The Bishop Coadjutor of Toronto presented the Report of the Committee on Training Older Men for the Ministry, Section H.
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That the Report of the Committee on Training Older Men for Ministry Section H., be received. CARRIED.
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Bishop Snell outlined the Recommendations in the Report:--
If it is agreed that there is a place in the ministry for "older men" then we should be prepared to undertake their training. A night school plan seems to be the most realistic way of tackling the problem.
It is also desirable to have a common standard for the whole of Canada. Therefore we urge that a competent committee draw up a curriculum based on two years of night school during which eight units of study will be taken. Then the successful candidates shall be required to attend full-time for an additional year, preferably of nine months duration.
Further, that a testing of a man's suitability to undertake the course be given along the lines of C.A.C.T.M. [Central Advisory Council for the Ministry]
That where a night school is not feasible, the same courses shall be taken under the direction of a parish priest acceptable to the Bishop, or under the direction of the staff of the provincial college.
That consideration be given to having one college for each Ecclesiastical Province used for the final year's training.
That special care should be taken in the post-ordination training of such men. That the Pension Committee be consulted. It might be necessary to limit the upper age so that ordination would take place prior to age 50.
That a special Committee be set up to implement the recommendations made in the Report of the Committee on the Training of Older Men for the Ministry. CARRIED.
That the Primate be asked to refer to the Metropolitans the implications of H.4 and 5 regarding Training of Older Men for the Ministry, so that appropriate action to carry out recommendations may be taken in the several provinces. CARRIED.
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[Text of Report (sections H4 and H5 not included in electronic database.]
Twenty-one clergy and theological students have been awarded bursaries amounting to $17,600 by the Anglican Church of Canada.
Rev. James Reed, of Montreal, was awarded $3000 for continuing doctoral studies at the American Foundation of Religion and Psychiatry in New York City. He plans to enter community mental health work.
Rev. Donald Brown, of Edmonton, was awarded $2500 for work on his master's degree on community development and Rev. Floyd Green, of Lyn, Ontario, was given $2000 to continue study at Worcester (Mass.) State Hospital.
Other recipients were awarded bursaries for continuing study in clinical pastoral training, counselling, training development and alcohol studies.
The following have received $1000 bursaries: Rev. Lennerton, of Halifax, N.S.; Rev. Lawrence Scyner, of Montreal; Rev. M.G. Randell, of St. John's, Nfld.; Rev. G. Grant Schwartz, of Assiniboia, Sask.; and Rev. Gary Hamblin, of Winnipeg.
Bursary winners of lesser amounts for short-term study are Rev. John Lancaster, of Victoria, B.C.; Rev. Douglas Hergett, of Darmouth, N.S.; Rev. Robert H. Coote, of Mahone Bay, N.S.; Rev. T.H. Wilson, of Wakefield, Quebec; Rev. Walter Hammond, of Clarenville, Nfld.; Rev. Brian Gilbertson, of Gimli, Manitoba; Ven. G.A. Steele, of Biggar, Sask.; Rev. Douglas Dittrich, of Inuvik, N.W.T., and Rev. Canon L.F. Wilmot, of Clanwilliam, Manitoba.
Two theological students won awards of $500. They are R. Timothy Elliott, St. Catharines, Ontario, and Brian E. Woodrow, of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Other winners were John A. Mills, of St. John's E., N.B., and R.E. Harrison, of Vancouver.
"The Anglican Church of Canada is a national body that has never had national guidelines describing its expectations of clergy. That's about to change, however, thanks to a far-reaching new document called 'Competencies for Ordination to the Priesthood in the Anglican Church of Canada'. Arising out of General Synod 2010, this document will be an important measuring stick for discerning vocation for the priesthood and supporting ordained clergy in lifelong learning". "The broad scope of priestly proficiencies cover five core categories: personal and spiritual formation; Christian heritage and Anglican identity; cultural and social context; capacity for leadership; and skills for teaching and learning". "Endorsed by CoGS in March [2013], 'Competencies' will go to General Synod 2013 in July. If the guidelines are approved, it's not clear what authority they will have or whether or not they can compel action. The Rev. Canon Todd Townshend, dean of theology at Huron University College in London, Ont., concedes that these competencies set the bar high, but says that 'good priestly leadership requires many gifts".
Eight page insert (1-8) with May 2013 issue of Anglican Journal. Anglican Church of Canada Ministry Report. Insert produced by Resources for Mission Dept.
5. That the training of ordinands be considered as extending over the first five years in Holy Orders, and that during these five years the clergy be licensed at the pleasure of the Bishop, and receive special assistance in their spiritual and mental development and in their practical work.
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Resolved, That section 5 be amended to read:
"That the training of Ordinands be considered as extending over the first five years in Holy Orders and that during those five years the Clergy receive spiritual assistance in their spiritual and mental development and in their parochial work." CARRIED in both Houses.
THAT General Synod receive and refer the following Memorial from the Diocese of Edmonton on Clergy Education to the Committee on Ministry for further exploration:
`THAT arrangements be made for furthering education of clergy through reading and correspondence courses and that there be a continual up-dating of such reading programmes.'
Be it resolved that this General Synod request the theological colleges to provide training in Evangelism, not only for undergraduates but also as a program for the continuing training of clergy. Furthermore, that the bishops of the dioceses be asked to give financial support where needed and every encouragement. CARRIED in both Houses.