Minutes of the 70th Session of Synod:

03/1 Moved by: William Lourens Seconded by: Susan Keddie
That the minutes of the 70th Synod of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, as previously circulated, be adopted.
Carried

Report of the Agenda Committee:

03/2 Moved by: William Lourens Seconded by: Susan Keddie
That the Report of the Synod Agenda Committee (Synod Agenda), as printed in the Convening Circular be adopted.   Carried

Appointments:
Resolutions Committee:
William Portman, Helena Houldcroft, Jim Melville, Elizabeth Susa

Expenditures Committee:
Doug Osborne (Director of Administration), Claude Schroeder, Dave Robinson

Time Keepers:
Glenda Lourens and Terry Page

Report-back Writer:
Basil Pogue

Scrutineers:
Cheryl Johnson, Betty Miller, Marilyn Hill, Donna Olver, Wilf Stange, Bill Dodge

Reception of Reports:
03/3 Moved by: William Lourens Seconded by: Susan Keddie
That all reports in the Convening Circular, and supplementary distribution be received.
Carried

Consent List:

03/4 Moved by: William Lourens Seconded by: Susan Keddie
That Resolutions Committee be authorized to add to the Agenda each day a "Consent List" composed of motions previously circulated either by Convening Circular or daily distribution and deemed as likely to be approved without debate. The list shall be read out by number and title at the beginning of each sitting. When the consent list is read, upon the request of any member of Synod any resolution shall be removed from the list and scheduled for debate at a time arranged by the Agenda Committee. Each resolution remaining on the Consent List shall be decided without debate, except that the mover of the resolution may speak for not more than three minutes. Carried


Courtesies of Synod:
Add Eddie Bitternose and remove Darwin Blind and Ivan Geddes

03/5 Moved by: William Lourens Seconded by: Susan Keddie
That the following be given courtesies of Synod:
Bill Van Sickle, Lionel Neubauer, Kirsten Hansen, Vicki Young, Elaine Anderson, Eddie Bitternose, Elaine Miller (ELCIC), Brian Evans and Walter Deller (College of Emmanuel and St. Chad). Carried

Notice of New Motion not in Circular:
(William Portman) Distributed 3/12 and 3/13

Nominating Committee Initial Report:
(Jan Harris) Add Sheila Martin to Clergy for Diocesan Council - short one lay for Diocesan Council; add Ken Buchan to Clergy for General Synod and under Lay add Susan Keddie, Jan Harris and Janet Neubauer; add Larry Keddie to Clergy for Provincial Synod, still short one more clergy and under lay add, Susan Keddie, Jan Harris, Janet Neubauer. Nominations close at 11 a.m. tomorrow.

03/6 Moved by: William Lourens Seconded by: Susan Keddie
That the initial report of the Nominating Committee be received. Carried

Dean James Merrett assumed the Chair

Bishop's Address:
The bishop spoke to his written circulated address.

The Bishop assumed the Chair

First Sitting Ends

7:30 p.m. - Opening Eucharist at St. Paul's Cathedral - the Bishop presided.



Saturday, October 25th 

8:30 a.m. - Gathering Worship - Mediation/Reflection - Dr. Walter Deller

9:06 a.m. SECOND SITTING

Resolutions (William Portman) - no new resolutions
- resolutions must be presented at a sitting prior to the one where it is debated

Reports:
Trustees
Finance
Diocesan Council
Strategic Plan (COR)
VIM Ministry Co-ordinator
COOM
Ecumenical Officer

Presentation : "Steps Toward Wholeness":

Presentation of Financial Report:
Doug Osborne spoke to his written report.

Bill Van Sickle, Chair of the Finance Committee presented a power point presentation indicating the effect litigation has had on our finances.

Bishop Wallace:
These are the facts and figures as to where we have been and where we are, I call on the Dean to introduce the next session, which will include table group discussions and report back.

Dean James Merrett:
The presentation we just heard and saw shows the situation over the last 5 years, "God intervened in our life in some way". Dr. Deller points out this can be a curse, or on the other hand God hasn't left, so it could be a blessing. How do we move? We realize where we are and by God's grace we are learning what we are to become so this is probably a healthy place to be. This is a time for story telling. "What might we look like if we were to start with a clean slate?" 
Five Stories were Shared:
(Rob Hardwick) A tale of two churches - the true story of two parishes - one that looked outward with a heart for mission and one that tended to it's own needs. "Jesus went where the need was greatest...can we?"
Four people shared their dream of what it would be like in a mission church: "My dream is that in a mission church…."
       1. My dream in a mission church (Lionel Neubauer)
       2. My dream is for bridging and reconciliation in a mission church (George Archer)
       3. My dream for training in a mission church (Janet Neubauer
       4. My dream for stewardship in a mission church (Shauna Brown)
(copies of these presentations were made available to all delegates)

Synod broke into discussion groups for 30 minutes - each table was designated one of the dreams for a mission church - one person at each table was designated to record the answers to the following questions:
       1. What do we need to make that dream come true?
       2. How do we enable it to happen?
Report back.

Bill Van Sickle closed this portion of program with some reflections on role as Chair of Strategic Planning, Venture in Mission Case Committee and Finance Committee. He closed his report by saying "- there is hope in this world - I implore each and every one of you to be kind to each other and see other's view points - appreciate the good things God has given you - give of your time, money and energy not expecting rewards - together in Christ we can achieve all the dreams we have heard about this morning"

Copies of Bill Van Sickle's report are available upon request.


Resolutions:

03/7 is a procedural motion with some explanation - Cheryl Kristolaitis introduced motion 03/7
Background on motion from Bishop:
A small group was put together to discuss sexuality, this is a motion to listen and discuss - to ensure discussion and no resolution.

Explanatory note:
1) The National Church is giving ongoing consideration to the blessing of same sex unions and the definition of marriage.
2) We recognize there exists deep convictions, attitudes, opinions, and stances, and therefore we need to proceed with great care.

03/7 Moved by: Cheryl Kristolaitis Seconded by: Malcolm Tait
That this Synod will not consider any motions on the subject of sexuality at this Seventy First Session; and that this Synod commits itself and the parishes of this diocese to continuing discussion of the subject. Carried

03/12 Formation of ministry committee Carol Adamson gave background (see Ministry Consultant's Report D-4)

03/12 Moved: Carol Adamson Seconded: Jan Harris
That Diocesan Council be directed to consider the formation of one overarching Committee on Ministry with appropriate subcommittees which could more easily provide for the needs of the differing areas of ministry in a coordinated fashion. Carried


1 p.m. THIRD SITTING
Gathering and Worship

Final Report of Nominating Committee (Jan Harris) - Ballots are distributed

Notice of Motions (William Portman)
Three additional motions 03/14 Financial Stewardship and 03/15 One Diocese for Saskatchewan
and 03/16 congratulations to bishop-elect Jim Cowan
03/16 Moved by: William Portman Seconded by: Joan Scandrett
That this Synod extend congratulations, best wishes, and assurance of our Prayers to Archdeacon Jim Cowan on his election as Bishop of British Columbia. Carried

Credentials Committee (Basil Pogue)
- 3 additional clergy and 9 lay registered
- of the 49 clergy 41 are present; of the 109 elected delegates 99 are present. 9 others are present.

Presentation on Sexuality (Cheryl Kristolaitis)
- we have had 30+ years of living with this in our lives - from the time of changing the criminal code on homosexuality to the present day dilemma of same sex blessings

Four other voices within the Christian community were read by committee members - these are real stories from real people but the stories do not necessarily reflect the view of the people reading them.

Synod broke into discussion groups, with report back after each discussion:

First Discussion:
     1. When were you first aware of homosexuality as an issue in people's lives and the life of the church?
     2. What has been your experience?
     3. Has your understanding changed over time? If so, how?

Second Discussion:
     1. What did you hear about blessing of same sex relationships and about marriage? What didn't you hear?
     2. What questions or concerns do you have?
     3. What is helpful for you in thinking about this issue?
     4. What would be helpful for us as a diocese to do next?

Dr. Walter Deller reflects:
- Church caught in definite and genuine internal struggle - counter cultural - tension between a community of holiness and community of inclusion

Motion on Camps:
(See Camp Reports G-5)

03/13 Moved by: George Archer Seconded by: Blair Dixon
That Diocesan Council initiates a comprehensive evaluation of camping at our two diocesan campsites, Knowles and Harding. This evaluation to include but not be limited to such matters as goals, program, constituencies served, enrolment, site utilization, management, staffing, staff qualifications, properties and facilities, funding, and present and future viability of camping in the Diocese. Carried


Sunday, October 26
8:30 a.m. Gathering and Worship

9:00 a.m. FOURTH SESSION

Parish of the Cree People Presentation:

Gordon's First Nation's Healing and Wellness Center
Rev. Dale Gillman spoke on the Wellness Centre, quoting Dr. Deller, "we believe in wholeness through struggle, that's what we do".

Gordon's First Nation Residential School Experience
Ed Bitternose shared his experience as a Residential School student and a member of Gordon's First Nations 

Other Presentations:
Vicki Young, teacher at Gordon's; Wilf Anderson and Elaine Anderson

The bishop thanked Arthur Anderson for organizing this and thanked all those who took part.


Resolutions:

03/11 Moved by: Rob Hardwick Seconded by: Rosanne Kelly
That:
1) this Synod endorse the work so far of the Bishop's Council of Regions;
2) recommend to the Bishop that the Bishop's Council of Regions continue;
3) that a review of the structure and work of the Bishop's Council of Regions be carried out prior to the next Diocesan Synod. Carried


03/14 Moved by: Basil Pogue Seconded by: Beth Hicks
That this Synod direct Diocesan Council to formulate a plan for financial stewardship including but not limited to a major on-going Stewardship Program, the feasibility of hiring a Financial Development Officer, the exploration of deployment and remuneration of personnel. Carried

(03/15 Explanatory Note: a potential result could be reducing costs and extending the effectiveness of the limited funds we have available)

03/15 Moved by: Wilf Stange Seconded by: Beth Hicks
That this Synod direct Diocesan Council to investigate the desirability and feasibility of entering into dialogue with the Diocese of Saskatoon and the Diocese of Saskatchewan with the goal of reducing the number of dioceses in Saskatchewan. Carried 78/43

Report of the Scrutineers:

In the Ballot for Diocesan Council Election Clergy, 71st Synod of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle, the order from most votes to least votes:

Adamson, Carol
Archer, George		Tied
Holmes, David		Tied
Lourens, Willie
Bradley, Betty
Moote, Mark
Frank, Ella
Fournier, Dan
Scandrett, Joan
Roberts, Carlos
Hilton, Joyce
Haygarth, Marlene
Martin, Sheila

Bishop, Sally
Harris, Jan
Tait, Malcolm
Pogue, Basil
Magnussen, Tom
Brown, Shauna
Champion, Arleen
Sass, Ray
Dales, Marvin
Kerr, Sandra
Davis, Ed			Tied
White, Olive			Tied
Kent, Betty
Melville, Jim
Haygarth, Nelson		Tied*
Page, Susan			Tied*
Wright, Vince			Tied**
Brunt, Nancy			Tied**
Richards, Byrne
Piett, George

Clergy:							Laity:
Hardwick, Rob						Dean, Marilyn
Merrett, James						Tait, Malcolm
Houldcroft, Helena					Harris, Jan
Frank, Ella						Neubauer, Janet
Roberts, Carlos						Brown, Shauna
Kristolaitis, Cheryl					Kelly, Rosanne
Haygarth, Marlene					Sass, Ray
Martin, Winna						Pogue, Basil
Keddie, Larrie						Keddie, Susan

Clergy:							Laity:
Merrett, James						Dean, Marilyn
Archer, George		Tied				Whitmore, Peter
Buchan, Ken		Tied				Neubauer, Janet	Tied
Hardwick, Rob						Tait, Malcolm		Tied
Houldcroft, Helena					Harris, Jan
Harper, Catherine					Kelly, Rosanne
Kristolaitis, Cheryl					Pogue, Basil
Schroeder, Claude					Sass, Ray
Hilton, Joyce						Susa, Elizabeth
Frank, Ella						Keddie, Susan
Moote, Mark		Tied
Needham, Tom		Tied
Martin, Winna
Waddle, Mel

Diocesan Screening Policy

03/8 Moved by: James Merrett Seconded by: Carol Adamson
That the following Diocese of Qu'Appelle Screening Policy be adopted and placed in the Diocesan Regulations for immediate implementation at all levels of diocesan life.   Carried

In our ministry in the Diocese of Qu'Appelle many people, clergy and lay, professional and volunteer, work in positions of trust. By this we mean work that gives individuals access to money, or to vulnerable people including but not limited to children, youth, seniors, people with disabilities, and people in crisis. As far as possible the diocese must ensure the safety and security of those to whom we minister as well as to the safety and security of the volunteers and employees. The June 2001 meeting of Diocesan Council therefore requested that a Task Force be struck to develop the necessary screening procedures appropriate to particular ministries. 

 A. Policies

1. One year rule: A prospective volunteer should have been an active member of an Anglican parish for at least one year prior to undertaking a ministry.


2. When a prospective volunteer has moved from another parish, that former parish will be contacted as part of a reference check.


3. Written consent of a parent or a guardian is required for all activities other than Sunday morning group ministries that involve children.


4. Wherever practicable, advertisements for positions within a parish should indicate if security clearance is required.


5. If Police Checks are required, the Diocesan policy for obtaining these will be followed. Any cost pertaining to these security checks will be borne by the Diocese or the Congregation as appropriate.


6. Appropriate training and a probationary period will be a mutually agreed part of any new volunteer's tenure in ministry.


7. Regular supervision and evaluation will be provided, giving appropriate feedback to assist volunteers in building their gifts and skills.

In determining the level of screening required, the following guidelines for types of ministry will be used.
High Risk: Ongoing, intensive or lone interactions with vulnerable persons: (such as clergy, children and youth trainers or supervisors, pastoral care providers), access to money or confidential records (such as treasurer, envelope secretary, signing officers, parish secretary)
Low Risk: Ministries with able bodied adults involving meetings or Sunday morning ministries with adults or adult meetings: (such as adult choirs or music groups, greeters, vestry members, study groups, support groups, typists)

C. Procedures

1. When working with vulnerable people or handling money, volunteers should work in pairs. (When counting money, for their own protection, it is advisable that more than just family members be involved.)
2. Groups and outings should be team led when at all possible.
3. All meeting spaces should be open and accessible for unscheduled visits by parents or supervisors.
4. A Screening Committee will be established, consisting of the Rector and the two (2) elected members from the congregation who are elected to the Parish Search Committee.
5. Interviews will be conducted with at least the two members of the parish screening committee present.
6. For those in high risk ministries, a job description will be provided to potential candidates, and a completed application will be required. The application form will indicate what will be required in terms of references and Police Checks. The form will also include an acknowledgement that the prospective volunteer has read and understood the Diocesan policy on sexual abuse and sexual harassment.
7. Templates for job descriptions and application forms will be provided by the local congregation. The application forms and supporting documentation of successful candidates will be filed in a secure place. All documentation of unsuccessful candidates should also be kept.

D. Implementation

• High risk personnel are to have completed Police Checks by Lent 2004. Updates of Police Checks are required every five years. High risk personnel are considered to be those who have ongoing, intensive or high risk interactions with vulnerable persons as indicated in the Risk Categories.
• Vestries (or congregations in multi-point parishes) are to conduct a risk evaluation of their low risk personnel beginning in January 2004.
• Regional Deans and Regional Facilitators will be required to supervise and facilitate implementations of this process.

03/9 Moved by: James Merrett Seconded by: Carol Adamson
That Diocesan Council pursue policy development in the following areas of volunteer ministry:

1. Job descriptions of major volunteer ministries
2. A policy on Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse, and Sexual Harassment
3. Rules of Conduct
4. Basic instruction and guidelines for leaders        Carried

03/10 Moved by: James Merrett Seconded by: Carol Adamson
That the Legislation Committee be directed to address possible canonical changes related to the Diocese of Qu'Appelle Screening Policy. Carried

Members Concerns:

- would like a list of those planning to attend Jim Cowen's consecration as bishop as it will help facilitate cheaper fares
- need to look at how we as Anglicans look at scripture, Faith, Worship & Ministry has a video available with study guide
- diocesan web page - out of date - not helpful
(Bishop) - this concern is shared and assure you that we are concerned, Mark Moote has offered to take this on as a project for which we are most grateful
- Regina parishes are having a social/pot luck on November 15th (Grey Cup)
(George Archer) social intercourse never happened 
(James Merrett) There will be an art show next Saturday at Cathedral
(Vince Wright) concern about presentations, Re: Walter Deller - forcing us to look at scripture - there is not a balance of opinion
Announcements:
(Bishop) welcome to the newly ordained and newly arrived: Cal Macfarlane, Dick Kennedy and Jim Tait (Marilyn Dean) reminding synod delegates to return their names tags

Thank-you's:
(Susan Page) Synod thanks the following: Bishop Duncan, Dr. Walter Deller, Elaine Miller (ELCIC), Peter Whitmore, All Committees of Synod: Willie Lourens (Agenda), Jan Harris (Nominating), Bill Portman (Resolutions), Cheryl Johnson (Scrutineers) Dean James Merrett and the congregation of St. Paul's Cathedral and grateful thanks to the Dean for his excellent piano playing
Canon Marilyn Dean, Doug Osborne (Director of Administration), Winna Martin, Diane Foley All Session Leaders: Lionel Neubauer, Janet Neubauer, Rob Hardwick, George Archer, Cheryl Kristolitis (Sub-committee on Sexuality), Arthur Anderson and Dale Gillman Cheryl Kristolitis and Dean Merrett for worship
Management and staff of the Travelodge
A special thank you to the youth of St. Luke's for the music ministry and to all of the delegates

The Bishop gave his consent to all decisions Synod has made.

Moved by: Larry Keddie Seconded by: David Nevett
That this 71st Synod of the Diocese of Qu'Appelle be adjourned.