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At the end of June, I had the pleasure of attending the 44th General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada, with the inspiring theme taken from Isaiah of They Will Soar On Wings Like Eagles. Over a hot week in London, Ontario, we prayed together, made decisions together, and demolished a truly impressive number of cups of coffee.

This General Synod featured the election of our 15th Primate, the Most Reverend Shane Parker. Archbishop Parker accepted his election with the understanding he would be a bringer of change to our Anglican Church of Canada. Using the metaphor of insulation, he said it was time for the church to remove its insulation, to feel the needs of the world around us, and to change to respond to those needs.

One of the functions of General Synod is legislative; to bring resolutions to the floor to debate how the church should respond to the challenges of the day. Although much attention was pulled to the Primatial election, there are a number of resolutions of significant interest even to non-church nerds.

Liturgy and Worship

This General Synod passed resolutions embracing both Freedom Sunday and the Feast of the Creator, new liturgical feasts to celebrate the liberation of enslaved people and ecological justice. It also adopted the Thematic Revised Common Lectionary, where a new exploration of the Bible could be allowed in dioceses. New readings for Eastertide were also explored, in an effort to address anti-Semitism in our lectionary.

Seeking A More Just World

This General Synod discussed topics like disability justice, climate change, 2SLGBTQ+ inclusion and the experience of migrant workers, and adopted resolutions to move these issues ahead. Huron, the host diocese, has an active migrant workers’ ministry and we heard the stories of these workers, who are harvesting our food and tending to our elderly, often in difficult or demeaning conditions. We also heard presentations from the Anglican Foundation, which is working to fund youth ministry, and Alongside Hope, which is bringing essential support to mitigate the withdrawal of American aid funding. 

Youthful Energy

Notable at this General Synod was the gift of an active and engaged Youth Delegation, who worked throughout the Synod to bring their voice to many issues of the day. They successfully called for the establishment of a National Youth Council and the doubling of youth delegates to the Council of General Synod, with the target of building a National Youth Engagement Strategy for the Anglican Church of Canada.

Change Is Coming

Overwhelmingly, this General Synod voted for change. The results of the Primate’s Commission, the Pathways, were enthusiastically approved, seeking transformative change of the Anglican Church of Canada. Six steps have been outlined, emphasizing change in the areas of communications, organizational structure, diversity and inclusion, interdependence of the settler and Indigenous church, management structure and ministry in remote and northern communities. We may see a greatly reduced administrative structure, drastic changes in the ways General Synod communicates and a return of the primacy to a diocesan seat. A lot will seem to change, very quickly, but it has been grounded in the work of the Primate’s Commission, which deeply engaged the whole church.

Overall, this General Synod was hopeful, energized and respectful. I leave feeling tired but thankful. I welcome your questions about anything, and I encourage you to pay attention to what is happening at the national level of our church. I think exciting things are on the way.

For More Information

If you are interested in learning more about General Synod 2025 and how it will impact the National Church and the Cathedral, come and here Jane Hope's presentation on Sunday July 13, 2025 at 12 Noon in the Park Room.