By: Sid Holt

Sid Holt — Tue, 21 Sep 2021 16:30:22 +0000

Let’s call a spade a spade! The only reason this issue is being raised is because the House of Bishops defeated the motion on same sex marriage Would it even be considered if the vote had turned out differently? I challenge David Jones and the Governance Working Group to prove otherwise. Was this not the central issue in their deliberations? Are the minutes of the GWG available and will they be published ? I see this as an end run to reintroduce the marriage canon and ensure that it passes.

By: Rev. Canon Rod Gillis (ret'd)

Rev. Canon Rod Gillis (ret'd) — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 19:05:00 +0000

The article references a distinction between civic norms v. ‘biblical’ and ‘spiritual’ norms. The reference leaves me wanting to know more about this distinction. In particular, what is meant by ‘biblical’ norms of governance? What comes to mind are patriarchal models i.e., patriarchs, sacral kingship, cultic priests, apostles and disciples ( 12 men or 70/72 men respectively), and Hellenistic elders ( women should just stay quiet in the ecclesia). So please tell us that whatever is meant by ‘biblical’ governance norms transcends culturally conditioned patriarchal institutions. The article references the quandary over bishops as well. Again, it would be important to distinguish spiritual aspects of the role from our current polity in which The Canadian Anglican episcopate is essentially a form of ecclesiastical feudalism with the office of bishop canonically and customarily understood as liege lord. The institution of episcopacy in the Canadian church continues as one of the last vestiges of the colonial legacy of The Anglican Communion. Surely what is required is a further evolution of synodical government at the General Synod level where laity and those in ordered ministry ( whether bishops or priests or deacons) vote as members of one ‘house’. After all, we no longer live in patristic times. The faith experience of lay members is equal to that of ordained members. In many instances, as a result of education and expertise, laity often know particular things that most clergy don’t. What could be more ‘biblical’ than an integrated assembly discerning the Spirit as a microcosm of the whole people of God. Finally, one hopes this is not yet another go around with perennial ‘restructuring’–more re-arrangement of deck chairs as the demographic iceberg draws closer on our horizon.

Comments on: CoGS mulls possible changes to General Synod membership, Order of Bishops

By: Sid Holt

By: Rev. Canon Rod Gillis (ret'd)