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The following article was filed by Jane Humphreys in the Ontario Anglican News web site. 

A hybrid meeting of the Synod Council of the Diocese of Ontario was held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at St. Paul's Parish in Kingston at 6 pm. Highlights of the meeting include:

Archdeacon Wayne Varley led devotions, focusing on the importance of setting a spiritual tone for the meetings and church business matters. He referred to gospel passages related to Jesus and his disciples between the time of calling and before they were sent out. He followed with prayer, asking that Synod Council members be gifted with wise council and united by the Holy Spirit in purpose.

The agenda for the meeting was approved. The bishop noted that it was Archdeacon David Selzer’s last meeting and Archdeacon Jane Humphreys’ first meeting. David was thanked and Jane was welcomed. Mr. Rob Cumming, a student in the LTh program was welcomed to the meeting as an observer. The minutes of the meeting of April 29th were approved.

The bishop expressed satisfaction with the recent Synod and shared positive feedback from Bishop Rosemarie Mallet, the key-note speaker. Bishop Cliff commented on the well-received presentations made by Bishop Mallet and also the Rev. Scott Gunn from Forward Movement. As this was the first meeting of the Council following Synod, members each introduced themselves, sharing their names and roles within the diocese.

Archdeacon Wayne Varley led an orientation session for the Council members. He explained the role of the Synod Council in providing governance to the diocese, making decisions between sessions of the Synod, and enacting and amending policies and regulations. He highlighted the council’s fiduciary responsibility and the importance of sharing information with parishes. The importance of accountability and transparency were emphasized as well as the need for council members to act with integrity and show leadership. The importance of listening respectfully, speaking one at a time, and being prepared for meetings were highlighted.

A motion to elect Archdeacon Bill Clarke as vice-chair of Synod Council and Dr. Laurel Dempsey, Archdeacon Nancy Northgrave, Mr. Russ Grant, and Major The Rev. Canon Don Aitchison as the Executive Board was carried.

A motion to appoint Cunningham Swan as diocesan solicitor and Wilkinson and Company as the diocesan audit firm was carried.

DFO Alex Pierson discussed the challenges faced by cemeteries due to new regulations from the BAO (Bereavement Authority Ontario). The latest financials were presented to the Synod earlier in May and no further presentation was required at this Council meeting.

Archdeacon Wayne Varley provided an update on the refugee support program, noting a reduction in slots assigned by the government and the establishment of a grocery card program for individuals and families. This year marks the 30th anniversary of DOORS (Diocese of Ontario Refugee Support).

A motion for Council support for a grant application to the Anglican Foundation for $15,000 toward the replacement of the heating system at St. George’s, Trenton, was carried.

The bishop concluded the meeting with two pieces of homework for the next meeting, which included exploring the forwardmovement.org website for potential diocese-wide programs and identifying individuals for a "way forward group" to examine the business of being church.

The approval of the minutes of the May 20 meeting are pending. For questions about Synod Council, please contact the Ven. Jane Humphreys, diocesan executive officer, by email at jhumphreys@ontario.anglican.ca or by phone at (613) 777-0540.