Grab-bag of synod resolutions

Waterloo, Ont.

AMONG dozens of resolutions approved by General Synod, the following stand out.

General Synod commended synod staff for their commitment, dedication, and competence “in this time of intense pressure and increasing uncertainty” and assured them of its concern and support.

The resolution, adopted unanimously and with applause, also requested dioceses to suggest ways of providing pastoral and material support to employees in the event of bankruptcy, and asked the people of the church “to uphold the employees of General Synod in their prayers.”

General Synod also commended the work of the Primate’s Theological Commission and extended its mandate for two more years, after which it is to be reconstituted with a new mandate for another seven years. Established by General Synod 1998 as a theological think tank, the commission sets its own agenda to “encourage and promote theological discussion in the church.”

Its first publication is a series of essays called Longing for God – part of a projected series Wrestling with God. Under its renewed mandate the commission will also discuss matters referred to it by Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee, the House of Bishops, and the Council of General Synod.

Synod urged the federal government to protest against efforts by multinational corporations to restrict the right of states to limit the patentability of living organisms including plant materials so that developing nations can retain some control over their natural resources.

Synod voted to establish a multi-disciplinary “human life taskforce” that will reflect theologically on ethical issues surrounding biotechnologies, euthanasia and assisted suicide, reproductive technologies and human cloning, and to monitor developments in these areas.

It directed the Council of General Synod to develop comprehensive sexual abuse and harassment guidelines for use throughout the Anglican church. The idea came from the diocese of British Columbia. Presenters noted that while many dioceses already have such guidelines, “it would be helpful to have a national policy in place.”

It referred to Information Resources Committee a request that General Synod “provide communication and coordinaton to facilitate the mission and ministry of women.”

It called on Canadian Anglicans to request provincial governments to review and revise public school history courses to do a better job of teaching the history of aboriginal peoples.