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Synod Council met online on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Bram Pearce led devotions reading from the 10th chapter of Mark and asking Council members to consider Jesus’ question: "What do you want me to do for you."

In his opening remarks Bishop William reported to the Synod Council the steps taken since Mr. Alex Pierson’s sudden illness in December to ensure a consistent and stable business plan for the diocese in this time of upheaval. The bishop shared the following:

"From the 11th December through to the new year, we were responding to immediate needs and parish requests as they came forward. We were aware that the time of year gave us some cover as the slowing down of things for Christmas would give us some breathing room—but we also knew that as January 5th arrived, we would need to make some decisions and make some plans.

The week of January 5th, Archdeacon Humphreys, Joyce Williams, Laura Conway and myself worked out a continuity plan that divided the work of the Finance Department into immediate, intermediate and then longer term tasks. We asked for meetings with members from the Audit Committee and Investment Committee and our Insurers over the following weeks to review this plan and seek advice and adjustments if need be. They were extremely helpful and encouraging.

We consulted with the bank, our software vendors, our IT needs and redistributed permissions to different officers to continue our payables and payroll systems. We assured that appropriate signing officers were available and Archdeacon Jane has been consulting our solicitors as needed with regard to any legal matters that have been outstanding, though those have been quiet of late.

Our long-planned migration of our email system has been completed, built on work that Alex began, it was carried through and heroically completed by Nishtha Nagpal. We have now fully moved away from the old email system which was becoming increasingly unstable.

We have been in contact with the archbishop’s office numerous times, and we have transferred back to the province the work that Alex was carrying for the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario. The files and work—particularly regarding the BAO on the broader file which Alex was working with, have also been returned to the archbishop, though Archdeacon Humphreys was brought up to speed on the situation if anyone is wondering. I am particularly grateful that Joyce Williams is with us and will be joining us for future meetings. The Diocesan Audit with the BAO is now ending and the Annual Audit of our finances is being prepared. The payables, payroll, receivables and other financial functions of the diocese are continuing normally.”

The bishop concluded his remarks by expressing deep appreciation for the extraordinary teamwork over the past six weeks. He also thanked the members of Synod Council for their ongoing prayers for Alex and Wendy Pierson. 

Michael Read reported that preparations for Synod 2027 are well ahead of schedule. He reminded parishes electing two-year synod delegates that they must ensure nominees understand the expectations, including attendance at Synod (May 13-15, 2027) and preparatory sessions. Synod will again be held at Queen’s University with Scott Gunn from Forward Movement as our keynote speaker.

Joyce Williams provided reports regarding insurance and audits. Insurance packages will be sent out to parishes in the first quarter. The BAO related audit is complete and ready for submission, and the year-end audit begins February 9th.

Wayne Varley updated Council regarding Refugee Ministry (DOORS) which in 2025 submitted applications for 41 individuals to come to Canada and welcomed 33 arrivals. Numbers of applications are declining due to federal policy constraints, but this ministry remains active and impactful. Wayne shared that there are several emerging challenges for newcomers, including housing, employment, language barriers, and social isolation. DOORS is responding with a grocery card programme and is currently developing English language support groups.

Following this report the bishop offered an extended tribute to Wayne as this was his last Synod Council meeting before retiring from his position as archdeacon of ministry and program The bishop thanked him for his 22 years service on Synod Council. He recognized Wayne’s many senior diocesan roles and gave thanks for his continuing role as priest-in-charge in Gananoque and Rockport. Wayne responded with thanks, reflections, and warm humour.

Under other business, in response to social media misinformation, clarification was provided regarding the demolition of the church in Lord’s Mills. 

The next Synod Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 6 to 8 pm at St. Paul’s, Kingston and online.

The approval of the minutes of the January 27 meeting is 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 (613) 777-0540.