Dear members of Synod:

As we send out Synod Newsletter #2, we hope that you are looking forward to the summer. This newsletter contains information on motions, notices of motions and important updates.

As a reminder, these newsletters aim to:

• communicate with Synod members
• provide an opportunity for Synod members to ask questions
• provide information about “what to expect”

We hope you find the newsletters helpful. Keep an eye out for the next issue in the summer that will have registration details.

The Rt. Rev. Andrew Asbil, Bishop of Toronto, has called all Synod members in the Diocese of Toronto to assemble for the 163rd Regular Session of Synod.  



Members of Synod

With the exception of Bishop’s Appointees, and Youth and Young Adult members, the names of Members of Synod, both clerical and lay, can be found in the Registration Report. 

The Registration Report includes the following important pieces of information:

• Member ID – This unique Member ID number will be required for online registration.
• Synod Vote – This shows whether you are a voting or non-voting Member of Synod. If the Synod Vote starts with a “Y” it means you have a vote; if the Synod Vote starts with an “N” it means that you do not have a vote. If you are a Lay Substitute Member, you will have a vote if you are taking the place of a regular Lay Member who is unable to attend this session of Synod. 
• Accommodation – This indicates accommodation eligibility.

If your name is not listed or if you believe there is an error, please contact Ajith Philip or Laura Walton as soon as possible.

Registration Fee



The Registration Fee for Synod will be $270 per member. Parishes will be invoiced through the accounts receivable process in July based on full attendance. Non-voting Members of Synod and retired clergy will be asked to pay their fees when they register online for Synod this fall.

Youth Members for Synod

Are you between the ages of 16 and 30 and interested in church governance? If so, speak to your parish priest or the Secretary of Synod to express your interest in becoming a youth and young adult member of Synod. As a group of 40 like-minded youth, you will attend Pre-Synod (Oct. 4) and Synod (Nov. 7 - 8) and play a key role in voting on the important matters facing our Church.

Read the ministry position description for more information.

Display Tables



Display tables at Synod will be located in the conference centre foyer and open to attendees on Nov. 7-8, 2025. If you or your ministry wish to host a display table, contact Caroline Aston, Synod display coordinator, for more information.

Motions and Notices of Motion



A motion is a formal proposal brought to a voting body for its consideration. Motions require a mover and a seconder and are decided by a vote after a period of debate, the length of which is at the pleasure of the chairperson.

A Notice of Motion is a formal notice in writing by a voting member that they intend to make a motion. Notices of Motion can be delivered to the Secretary of Synod at any time. Such notices are placed upon the Agenda of the next meeting of Synod Council. Notices of Motion are printed verbatim in the Convening Circular. The Synod Council has the ability to express an opinion or make a recommendation on any Notices of Motion received. Any Notice of Motion received after the last meeting of the Synod Council, will be referred to the Agenda Committee. The Agenda Committee reports its recommendations to Synod. Such notices are placed on the agenda only with the consent of the majority of the Synod present and voting.

The deadline to submit your Notice of Motion for inclusion in the Convening Circular is Sept. 3. The deadline to submit your Notice of Motion for inclusion in the Supplementary Convening Circular is Oct. 9.

Send your Notice of Motion to in writing to the Secretary of Synod, Canon Laura Walton, ODT, by email at lwalton@toronto.anglican.ca.

Don’t wish to receive these mailings?

If you believe you have been added due to an error, or would like to be removed from the “Synod Newsletter" distribution, please let Ajith Philip know and we will remove your email address.

Distribution List: You are receiving this email because you are a (voting or non-voting) Synod Member, Substitute Lay Synod Member, Parish, Churchwarden, Treasurer, or diocesan staff member in the Anglican Diocese of Toronto.