Diocesan Synod will not meet in 2020

The Diocesan Council executive met online Sept. 3 with one item on the agenda: a discussion to not hold the 138th Session of the Diocesan Synod on Nov. 7, as scheduled. That motion was passed.

This meeting had to be held in early September because waiting until the Sept. 26 regular council meeting would have been too late for the required preparations, should synod have gone ahead.

“Staff and Synod officers would need to begin the necessary work now; the timeline for work leading to the synod date in November is quite rigid,” said the Rev. David Peer, secretary of Synod.

He noted that there are still restrictions and risks for large indoor gatherings like Synod. As well, there would be considerable organization required to host an online Synod with hundreds of participants.

Because of the following factors: no pressing issues that require Synod to meet in full session in 2020; the preparatory work involved; the uncertainties and the unquantifiable risk that meeting together could pose; he moved, and Archdeacon Brent Ham seconded, a motion to not meet in 2020.

Those in virtual attendance: Kathy Asch, David Barrett, David Bell, David Edwards, Geoffrey Hall, Brent Ham, Heather Harris-Jones, Cathy Laskey, Coralie Losier and David Peer. Regrets: Eric Beek.

The question of when to hold the next Diocesan Synod is a topic for the Sept. 26 Diocesan Council meeting.

With files from David Peer.

Photos are of the 137th Diocesan Synod held in November, 2019. Photographers: Gary Barfitt and Derwin Gowan.