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Text: That Resolution G, page 133 of the Convening Circular, be amended to read as follows:; "Whereas there are legislative changes contemplated in Canada in relation to abortion,; Whereas there is a need for a comprehensive study into matters relating to abortion, and; Whereas there has been no definite statement made by the Anglican Church of Canada regarding abortion,; THIS GENERAL SYNOD; 1. Requests the Primate to set up a special study committee of theologians, parish clergy, obstetricians, doctors engaged in family practice, lawyers, and specialists in behavioural and medical sciences to prepare a statement on all aspects relating to abortion, and further; 2. Authorizes the said committee to submit a brief in the name of the Anglican Church of Canada when opportunity is provided to do so by the Government of Canada." CARRIED in both Houses.

Subjects: Abortion - Law and legislation - Canada; Abortion - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Bioethics - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada

Prologue: That this General Synod is of the opinion that the Criminal Law is not a good or appropriate instrument or agency for the restriction or control of abortion and that the proper means of attaining the goals in the resolution previously passed is through education and social measures, having in mind that laws relating to health and the discipline of the medical and nursing professions are made by provincial legislatures.

Text: That this motion and other outstanding motions be referred to the National Executive Council for consideration. CARRIED ACT 91

Subjects: Abortion - Law and legislation - Canada; Abortion - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Medical laws and legislation - Canada; Medical ethics - Canada; Bioethics - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada

Prologue: Moved by: The Rev. M.J. Barry; Seconded by: Canon E.R. Fairweather; THAT this General Synod, while admitting the necessity of therapeutic abortion in special circumstances, rejects the policy of abortion on demand and directs National Executive Council to petition the governments with respect hereto and take all necessary action to promote both education for family planning and measures in support of families and individuals facing serious difficulties in this area.; An amendment to this motion was; Moved by: Dr. L.L. Whytehead; Seconded by: Mr. Desmond R. Smith; That this General Synod take all necessary action to promote both education for family planning and measures in support of families and individuals facing unwanted pregnancy, such as skilled Christian counselling, and emphasize the loving concern of the Church for those involved, whatever their final decision.; An amendment to the amendment

Text: THAT this General Synod, while admitting the necessity of therapeutic abortion in special circumstances - as spelled out in our 1967 brief to Government, commends the Government of Canada for the present law which is in accordance with this philosophy. We respectfully request that this law be rigidly enforced so that abortion on demand be not possible and take all necessary action including general distribution of our brief throughout the Church, to promote both education for family planning and measures in support of families and individuals facing serious difficulties in this area.; Motion to refer was DEFEATED IN ORDER OF DELEGATES.; Chancellor Ryan, on behalf of the Assessors, then ruled that the vote on the amendment was to be taken next.; The amendment was DEFEATED IN ORDER OF DELEGATES.; The amendment to the amendment was then presented as a second amendment to the motion.; This amendment CARRIED IN BOTH ORDERS.; The motion, as amended CARRIED IN BOTH ORDERS. Act 18

Notes: Moved by: Mr. P.J. Andrewes; Seconded by: The Rev. R. Stockall; "That this General Synod stand for one minute of silent prayers for all those human lives which have been killed by abortion in Canada by the present state of the law".; This motion was withdrawn by the mover and seconder. In doing so, the mover said that he was responding to the personal request of the Primate, who had assured him that he had the right to put the motion if he insisted, but that several people had indicates to the Primate that it amounted to moral blackmail, would be unfair to those who disagreed, and would divide the Synod. Mr. Andrewes stated that he did not agree with these objections, but was acceding to the Primate's request.

Subjects: Abortion - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Abortion - Law and legislation - Canada; Birth control - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Bioethics - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada