The Venerable Bill Clarke
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A Letter from Bishop Oulton Regarding General Synod - Tuesday, July 23
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Dear Friends,
I am writing further to my letter to the diocese sent during General Synod following the vote on changes to the Marriage Canon that would allow for the marriage of same sex couples.
Since the motion to change the marriage canon passed first reading at General Synod in 2016, we have been engaged in a process within the diocese that was established to afford us a means to consider this issue within our common life.
The first step in that process was fulfilling our constitutional obligation to consider the proposed amendment prior to second reading at General Synod. A planning team was established made up of our General Synod delegates from 2016 to which was added a number of people from across the diocese. I am immensely grateful for the work they did. Regional meetings and a clergy day were held, written submissions received and a full day’s discussion and a straw poll were part of our last synod. The considered views of our diocese, including all written submissions and the results of the straw poll, were forwarded to General Synod by way of a memorial resolution passed at our diocesan synod in November 2018.
The next step in addressing our diocesan response regarding the marriage of same sex couples was to await the decisions taken at General Synod 2019. These decisions would inform the response of the next regular session of our diocesan synod scheduled to be held in October of 2020. It is my view that, only after having reviewed the decisions taken at General Synod on this matter, could we be in a position to determine the nature of any request made to me by our own synod.
A number of significant decisions were taken at General Synod 2019.
First, the proposed amendment to the marriage canon was defeated but, as General Synod Chancellor David Jones has ruled, the current canon does not specifically prohibit same sex marriage. He further ruled that the defeat of the proposed amendment to change the language of the canon to make it gender neutral did not mean a prohibition of same sex marriage had resulted in the existing canon.
The second major decision was that the document “A Word to the Church” submitted to General Synod by the Council of General Synod was received by the synod with 85% support of all Orders voting together. It raises the possibility of local option for those dioceses who wish to, or already have proceeded to, authorize Equal Marriage. Below are the affirmations listed at the conclusion of “The Word to the Church.”
The third significant matter coming out of General Synod was the letter prepared and shared by the House of Bishops with General Synod and the Church. The letter noted that “Although the bishops are not of one mind, we look with hope to the ‘Word to the Church’ which General Synod 2019 overwhelmingly approved on Friday, July 12.” The letter went on to state that “we are walking together in a way which leaves room for individual dioceses and jurisdictions of our church to proceed with same sex marriage according to their contexts and convictions, sometimes described as ‘local option’.”
It is my firm view that the processes of our church, both at the national and diocesan level have served us well, providing an objective standard upon which difficult issues, debates and decisions can be grounded. While the proposal to change the language of the marriage canon to make it gender neutral was fraught and tense, the general tone throughout was respectful. It is my opinion that, with all these decisions and rulings taken together, we have arrived at a place where a pastoral and social justice response is now possible that respects the local context and integrity of each diocese and jurisdiction to proceed as they best determine.
The bishop of each diocese, among other things, remains its Chief Liturgical Officer, responsible for decisions touching the worshiping life of the diocese. That being said, I am of the firm conviction that major changes in the worshiping, sacramental and liturgical life of the diocese should only be taken together with the advice and recommendation of the diocesan synod. This is how I understand the phrase “Episcopally led and synodically governed” to operate within our common life.
I voted in favour of the resolution amending the marriage canon to make its language gender neutral both at first reading in 2016 and on second reading in 2019. I also voted in favour of the resolution receiving the document “A Word to the Church” sent to General Synod from the Council of General Synod. I also stand by the letter sent from the House of Bishops to the General Synod and through it to the Church. This being said, I will only move forward to approve provision and policies for equal marriage in the Diocese of Ontario if requested by our diocesan synod to do so.
Some within and beyond the Synods of the Church will agree with these decisions and others will disagree as we do in the free and democratic society in which we are blessed to live. The spectrum of views regarding this matter as indicated in “The Word to the Church” is certainly extant across our own diocese. We ask our synod delegates to exercise their conscience, respectful of the trust we have placed in them. I am so proud of the diligence and care exercised by those entrusted with that responsibility from the Diocese of Ontario both as our diocesan synod gathered last year and as our delegates participated in the decisions of General Synod.
I am aware that there are clergy and lay people within the diocese who wish to address this matter by way of petitioning me to convene a special synod. While the diocesan constitution is clear that only the bishop can convene a special synod, I would be prepared to accede to such a request should such a petition be presented that included the names of clerical and lay synod delegates constituting a quorum. According to our constitution, that would be one quarter of each order. Failing this, we will address this matter at our synod in 2020 as has been laid out in the agreed process of which all synod delegates should be aware.
Hopefully this letter will give you further insight as we move to the final step in our process culminating in our diocesan synod next year. I also hope it may provide additional information beyond what can be gleaned in the popular press and through social media much of which has been singularly unhelpful. I would continue to urge measured responses and thoughtful discussion as the days unfold.
May the Peace of Christ and the guiding wisdom of the Holy Spirit attend us all.
Faithfully,
I am writing further to my letter to the diocese sent during General Synod following the vote on changes to the Marriage Canon that would allow for the marriage of same sex couples.
Since the motion to change the marriage canon passed first reading at General Synod in 2016, we have been engaged in a process within the diocese that was established to afford us a means to consider this issue within our common life.
The first step in that process was fulfilling our constitutional obligation to consider the proposed amendment prior to second reading at General Synod. A planning team was established made up of our General Synod delegates from 2016 to which was added a number of people from across the diocese. I am immensely grateful for the work they did. Regional meetings and a clergy day were held, written submissions received and a full day’s discussion and a straw poll were part of our last synod. The considered views of our diocese, including all written submissions and the results of the straw poll, were forwarded to General Synod by way of a memorial resolution passed at our diocesan synod in November 2018.
The next step in addressing our diocesan response regarding the marriage of same sex couples was to await the decisions taken at General Synod 2019. These decisions would inform the response of the next regular session of our diocesan synod scheduled to be held in October of 2020. It is my view that, only after having reviewed the decisions taken at General Synod on this matter, could we be in a position to determine the nature of any request made to me by our own synod.
A number of significant decisions were taken at General Synod 2019.
First, the proposed amendment to the marriage canon was defeated but, as General Synod Chancellor David Jones has ruled, the current canon does not specifically prohibit same sex marriage. He further ruled that the defeat of the proposed amendment to change the language of the canon to make it gender neutral did not mean a prohibition of same sex marriage had resulted in the existing canon.
The second major decision was that the document “A Word to the Church” submitted to General Synod by the Council of General Synod was received by the synod with 85% support of all Orders voting together. It raises the possibility of local option for those dioceses who wish to, or already have proceeded to, authorize Equal Marriage. Below are the affirmations listed at the conclusion of “The Word to the Church.”
The third significant matter coming out of General Synod was the letter prepared and shared by the House of Bishops with General Synod and the Church. The letter noted that “Although the bishops are not of one mind, we look with hope to the ‘Word to the Church’ which General Synod 2019 overwhelmingly approved on Friday, July 12.” The letter went on to state that “we are walking together in a way which leaves room for individual dioceses and jurisdictions of our church to proceed with same sex marriage according to their contexts and convictions, sometimes described as ‘local option’.”
It is my firm view that the processes of our church, both at the national and diocesan level have served us well, providing an objective standard upon which difficult issues, debates and decisions can be grounded. While the proposal to change the language of the marriage canon to make it gender neutral was fraught and tense, the general tone throughout was respectful. It is my opinion that, with all these decisions and rulings taken together, we have arrived at a place where a pastoral and social justice response is now possible that respects the local context and integrity of each diocese and jurisdiction to proceed as they best determine.
The bishop of each diocese, among other things, remains its Chief Liturgical Officer, responsible for decisions touching the worshiping life of the diocese. That being said, I am of the firm conviction that major changes in the worshiping, sacramental and liturgical life of the diocese should only be taken together with the advice and recommendation of the diocesan synod. This is how I understand the phrase “Episcopally led and synodically governed” to operate within our common life.
I voted in favour of the resolution amending the marriage canon to make its language gender neutral both at first reading in 2016 and on second reading in 2019. I also voted in favour of the resolution receiving the document “A Word to the Church” sent to General Synod from the Council of General Synod. I also stand by the letter sent from the House of Bishops to the General Synod and through it to the Church. This being said, I will only move forward to approve provision and policies for equal marriage in the Diocese of Ontario if requested by our diocesan synod to do so.
Some within and beyond the Synods of the Church will agree with these decisions and others will disagree as we do in the free and democratic society in which we are blessed to live. The spectrum of views regarding this matter as indicated in “The Word to the Church” is certainly extant across our own diocese. We ask our synod delegates to exercise their conscience, respectful of the trust we have placed in them. I am so proud of the diligence and care exercised by those entrusted with that responsibility from the Diocese of Ontario both as our diocesan synod gathered last year and as our delegates participated in the decisions of General Synod.
I am aware that there are clergy and lay people within the diocese who wish to address this matter by way of petitioning me to convene a special synod. While the diocesan constitution is clear that only the bishop can convene a special synod, I would be prepared to accede to such a request should such a petition be presented that included the names of clerical and lay synod delegates constituting a quorum. According to our constitution, that would be one quarter of each order. Failing this, we will address this matter at our synod in 2020 as has been laid out in the agreed process of which all synod delegates should be aware.
Hopefully this letter will give you further insight as we move to the final step in our process culminating in our diocesan synod next year. I also hope it may provide additional information beyond what can be gleaned in the popular press and through social media much of which has been singularly unhelpful. I would continue to urge measured responses and thoughtful discussion as the days unfold.
May the Peace of Christ and the guiding wisdom of the Holy Spirit attend us all.
Faithfully,
Bishop Michael
AFFIRMATIONS CONTAINED IN THE DOCUMENT “A WORD TO THE CHURCH”
Council of General Synod asks General Synod and the whole church to make the following affirmations.
Affirmation #1
Indigenous Spiritual Self-determination
Whatever the action of the church at this General Synod, we affirm the right of Indigenous persons and communities to spiritual self-determination in their discernment and decisions regarding same-sex marriage.
Affirmation #2
Diverse Understandings of the Existing Canon
We affirm that, while there are different understandings of the existing Marriage Canon, those bishops and synods who have authorized liturgies for the celebration and blessing of a marriage between two people of the same sex understand that the existing Canon does not prohibit same-sex marriage.
Affirmation #3
Diverse Understandings and Teachings
We acknowledge the ongoing reality that there is a diversity of understandings and teachings about marriage in the Anglican Church of Canada, and we affirm the prayerful integrity with which those understandings and teachings are held.
Affirmation #4
Our Commitment to Presume Good Faith
We affirm our commitment to presume good faith among those who hold diverse understandings and teachings, and hold dear their continued presence in this church.
Affirmation #5
Our Commitment to Stand Together
We affirm our commitment to walk together and to preserve communion, one with another, in Christ, within this church, within our Anglican Communion, and with our ecumenical partners.
OFFICES OF THE INCORPORATED SYNOD OF THE
DIOCESE OF ONTARIO:
165 Ontario Street | Kingston, ON K7L 2Y6
(613) 544-4774
AFFIRMATIONS CONTAINED IN THE DOCUMENT “A WORD TO THE CHURCH”
Council of General Synod asks General Synod and the whole church to make the following affirmations.
Affirmation #1
Indigenous Spiritual Self-determination
Whatever the action of the church at this General Synod, we affirm the right of Indigenous persons and communities to spiritual self-determination in their discernment and decisions regarding same-sex marriage.
Affirmation #2
Diverse Understandings of the Existing Canon
We affirm that, while there are different understandings of the existing Marriage Canon, those bishops and synods who have authorized liturgies for the celebration and blessing of a marriage between two people of the same sex understand that the existing Canon does not prohibit same-sex marriage.
Affirmation #3
Diverse Understandings and Teachings
We acknowledge the ongoing reality that there is a diversity of understandings and teachings about marriage in the Anglican Church of Canada, and we affirm the prayerful integrity with which those understandings and teachings are held.
Affirmation #4
Our Commitment to Presume Good Faith
We affirm our commitment to presume good faith among those who hold diverse understandings and teachings, and hold dear their continued presence in this church.
Affirmation #5
Our Commitment to Stand Together
We affirm our commitment to walk together and to preserve communion, one with another, in Christ, within this church, within our Anglican Communion, and with our ecumenical partners.
OFFICES OF THE INCORPORATED SYNOD OF THE
DIOCESE OF ONTARIO:
165 Ontario Street | Kingston, ON K7L 2Y6
(613) 544-4774
St Thomas Parish Picnic & BBQ - Sunday, June 2
The sun didn't shine, but that did not stop over 75 people from enjoying the Parish Picnic & BBQ following the 10:00 am service. There was a delicious spread of hamburgers (including veggie burgers), hot dogs, salads and tasty desserts.
And of course what fun is a BBQ without 2 Bouncy Castles!! With some ingenuity, the small one was set up in the church hall, much to the delight of the children. As the weather improved, the large castle was set up outside.
The sun didn't shine, but that did not stop over 75 people from enjoying the Parish Picnic & BBQ following the 10:00 am service. There was a delicious spread of hamburgers (including veggie burgers), hot dogs, salads and tasty desserts.
And of course what fun is a BBQ without 2 Bouncy Castles!! With some ingenuity, the small one was set up in the church hall, much to the delight of the children. As the weather improved, the large castle was set up outside.
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May 12 - Mothers' Day Food Drive
We had donations of 42 Bags and 4 Boxes of food and sundry for the Partners-In-Mission Food Bank.
Thanks to Ken Gates for delivering it to the Food Bank.
We had donations of 42 Bags and 4 Boxes of food and sundry for the Partners-In-Mission Food Bank.
Thanks to Ken Gates for delivering it to the Food Bank.
Saturday, April 6 - St Thomas Coffee House - 25th Anniversary
Our first Coffee House was April 16,1994. It was a definite success and over the years there have been many more. They have been a source of entertainment, an opportunity to hear the musical talents of parishioners, as well as raising thousands of dollars for St Thomas'. On April 6, 2019, an enthusiastic crowd enjoyed an evening of musical entertainment at the 25th anniversary of the St Thomas Coffee House.
Our first Coffee House was April 16,1994. It was a definite success and over the years there have been many more. They have been a source of entertainment, an opportunity to hear the musical talents of parishioners, as well as raising thousands of dollars for St Thomas'. On April 6, 2019, an enthusiastic crowd enjoyed an evening of musical entertainment at the 25th anniversary of the St Thomas Coffee House.
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February 23 - Coldest Night of the Year Walk
Thanks for supporting the St Thomas' Trekkers on the Coldest Night of the Year walk. This year $2,446 was raised for Nightlight Kingston, a Christian based drop-in centre for adults embracing people in Kingston by offering a safe place to build meaningful relationships. |
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February 10 - St Thomas' Annual Meeting
The meeting was held following the 10:00 am service.
The reports can be viewed here:
The meeting was held following the 10:00 am service.
The reports can be viewed here:
Bishop Michael Oulton - December 16
Bishop Michael Oulton with Baptism, Confirmation Candidates and those Received into the Communion.
Advent Tea & Sale Saturday - December 1
The annual tea and sale was a great success. People came to browse, buy, have tea and goodies and visit with friends.
The annual tea and sale was a great success. People came to browse, buy, have tea and goodies and visit with friends.
Val & Kevin's Wedding - Friday, October 5
Many family members and friends were present to witness and celebrate the marriage of St Thomas' Choir Director Val Hamilton to Kevin Fredricks.
Click here to view more photos:
Harvest Thanksgiving Service - Sunday, September 30
Parishioners brought their garden, or store-bought produce, flowers or non-perishable food items to decorate the Church for Harvest. The Altar Guild members did a wonderful job arranging all the gifts around the altar. This Harvest Offering was given to Kingston Interval House Women’s Shelter.
Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.
Psalm 67:7 NIV
St Thomas Nine & Dine - Sunday, July 15
The annual St Thomas Nine & Dine was held Sunday July 15 at the Landings Golf Course. It was a hot, sunny day for the golfers. Everyone who attended enjoyed the tasty barbecue of steak or chicken, which went well with the delicious salads and desserts.
The annual St Thomas Nine & Dine was held Sunday July 15 at the Landings Golf Course. It was a hot, sunny day for the golfers. Everyone who attended enjoyed the tasty barbecue of steak or chicken, which went well with the delicious salads and desserts.
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St Thomas Picnic - Sunday, June 17
The St Thomas picnic was held following the 10:00 am service. The weather was perfect! There was a feast of hot dogs, hamburgers, tasty salads and a lot of desserts. The fish pond was particularly popular with the little ones. A splendid time was had by all. Thanks to the chefs manning the BBQ's.
The St Thomas picnic was held following the 10:00 am service. The weather was perfect! There was a feast of hot dogs, hamburgers, tasty salads and a lot of desserts. The fish pond was particularly popular with the little ones. A splendid time was had by all. Thanks to the chefs manning the BBQ's.
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Seniors' Gathering - Friday, May 25
Our final Seniors’ gathering was a celebration of ten years of ministry to our St. Thomas seniors. The idea for this outreach was proposed by Phil and Marian Neatby. It was coordinated by them, Betty and Don Boone and Ken and Marian Gates for the first five years. The following five years were coordinated by Marg Milner with help from Sue Orgill and Heather McCormick.
John Perreault put together a slide show of pictures from our gatherings over the years which brought back fond memories of these events. Thanks to Phil, Marian and Marg for their dedication to this ministry.
John Perreault put together a slide show of pictures from our gatherings over the years which brought back fond memories of these events. Thanks to Phil, Marian and Marg for their dedication to this ministry.
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St Thomas Coffeehouse - Saturday, April 28
Another successful St. Thomas Coffee House with the usual wide variety of musical styles, fractured fairy tales, whistling, corny jokes and sartorial splendour!
Another successful St. Thomas Coffee House with the usual wide variety of musical styles, fractured fairy tales, whistling, corny jokes and sartorial splendour!
Seniors Fellowship - Friday, April 20
Tea and Tunes with Dave and Sue Orgill
Tea and Tunes with Dave and Sue Orgill
Easter Sunday
The Sunday School searched and found eggs valued at $5 each. They determined the money should be used to purchase a goat for a family, and be donated to Lunch-by-George and the Partners-In-Mission Food Bank.
The Sunday School searched and found eggs valued at $5 each. They determined the money should be used to purchase a goat for a family, and be donated to Lunch-by-George and the Partners-In-Mission Food Bank.
Maunday Thursday Potluck Dinner
A shared meal before our Maunday Thursday service.
A shared meal before our Maunday Thursday service.
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World Day of Prayer - Friday, March 2
Almost 100 people participated in the World Day of Prayer at St. Thomas'.
The focus was on Suriname this year, with guest speaker Judy Brown.
Almost 100 people participated in the World Day of Prayer at St. Thomas'.
The focus was on Suriname this year, with guest speaker Judy Brown.
Updated: July 28, 2019