Archdeacon for the last six months. His contribution has already been noticed and appreciated by me and his archdiaconal colleagues. Welcome Frank.
 Finally, but by no means least, Synods of these last many years, are grateful for the capable and gentle guidance provided by Canon Stewart Murray, Clerical Secretary to Synod. For years, Canon Murray has worked creatively and effectively with Canon Judy Darling, our lay secretary to Synod to ensure that our councils function efficiently, yet mindful of the Spirit that guides all of our deliberations. May I welcome on your behalf Canon Murray's very able successor, the Rev. Linda Hill. Linda is known to all of you so I know that you will share with me my gratitude that such an important post will be filled by one so capable - welcome Linda.
My friends, our faith while sometimes troubling, is truly "...the source of all light and joy." We gather these days not in our name but in the name of the risen Jesus. Welcome to these holy days of deliberation, sacred conversation and the exercise of our baptismal ministry.
Thank you and God bless.
♰ John: Ottawa
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