Highlights of Diocesan Council Meeting
September 2008
The Rev. Heather Karabelas
Bishop's Report
Synod Office: The move of the office has been delayed. Synod staff will continue to work at the present location until March or April, considering options in the meantime.
Diocesan Synod: The dates have been confirmed as May 15-17, 2009, in Kelowna. A planning team in being assembled and considering "Stewards of Life" as a possible theme.
Lambeth Reflections:
- It was a privilege to attend and was spiritually nourishing, particularly in the daily worship, and the daily Bible Study around the "I Am" sayings in the gospel of John.
- Lambeth engaged the great themes of Anglican Identity, Mission, Evangelism, Social Justice, Human Sexuality and Covenant.
- Met with Bishop of Northern Mexico, who expressed his desire for our partnership with his Diocese to continue. They wish to resurrect their ministry in camping, and this may provide the focus of a future Mission project for us.
- This moment is an important crossroads for the future of the Anglican Communion. The Anglican Covenant process is in its third draft. Now member provinces and diocese need to decide about moratoria and the covenant, although the process is not yet clear.
Diocesan Partnerships:
The bishop of the Diocese of Northern Mexico is interested in continuing our partner relationship. It was agreed that Bishop John would attend the Synod of the Diocese of Northern Mexico after the election of a new bishop, and that Council will reconsider this issue at that time.
Shared Ministry of Shuswap Lakes:
The Parish of Shuswap Lake has officially divided into three parishes, effective August 1, 2008. Barbara Stewart has been appointed priest-in-charge at St. David's, Celista; Bob Crosby in service, Chase; and Bruce Chalmers is covering St. Mary's, Sorrento.
Correspondence:
Anglican Church of Canada Resolution Corporation-Promissory Note: The Diocesan commitment to the settlement fund for Residential Schools has been paid in full. The Bishop thanked Allan Reed and the Kootenay Cares committee for their hard work to ensure our faithful response.