Two lay people to receive award

Amy Newell, who has served the national church for 24 years, and Robert “Bob” Falby, a lay canon who was a member of the residential schools negotiating team, are the recipients of this year’s Anglican Award of Merit. The award is conferred on lay people who have made an outstanding contribution to the church.

The Council of General Synod (CoGS) approved the nominations of Ms. Newell and Mr. Falby in March during its last meeting of the triennium.

“Amy’s dedication to the work of the church and to serve where needed is legendary,” read a report of the Anglican Award of Merit sub-committee.

Ms. Newell has been prolocutor and deputy prolocutor of General Synod, and has served as a member of General Synod and the Partners in Mission committee, the National Executive Council, the Anglican Church Women and other diocesan and national committees.

Mr. Falby has served as chancellor of the diocese of Toronto since 1992, as lay member of General Synod from 1994 to 2004, and as a member of CoGS from 2001 to 2004.

“Bob’s work as a member of the residential schools negotiating team was vital and outstanding,” said the report of the award sub-committee. “The generous contribution of his time, legal expertise and wisdom was outstanding. Bob sets an example of careful, patient listening. He has the ability to summarize and clarify complicated issues.”

Mr. Falby is currently a director of the Compass Rose Society and is also a member of the Church Law Association of Canada.