On behalf of the Metropolitans, Archbishop O'Driscoll requested input from the House of Bishops about those who would be permitted to attend the in camera study sessions on the church and sexuality.
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That the House of Bishops' study sessions on sexuality, include its members, plus the Reverend Gordon Light, Principal Secretary to the Primate; Ms. Jo Mutch, Executive Assistant to the Primate; Mr. Douglas Tindal, Director of Communications, and Archdeacon Jim Boyles, General Secretary." CARRIED
That rather than discuss either of the letters received, homosexuality be on the agenda of the next meeting of the House of Bishops for a broad discussion of the subject and the church's attitude to it; and that this intention be communicated to the above two groups. CARRIED
The Primate reminded the House that the National Executive Council in November, 1990, had asked the House of Bishops to replace the Third Collect for Good Friday in the Book of Common Prayer with a suitable alternative.
The following Collect has been proposed by the Doctrine and Worship Committee and accepted by the National Executive Council.
"O God of unchangeable power and eternal light,
look favourably on thy whole Church,
that wonderful and sacred mystery.
By the effectual working of thy providence,
carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation.
Let the whole world see and know
that things which were cast down are being raised up,
and things which had grown old are being made new,
and that all things are being brought to their perfection
by him through whom all things were made,
thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord;
who liveth and reigneth with thee,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen."
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That this Collect be authorized for use as an alternative to the Third Collect for Good Friday in the Book of Common Prayer. CARRIED
That the Secretary of the House of Bishops write to Mr. Ian Richardson of Delta, British Columbia, informing him that his letter came to the attention of the members of the House, and that the House felt the letter sent by the Primate's Principal Secretary embodied the views of the House. CARRIED
That the House of Bishops approve in principle the establishment of a declaration of human rights principles for the Anglican Church of Canada. CARRIED
That Mrs. Jenny Mason be given a time period on the regular agenda of the House to describe pre-retirement seminars; and that diocesan bishops be asked to make provision for such seminars. CARRIED
There was further discussion to that of the November 1992 House of Bishops meeting about an ad hoc group of the Pension Committee (page 7 of those minutes) and how it was to take place. Bishop Morgan responded by saying that he understood from Mrs. Mason, Director of Pensions, that funding for the group was limited. Bishop Townshend added that the purpose of the ad hoc committee, as he understood it, was purely for fact finding and that the committee had not been put together yet.
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That the House request the Pension Committee to appoint at least one of its episcopal members to the task force. And that the House asks the episcopal representative to bring back matters of concern to the House. CARRIED