Timmins, Ont.
Bishop Tom Corston of Moosonee says he fully supports the decision made by the diocese’s synod to become a mission area under the jurisdiction of the Ontario provincial synod.
“What drove this decision so forcefully was the parishes’ determination to stay together and keep the strong links and personal relationships that they have with each other,” said Bishop Corston.
A resolution passed by the 45th diocesan synod, which met in June, directed its executive council and officers to enter into discussion with the ecclesiastical province of Ontario about the establishment of a mission area that comprises all 26 parishes. Other options included separating the diocese’s parishes and transferring them to surrounding dioceses.
A transition plan will be developed and sent to the Ontario provincial synod in October 2011. General Synod, which meets in 2013, will affirm the plan.