Dear members of Synod:

This newsletter contains the registration links, call for nominations for elections to be held at Synod, submission dates for motions, how to obtain display tables at Synod and other essential updates.

We hope you find the newsletters helpful. Keep an eye out for the next issue.

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.  



ACCOMMODATION AT SYNOD

Accommodation will be provided to all Lay Members and the Main Priest from each congregation within the deaneries of Durham & Northumberland, Holland, Huronia, Nottawasaga, Oshawa, Peterborough, Tecumseth and Victoria & Haliburton at no extra charge. Ex-Officio members, Bishop’s Appointees and Youth and Young Adult Members from the same deaneries will also receive accommodation at no extra charge.

Your eligibility is indicated in the Registration Report document posted on the 2025 Regular Synod page of the Diocesan website. Eligibility is noted under the heading ‘Accommodation’ as either ‘ELIGIBLE’ or ‘NOT ELIGIBLE’. If you believe an error was made, please contact Ajith Philip.

If you are eligible for accommodation, you will be able to reserve a room when you register for Synod.

If you are ELIGIBLE for accommodation on Friday evening and wish to also make a reservation for Thursday at your own expense, or if you are NOT ELIGIBLE and would like to reserve a room for Thursday or Friday at your own expense, you can book online.

Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites Reserve a room *

$189.00, plus $10.00 Destination Fee, plus taxes per night.

*The reservation page will be active closer to the date.

Reservations made after the cut-off date of October 1, 2025 will be subject to availability, and may not be eligible for the negotiated rate. Current rates are $250.00 per night but may change depending on November availability.

Any incidental charges must be paid prior to your departure. Accordingly, a valid credit card with an authorization of $100 or a cash/debit card deposit in the amount of $50.00 must be presented at the time of check-in. Any cancellations received within 48 hours of arrival or a “no show” result in additional charges that will be invoiced back to your parish.

A valid credit card will be required in order to make a room reservation.

Check-in time is after 3:00 p.m. and check-out time is no later than 11:00 a.m. 

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS

The Nominating Committee of the Diocese of Toronto is calling for nominations in preparation for our upcoming 163rd Regular Session of Synod. All voting members of Diocesan Synod are entitled to make nominations of any voting members of Synod. Elections will take place at the 163rd Regular Session of Synod on November 7-8, 2025.

The Nominating Committee is requesting that nominations be submitted by September 15, 2025 at 12:00 noon to the Secretary of Synod. Nominations must be submitted using the Nomination Forms.

Elections will be held for the following:

·      Provincial Synod

·      Synod Council

Provincial Synod

The next Session of the Provincial Synod will take place in Kingston , Ontario, hosted by the Diocese of Ontario in Fall 2027 (exact dates not confirmed). The Provincial Synod meets every three years and the term of office is for three years.

Nominees to Provincial Synod will be required to remain a member of the Synod of the Diocese of Toronto for the duration of their term, they must be willing and able to attend ALL meetings of the Provincial Synod, and must be willing to serve on a sub-committee or working group should they be asked or elected to do so. Expenses incurred are covered according to the diocesan policy.

The Diocese of Toronto will be electing four lay members and four clerical members to attend the Provincial Synod alongside our Bishops, Chancellor and Youth Member. Learn more.

See Nomination Form for Provincial Synod.

Synod Council

Synod Council generally exercises the executive powers of the Synod between sessions except those of a legislative nature. This 25-member governance body meets monthly to carry on the work of Synod. Elected members hold office from the conclusion of the meeting of Synod in which they were elected until the conclusion of the next Regular Session of Synod, usually a 3-year term. It is expected that those who are elected to Synod Council will attend the majority of meetings. Synod Council will be electing five clerical members and five lay members of Synod. Learn more.

See Nomination Form for Synod Council.

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR RETIRED CLERGY

Retired Clergy Regrets for Synod

The Constitution of our Diocese states that clergy on the retired list who regularly attend Synod are voting members of Synod until they miss two consecutive Regular Sessions of Synod, without showing cause (expressing regrets), or a total of four Regular Sessions of Synod, whatever the cause. Therefore, kindly let us know if you cannot attend for any reason, especially if you are a retired cleric. You may send your regrets to the Bishop of Toronto or to the Secretary of Synod.

Should you wish to attend Synod, please note that the registration fee of $270 must be paid by October 1^st, 2025 either by cheque made out to the Diocese of Toronto or by e-transfer to finance@toronto.anglican.ca. Either form of payment must include your member number and note the payment is for Synod fees.

Important Deadlines

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.

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