Dr. Morden and Bishop Valentine, in presenting the report, stated that the Committee wish to go on record that it gives continuing support on the decision of the Ordination of Women regardless of any written material that has been produced from many sources.
The Committee has discussed the issue of Homosexuality and suggests that other groups and committees may also wish to pick this up.
More resources are available in the Continuing Education Plan at this time; accrued interest will now be used for equalization purposes.
Dr. Morden reviewed the report from the Committee and noted that various subjects have been recommended for referral to specific groups for further attention. In conclusion Dr. Morden commended to the Council the ARCIC Statement on Authority.
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That the report of the Committee on Ministry be received. CARRIED
Notes
Concern was expressed over the shortness of time to finalize the work assigned to the Committee and the extent of the change in membership of the Committee after each Synod.
Concern was expressed that people in general have not been adequately prepared for marriage breakdowns where clergy are involved.
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That the National Executive Council ask the new Committee on Ministry (i) to further consider the issues of pastoral concern on Marriage breakdown involving clergy, and (ii) concern of placement of candidates now in training for ordination. CARRIED
The Reverend Canon Ansley Tucker and the Reverend Paul Robinson members of the General Synod Ministry Committee brought two resolutions (from the Committee) to the House of Bishops about the Advisory Committee on Postulants for Ordination (ACPO). Their purpose was to receive the House of Bishops' input about the resolutions (#3-2-84 re. ACPO contemplated for Canadian Forces personnel and #4-2-84 re. Categories for use by ACPO assessors in relation to prospective postulants) to be taken back to the Ministry Committee, before bringing the resolution to the National Executive Committee for approval. (See appendix ii for resolutions).
Following a discussion in plenary, the consensus of the House of Bishops was that it would ask that the ACPO process continue.
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That a joint task force of 2 episcopal chairs and 2 ACPO secretaries representing different regions meet with representatives from the Ministry Committee. CARRIED
Notes
Appendix ii
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON POSTULANTS FOR ORDINATION (ACPO)
HOUSE OF BISHOPS
Guidelines re members of the Canadian Forces "who wish to be pursue the ordained ministry".
Resolution 3-2-84
When ACPO is contemplated for the Canadian Forces personnel, the following guidelines will be observed:
1. The applicant must be co-sponsored by the Bishop Ordinary and a Diocesan Bishop.
2. The Diocesan Bishop interviews the candidate and helps provide pastoral support through regular diocesan channels.
3. If ordination is appropriate, then the Bishop Ordinary, at the request of the Diocesan or with permission of the Diocesan, may ordain.
4. The ordained person may be considered for employment in the Diocese of the co-sponsoring Diocesan Bishop of until accepted into the Forces.
5. If Provincial Postulancy is in effect, then this will be considered.
Resolution 4-2-84
Categories for use by ACPO assessors in relation to prospective postulants:
a) recommended at this time for postulancy -- with suggestions for "areas of training and experience to be included in the education and training process".
b) not recommended at this time for postulancy -- with suggestions for "areas of training and personal growth to be undertaken before further assessment by ACPO or other appropriate evaluation in considered".
c) not recommended at this time for postulancy -- with suggestions of "other areas of ministry and service which may be more appropriate".
Bishop Shepherd said that he was invited to attend a conference of chaplains engaged in institutional chaplaincy work, and was requested to act as "chairman" to the caucus of Anglican priests.
Bishop Shepherd reported that the chaplains feel a low level of support from the church in their specialized area of work, and expressed the desire to have closer relationships with the diocesan life of the Church.
It was recognized that the lack of uniformity in licensing procedures causes some difficulties.
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That this matter be referred to the Committee on Ministry.
That the report on behalf of the Committee on Ministry be received. CARRIED
Notes
Mrs. McFadden reported on behalf of the Committee on Ministry.
Missions to Seamen - Shipping Companies have requested that fund raising be co-ordinated on a provincial level,.
Lay Readers' Programs - Information is being compiled re Diocesan Lay Readers programs, and if this compilation proves to be useful it will be distributed.
Deployment - Healthy hiring and deployment practices were described.
Diaconate - A Task Force is being established to study the current role of the Diaconate.
Training Programs - An attempt is being made to discover what courses are now available.
Canon on Religious Orders - Archdeacon Hilchey reported that the Primate is to meet with members of religious communities in Canada, along with constitutional people, to consider this matter, using the ECUSA's Canon as a model.
Following discussion of the report, the Deputy Prolocutor thanked Mrs. McFadden and the representatives of the Committee for the report.
"B. Recognizing that no effective support of ministry from the national level can occur without consultation and effective interchange of ideas and experience;
Be it resolved that this General Synod invite the Dioceses of the Anglican Church of Canada to engage in discussion and research with its Committee on Ministry in matters concerning ministry. CARRIED
Notes
[Recorded as No. 109 in Acts of Synod, p. 71. List of Acts includes actions which are NOT resolutions/acts.]
That Recommendation (2) "That the regional promotion and administration of Theological Education Sunday be a responsibility of these regional committees, the National Staff Consultant acting as coordinator for the several regions"; Recommendation (4) "That the Committee on Ministry arrange for an annual consultation of, and with, the Principals (or their nominees) of the Schools and Colleges training men for ministry; and that consideration be given to including the Principals or Directors of Centres for Christian Studies in these consultations"; and Recommendation (5) "That when possible the Annual ACPO [Advisory Committee on Postulants for Ordination] Consultation be coincident with a meeting of the Committee on Ministry so that there be good communication and interaction between the two groups"; be approved and referred to the Committee on Ministry for appropriate action. CARRIED
It was noted that the work of the Church Army has not been touched upon in the Report, and the Primate said that, at recent meetings with the Metropolitans, it has been agreed that conversations should be initiated with the Church Army about its future.
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That this National Executive Council ask the Committee on Ministry to take steps to establish an inter-diocesan Theological Education Committee to coordinate and accredit Theological Education programmes of individual dioceses who have diocesan clergy schools for native postulants for ministry. CARRIED
Notes
The hope was expressed that such a Committee would ensure liaison with the Churches of South America, who have developed some interesting and exciting patterns for ministry among native peoples.