Pastoral Statement from the College of Bishops
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
We ask for your prayers today as we gather for an overnight retreat with the Diocese of Toronto’s clerical and lay members of General Synod, in preparation for General Synod, which takes place in Vancouver from July 10-17.
This evening and tomorrow, we will spend time together at the Convent of the Sisters of St John the Divine in prayer, study and conversation about the topics that will come before the Anglican Church of Canada for discussion and decision next month.
All of the issues are worthy of thoughtful attention, but we particularly ask your prayers as we consider such matters as the election of a new Primate, the future of Indigenous self-determination in the Anglican Church of Canada, and the second reading of the motion for changes to the marriage canon (Canon XXI) regarding same-sex marriage.
As your bishops, we will have more to say to you about General Synod as we get closer to that gathering. At this time, however, we ask that you uphold our elected Members of Synod in their preparations for this important moment in the life of our Church. Their sixteen names are listed on the Diocesan website. Please pray for them, and for the whole of General Synod. Suggested prayers are found on the Anglican Church of Canada website.
May we be inspired by the Holy Spirit to follow the way of Christ in all things, and to witness boldly to the God of unity and infinite love.
The Rt. Rev. Andrew Asbil
The Rt. Rev. Peter Fenty
The Rt. Rev. Riscylla Shaw
The Rt. Rev. Kevin Robertson
The Rt. Rev. Jenny Andison
