The fall 2023 meeting of the current Provincial Synod took place in Hamilton in the Diocese of Niagara. This in-person, week-long gathering included meetings of the Provincial House of Bishops, the executive officers, Provincial Council, OPCOTE and a follow-up discussion to our vocations conference. Similar themes ran through all the meetings. The discussion around vocations continued, as it is a provincial priority, but there was also an in-depth discussion on gambling ads in Ontario. Archbishop Linda Nicholls, the Primate, asked for a review and discussion of a white paper on gambling ads. (The paper can be found at www.banadsforgambling.ca/resources-white-paper.) The outcome of the review and discussion was that the Ontario House of Bishops supported a request to ban gambling ads in Ontario, with the further support of Provincial Council. The full story can be found in the Anglican Journal’s January edition. While vocations and the white paper took up significant discussion time, the meetings also addressed budgeting, safe church resources, and continuing social justice work as a province.

The upcoming meetings this spring will highlight similar topics along with the ongoing focus on vocations and formation, which has been the province’s central focus throughout this triennium, along with discussions on how to continue this work in the months and years to come. There will be a focus on incubator parishes that identify and nurture vocations, structural integration, promoting vocations, lifelong learning, mentoring and structures. All discussions are meant to work in conjunction with OPCOTE in assessing the best ways to move this conversation and work forward.

This spring’s Provincial Council meeting will also look at potential agenda items for our larger fall meeting, which will take place in Sault Ste. Marie. This week-long September event will once again focus on vocations as well as the business of Synod. We will look toward the next triennium’s work along with the election of members to the next Provincial Council, which does the work of the province in between synods. It will be decided who will attend those meetings, as chosen by their diocese. The speaker at the fall gathering will be the Most Rev. Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York in the UK. Along with the regular business of the Provincial Synod, we hope to spend time at the Shingwauk Residential School Centre at the University of Algoma and on the land of the former Shingwauk and Wawanosh Indian Residential Schools in Sault Ste. Marie.

2024 will be a busy time in the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario as it plots its way into a new triennium of work and ministry. The work will continue to build bridges between the seven dioceses and share resources that will enhance ministry and relationships. New members will continue the work that was begun in the last triennium while bringing innovative ideas and gifts to the table. The province is blessed to have volunteers and staff who continue to give of their time and talents, and for that we give thanks.

The Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario comprises the dioceses of Algoma, Huron, Ontario, Moosonee, Niagara, Ottawa and Toronto.

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The province’s spring gathering will take place in the last week of March. These gatherings usually include the Ontario House of Bishops, Provincial Council, provincial executive officers, and the Ontario Provincial Commission of Theological Education (OPCOTE). Provincial Council decided last fall to move one of its two yearly meetings online, instead of having both in person. While meeting online will keep costs down, Council understands that there is a need to meet in person so members can not only network but continue to build relationships between Ontario’s seven dioceses. The province’s meeting this fall will be in person to allow Council to do just this. The intent is to be fiscally responsible while ensuring that we do not lose the personal connection we have by being together in person.

While the province continues its work with the Bereavement Authority of Ontario, the Advisory Committee on Postulants for Ordination, government relations and outreach, there is a significant focus on the continued work with OPCOTE. This work is a priority for the province. We supported a conference last spring called “Calling and Forming Priests for Tomorrow’s Church: Pathways to Partnership” that brought not only the heads of the Ontario theological colleges together but also individuals who are central to the work and discussions around vocations in the seven dioceses. The conference called us as “provincial bishops, dioceses and colleges to work collaboratively to discern vocations for priestly ministry for the Church of tomorrow, and together prepare them effectively for ordination and life-long formation.”

The province recognizes that times are changing for the Church. New ministry opportunities arise while some older ones are no longer viable. COVID-19 has forced many parishes and theological institutions to adapt faster than expected. That means our clergy, both current and those who are considering ministry, need to be trained to meet the needs of a Church in transition. It is time to learn and look with fresh eyes to assess and understand what works and what doesn’t. It’s important to understand parishes that are adapting positively and living the gospel, and how that looks from an academic perspective as well.

The discussion acknowledges that each diocese needs academic support designed to meet its ministry needs. Academics and understanding of the priestly vocation are not the same in every place. The ability to do ministry in Ottawa and Niagara can not simply be copied and pasted into Moosonee and Algoma. While we are one big church family, each diocese will bring its own ministry needs, gifts and resources.

This work on vocations is well underway, and discussions continue to evolve and grow as the working groups focus on topics such as governance, incubator parishes, lifelong learning and mentorship. Each topic is framed in the conference’s executive summary by looking at what is currently happening (current culture and context), what could happen (aspirational alternatives and improvements) and what will happen (implementing practical steps to move us closer to desired outcomes).

The reality is that change is inevitable, and it’s important that the province meet that change head-on and embrace it moving forward. Adapting to ministry needs in an ever-changing world is critical and the province wants to support that work. At our meeting in March, we look forward to not only bringing together people of the province but working with their dioceses’ distinct set of needs to build strong and healthy parishes and institutions.

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A significant part of this upcoming and continuing work includes discussions and action plans that came out of a provincial conference that took place this past June. “Calling and Forming Priests for Tomorrow’s Church: Pathways to Partnership” included two days of discussions and work that looked at the process of vocational discernment. It’s been more than a decade since the last vocations conference of this significance was held in the ecclesiastical province.

The conference brought together individuals who assist others in their process of vocational discernment, formation and education. It included our provincial College of Bishops, Primate Linda Nicholls, theological educators, most executive officers, diocesan members and members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. It was a meeting of the Church and those in theological education. Archbishop Anne Germond, our metropolitan, clearly stated the need for this conference, saying that “it is imperative that our province takes the time and expends the energy to do the work that will encourage and excite those whom God is calling to ordained ministry in these current times. It is equally critical for us to ensure that all ordained leaders, called by the Church, are prepared, supported, confident and excited about the challenges that are before us as we embrace the mission of God in our respective dioceses and regions.”

While the conference was delayed by two years due to the pandemic, this was a blessing in disguise. The delay allowed participants to discuss and assess the significant changes in the Anglican Church and its ministries that occurred during the pandemic shutdown. Many of these changes will be in place long after the pandemic ends and wouldn’t have been part of the conversation if the gathering had occurred at its original time. Outside-the-box thinking, being adaptive and quick to address change, and meeting the unexpected challenges of a global health threat became part of the conference dialogue.

Participants discussed discipleship and vocational discernment, intensive and extended formation and education programs, life-long learning, and other matters relevant to a vocational call. It was clear that preparing ordained leaders is different now compared to even a few years ago. Focusing on the formation of all the baptized, “incubator” parishes and other contexts that raise potential candidates, along with the importance of healthy mentoring and prayer, were highlighted. The meeting ended with the creation of action plans so there are next steps, not just talk.

Further to the vocations conference, the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario also continues its work on its eldercare mandate. The eldercare team is building and gathering resources for both senior care and advocacy, so parishes and individuals can find the guidance they need. Resources will be available on the provincial web page soon. There will be other resources to enhance advocacy for seniors once the care and support ones are in place.

The seven dioceses of our province also continue to work together to support each other in the areas of Safe Church and pandemic response. The chancellors, executive officers and bishops have regular meetings to strengthen relationships and support between the dioceses. There is a realization that nurturing provincial relationships and sharing gifts builds a stronger Church that is well equipped to do ministry in a world that can change quickly. Learning to adapt and share resources is necessary, and the dioceses want to continue to enhance this ability.

More planning and work will happen as we move into the winter months. Updates will be posted on the provincial website (www.province-ontario.anglican.ca) if you’re interested in our provincial council notes or want to find updates on the work underway. We’re always open to any questions or suggestions that people may have about our ministry, and we look forward to continuing our provincial work into 2023.

The Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario comprises the dioceses of Algoma, Huron, Moosonee, Niagara, Ottawa, Ontario and Toronto.

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The ecclesiastical province has done its best to adapt amidst two years of constant change. Archbishop Anne Germond and the bishops of the province’s seven dioceses met virtually with increasing frequency to take on the ever-changing challenges presented by the pandemic. The executive officers of the dioceses continued to work at streamlining resources. Work that was going on before the pandemic continued, with demands increasing as the weeks of restrictions turned into months and then years. 

Along with the growing ministry workload, the issue of eldercare became an unexpected aspect of the ecclesiastical province’s mandate during the pandemic. The inadequate care of seniors in the secular provincial system became a glaringly visible crisis as the death toll from the pandemic increased. A once-hidden problem became a noticeable systemic failing. It became obvious that Ontario’s long-term care system for seniors was not just showing cracks in its stability but had turned into a clear breakdown of care. Its deficiencies not only affected seniors needing support but their paid and family caregivers, both in institutions and at home. 

The work to understand the magnitude of this provincial failing has been overwhelming for those in the ecclesiastical province who took this mandate on. The lack of consistent care and working support systems for seniors throughout the pandemic was evident, but finding a starting point at which to tackle the issue was daunting. 

A year and a half later, the ecclesiastical province’s Eldercare Working Group has found its footing. Appeals to the seven dioceses for input on seniors’ care, along with work with legal advocacy groups such as the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly, has started the wheels turning. The working group is taking a two-pronged approach, with the first focused on the creation of a set of resources that all parishes can easily access and use. The work of gathering resources that will guide both seniors and caregivers has begun. The resources will contain information about powers of attorney, reporting guidelines, how and who reports are made to, care for an aging population, responsibilities of those caring for the elderly and how parishes and the community can support those who are struggling not only in care homes but also their own living spaces. These resources will be easily accessible to those in the ecclesiastical province who need them. This resource tool will grow over time as additions are made and maintained. 

The second aspect of eldercare that the ecclesiastical province will look at is one of advocacy. How do we as the Anglican Church make sure that seniors get the respect and care they not only need but deserve? What steps need to happen in caring for a group of people who are often vulnerable and alone? There is no quick answer on how to deal with this, and it will not be tackled until the first phase is complete. It will take time to assess, plan and move forward. As much as the ecclesiastical province would like to get everything in place quickly, it is not that simple. There is no quick fix for a system that has been failing for years. Small, thorough steps will move it forward in the hopes that advocacy will gain traction and encourage change. 

The ecclesiastical province will continue to be a strong ministry team as the world continues to adapt and change in a post-pandemic world. It will not forget the new things learned and the failings encountered. The forced adaption means that the often slow wheels of change in churchland have sped up. This is a good thing. Closer diocesan ties and expanded ecclesiastical support, along with working towards a better world for our seniors, is just the beginning of the ecclesiastical province’s mandate heading into 2022.

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While the ecclesiastical province’s work is often understated, it is important and tackles many topics that stem from the secular government of Ontario’s work. Provincial Anglican input on the regulation of cemeteries, historical building designation and the legalities around clergy counselling have all been part of our province’s work. We are blessed that our boundaries generally align with the secular province of Ontario, allowing us to participate in discussions around policy formation. 

The ecclesiastical province also finds collegial ministry within its College of Bishops in these unprecedented times. While colleges of the past worked well, our current college has been challenged to balance health and safety with spiritual well-being in a changing world. The bishops have worked together under the leadership of Archbishop Anne Germond to face this pandemic in a united and supportive way. They maneuvered to deal with shutdowns, changing liturgies and parishioner care. The ecclesiastical province’s pandemic work has been critical to the ever-changing situation in parishes. The ability to access the required medical input along with spiritual insight and opinions allowed the dioceses to learn together and adapt. This collegiality has allowed for ministry to continue in new and changing ways. 

Along with the College of Bishops, Provincial Council also offers both mission and ministry. The priorities it has set throughout decades of work include social justice issues such as creation care, child poverty, water rights, elder care and homelessness. There is a working group specifically targeting elder care and elder abuse that is creating provincial resources that will include the social and legal aspects of advocating and protecting our seniors within the provincial boundaries. 

The Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario’s executive officers of the seven dioceses are also collaborating by aiming to streamline workload and reduce costs. They are working together on multiple fronts so all dioceses, no matter their financial and personnel strength, have access to resources that will support ministry and mission in even the most remote areas of the province. 

The chancellors are another provincial team working together. They have begun the process of building and training a safe church resource team to aid the dioceses with unbiased investigations and care. They can be called to anywhere in the province as needed to offer quick and unbiased support.  

The ecclesiastical province quietly works to enhance and support diocesan ministry while looking ahead to the changing times enveloping our dioceses. Its ministry and mission come from a desire to find new and supportive ways of not only sharing the gospel but allowing work to happen in a way that enriches the parishes in every corner of the province. Focus has shifted over time as the needs and outreach of the provincial church have changed. While the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario’s ministry isn’t flashy or high-profile, it is humbly tangible and adaptive and continues to work as a support for all the dioceses housed within it.

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As we make our way into the second year of the pandemic, we as a Church have become keenly aware of the struggles many of our vulnerable elders are experiencing. While we as Christians should always advocate and protect any who are at-risk, we are now confronted with abuse of those in our older demographic. We are seeing countless issues in Ontario’s long-term care facilities and the personal homes of the elderly. We are keenly aware of physical and mental abuse, lack of care, abandonment and isolation that many seniors are experiencing. 

Our Elder Care Working Group has come together at the request of Archbishop Anne Germond and is drawn from the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario. We have been asked by the archbishop to address the crisis of elder abuse and formulate a plan that not only advocates for our elders but offers seniors, their families and our parishes tools of support. 

We are not trained specifically in this area; however, we bring a variety of gifts and a broad range of knowledge to the table. We are seniors, children of seniors, and those who work with our elders with a burning desire to affect change. We have a vision, but we are also aware that it will take many voices to be heard, so we are asking that you lend your voice to ours, in the hope of meeting not just the perceived needs of seniors but real needs. We know there are some resources already available, but we feel we can do more – much more!

We are reaching out through various channels to find out what is needed at all levels of senior care. We want to hear what we can offer as a team that will aid in the care and advocacy for seniors. We need to understand how we can use our group’s advocacy skills and support to work with seniors and parishes who require our help. We want input from as many as possible.

This is a crisis of neglect and abuse brought to light by COVID-19, but it will not end with this pandemic. So please don’t add this to your “I’ll get to it later pile.” We are respectfully asking for your collective support as we gather feedback from bishops, clergy, lay people and seniors to discern what is needed. How do you think we can best support vulnerable seniors in this time of pandemic and beyond? We are asking that you would provide us with your feedback so we can deal with this important matter in a timely fashion. 

Please contact us and let us hear your voice. Raise your concerns and share your ideas. We are open to listening and learning so we can best serve and support our seniors who are at risk, but we can’t do that without your help. We want and need to hear your voice to help us care for the most vulnerable in our communities. 

Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not forsake me when my strength is spent. Psalm 71:9

Send your thoughts to ontarioeldercare@gmail.com or by regular mail to: Eldercare Working Group, c/o The Diocese of Algoma, 619 Wellington St. E., Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2M6. Laura Walton, ODT, is a member of the Diocese of Toronto. 

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The Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario covers most of the territory of the political province plus part of western Quebec. It includes the dioceses of Algoma, Huron, Moosonee, Niagara, Ontario, Ottawa and Toronto. As metropolitan, Archbishop Germond will serve as president of the province’s Synod and its House of Bishops, chair of its provincial council and bishop of the Diocese of Moosonee, while remaining bishop of the Diocese of Algoma.

Archbishop Germond is the third woman in the Anglican Communion to have the title “archbishop,” and the second in Canada after Archbishop Melissa Skelton, who was made metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbia and Yukon last May.

She said her first priority as metropolitan would be to call the people of the ecclesiastical province to ponder their identity as children of God, and the centrality of Christ in the church. “We’re not a people who gather around the archbishop, or who gather around a priest—we gather around Christ, and we gather around Christ’s gospel,” she said. “I really want us to think about that, and what that looks like as a province, because Christ is our unity and I think that alone will draw us closer together as a people.”

She said she also wanted to foster the growth of relationships among the dioceses in the province.

Anglican Journal

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Archbishop Johnson, who is the bishop of the dioceses of Toronto and Moosonee, was re-elected for a second six-year term at Provincial Synod, held at St. Paul, Bloor Street on Oct. 14-16.

Two other people from the Diocese of Toronto figured prominently at Provincial Synod. Laura Walton, a member of Christ Church, Batteau in the episcopal area of York-Simcoe, was elected prolocutor, or vice-chair, of the group while Canon Christopher Riggs, a member of the Church of the Redeemer, Bloor Street, retired as its chancellor.

“I’m delighted that Laura has been elected,” says Archbishop Johnson. “She’s had long experience with Provincial Synod, General Synod and our own diocesan Synod, so she brings a wealth of experience. It’s also good to have someone who comes from a smaller community, representing a different voice in the life of the church.”

As chancellor, Canon Riggs provided legal counsel on a pro bono basis for the past six years. “His work has been a great gift to the church,” says Archbishop Johnson. “He brought together the chancellors from all the dioceses in the province so they could have an interchange of ideas and also work together on common policies and procedures. Building up those relationships is really important.”

Ms. Walton succeeds the Rev. Canon Rob Towler of the Diocese of Huron and Canon Riggs is succeeded by Jean Bédard, the former vice-chancellor of the Diocese of Ontario.

The theme of Provincial Synod was “Re-imagining Church in the Public Square” and a number of speakers reflected on that, including Premier Kathleen Wynne. She praised the Anglican Church for creating “communities of belonging” and advocating for the poor and marginalized.

“You don’t just witness the harsh realities of marginalized peoples, whose struggles are often ignored – you take on their struggles as though they are your own,” she said. “You help them find a voice. You help them find support, and that tightens the bonds among all of us. You help them find a roof over their heads and ensure there is food on their plates, and you provide access to economic opportunities so they can build a future for themselves and their families.”

Other speakers included Hugh Segal, the former Conservative senator and current master of Massey College, Archbishop Fred Hiltz and Dr. William Cavanaugh, a professor of theology at DePaul University in Chicago. Several dioceses showed videos about how they were reimagining church in the public square.

Archbishop Johnson says Provincial Synod’s work over the next three years will focus on three main areas: theological education and vocations, advocacy with the provincial government, and developing cooperation between the seven dioceses that make up the ecclesiastical province (Algoma, Huron, Moosonee, Niagara, Ottawa, Ontario and Toronto.)

“In terms of advocacy, we’ll continue to work in the areas of poverty and homelessness,” he says. “We are big providers of services to those who are poor. We’re significant stakeholders in the conversation, so we’ll bring our expertise to the table with the government.”

Other areas of advocacy and conversation with the government will include increased funding for palliative care, a response to the issue of physician-assisted death, and school curriculum that accurately reflects the First Nations experience, particularly in regards to the residential schools.

The ecclesiastical province has worked with the government on a number of issues over the years, particularly ones that affect churches. This includes laws and regulations that govern heritage buildings, cemeteries, water use, land registration and funeral services. Much of the work is done with ecumenical partners. “It means that Anglicans, Roman Catholics and United Church members in the whole province can go together to the government on a particular issue and represent a large chunk of the electorate,” says Archbishop Johnson.

More than half of all Anglicans in Canada live in the ecclesiastical province, which falls almost entirely within the geographic boundaries of the civil province. “We’re in very good shape,” says Archbishop Johnson. “The seven dioceses that comprise the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario are all strong. In a sense, it’s the engine of the Canadian church.”

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