CoGS Report, March 2020
Writing this in the third week of April, 2020, it feels like a lifetime ago, but March 13-15 which was near the beginning (for Canadians) of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Council of General Synod met for the second time in this triennium at Queen of the Apostles in Mississauga, Ontario.
This was a joint meeting between the Anglican Church of Canada (ACoC) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCiC). Our two gatherings met for worship, Bible study and meals but separated for the important business matters that were before us.
It was good to be together, to share common experiences and learn together.
It was a strange meeting as the implications of the spreading virus were beginning to take hold.
Less than half of the members of CoGS were in attendance, with many choosing to say away for concerns about the health and safety of themselves and others. With thanks to Zoom, we were able to bring in CoGS members in order to vote a number of items before Council including a motion I was privileged to second that was brought by the Rev. Murray Still, to create Reconciliation Pathfinders, a national church body to encourage and support the work of reconciliation and indigenous justice in the ACoC. This motion was passed unanimously and will be supported in its implementation and promotion by Melanie Delva, Animator for Reconciliation.
Between business matters we took time to celebrate ‘Green Shoot moments’, new or re-invigorated ministries that are happening around the Canadian Church and I was pleased to speak about the growing community of St. Brigid’s at Christ Church Cathedral where I am Gathering Priest.
For more highlights from the meeting, I encourage you to go to visit the ACoC’s website for the daily summaries:
It continues to be my honour to be a part of this National council and to represent our Diocese in the important work of our National church.
With gratitude,
Marnie
IMAGES
- Rev. Marnie Peterson presenting to CoGS, November 2019
- The Reverend Marnie Peterson Photo: Jennifer Ewing