Your Synod Council at Work

A meeting of the Diocese of Ontario Synod Council met on Tuesday, October 28 at St. Paul’s, Kingston and online. Sue Orgill led devotions, sharing a poem from the Iona Community about our many blessings.

Archdeacon Bill Clarke, vice-chair of Synod Council, led the meeting in the absence of the bishop who is attending the national Anglican/Roman Catholic Bishop’s Dialogue. In the chair’s remarks archdeacon Clarke shared that the bishop was at St. James, Kemptville for the Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Rogério de Assis and is looking forward to the Celebration of Ministry for the Rev. Ryan Deyo at St. Peter’s, Kingston in November. The bishop also enjoyed attending the ACW Regional meetings held in Kingston, Bancroft and Athens in October. The passing of Velma Kelsey was noted and thanks given for her many years as the cook at Camp Hyanto where she was dearly loved.

In business arising from the minutes, Archdeacon Jane Humphreys shared that the ‘Way Forward’ committee has been established and listed members Kathy Condie, Rob Cumming, Brad O’Neil, Bill Clarke, the Rev. Reagan Gale and Jane Humphreys. The first meeting will be held on November 14 to address plans arising from the Bishop’s 2025 Charge to Synod. Also, regarding the motion from Synod 2023 to donate $30,000 to the Society of Saint John the Divine (SSJD) for their guest house, a motion carried to send the full amount this year. To date just over $15,000 has been raised. The diocese will pay the remaining amount from reserve funds. Any donations for the guest house yet to be sent in will be used to reduce the diocesan top up. 

Under new business a motion to approve the request of St. John’s, Bath to install a new electronic sign on the exterior wall of the parish hall carried. The municipality required a permit for the work to be done and in all cases when projects must have a permit, they must also have permission from Synod Council, regardless of the cost of the project.

Alex Pierson gave the property report providing an extensive update on cemetery management, detailing regulatory changes and the financial and operational challenges faced by parishes. He explained that new regulations require care & maintenance funds to be held in trust with the pooled diocesan fund being phased out. Cemeteries must choose between establishing a direct trust (viable for larger funds), transferring funds to the Ontario Public Guardian & Trustee (suitable for smaller cemeteries), or, if unable to continue, transferring ownership and funds to the municipality. Many cemeteries face financial strain due to declining income and rising maintenance costs, often resulting in churches subsidizing cemetery operations. Alex noted that municipalities are required by law to accept abandoned cemeteries. When cemeteries are transferred, associated buildings may need to be demolished if municipalities do not wish to maintain them, with demolition costs falling to the diocese. The diocese is working on a policy to address the management of old properties and cemeteries and Alex encouraged parishes to initiate discussion about their cemeteries futures, noting the emotional and historical significance of these sites.

Alex reported on the completion of insurance renewals, ongoing collaboration with brokers and consultants, and efforts to address rising insurance costs and property valuations, with a focus on exploring alternative insurance structures. He highlighted the increase in insurance bills over ten years, primarily due to property replacement costs and noted the need to reassess coverage based on realistic building scenarios. A consultant is evaluating property values and proposing alternative insurance structures, including partial self-insurance, to manage costs more effectively. Alex will meet with Ecclesiastical Insurance's Canadian executive team in November to discuss potential changes and expects to implement new approaches for the 2026 renewal cycle.

The QIII financial statement was presented by Alex who noted a current surplus due to higher income and lower expenses. He reported improvements in receivables with more churches using electronic funds transfer. He went on to lead a detailed discussion on the 2026 budget process which involves reviewing inflation factors, salary and stipend grids, housing allowances, and mileage rates, with council input sought before a draft is presented for approval in November. Council members discussed the challenges of compensation increases amid financial constraints and the broader need to consider restructuring for long-term sustainability. It was agreed that the draft budget be circulated to council members at least a few days before the November Synod Council meeting to allow for adequate review and consultation with congregations.

The next Synod Council meeting will be on Tuesday, November 25 from 6 to 8 pm at St. Paul’s, Kingston and online.

The approval of the minutes of the October 28 meeting is pending. For questions about Synod Council, please contact the Diocesan Executive Officer Ven. Jane Humphreys, by email at jhumphreys@ontario.anglican.ca or by phone (613) 777-0540.