Dear members of Synod:

This newsletter contains breakout session details, continued call for nominations, deadlines and other essential updates.

We hope you find the newsletters helpful.

Breakout Sessions Registration - Click Here

2025 SYNOD SPECIFIC PLATFORM

Our 2025 Synod Specific platform has been launched. It will allow you to view documents, see the Synod schedule, enjoy Call and Response Moments while being updated on all things Synod. The platforms most significant use will be for voting purposes. The content of the platform will be continually updated with new information until Synod is complete.

To view the website, please click here.

We would encourage you to visit the platform on your smartphone, tablet or computer and familiarize yourself with the pages. You will not be able to access the voting area yet but all other functions are accessible. The login credentials for voting will be circulated mid-October.

CONSENT AGENDA INSTRUCTIONS

This year, we will be having numerous motions on a Consent Agenda. This allows multiple non-controversial items to be grouped together and approved in a single motion, rather than being discussed and voted on individually.

This will help us have time for strategic issues and decision-making, while still ensuring proper review and accountability for routine matters

If you want to remove a particular item from the Consent Agenda, 8 members of Synod (4 from each order) will need to make a request to Bishop Asbil in writing. The deadline to do this is October 17th.

YOUTH MEMBERS

We have extended the deadline for Youth members to register for Synod. If you know any eligible youth member who is interested in joining the Synod, please contact Ajith Philip.

TELL US YOUR STORY

We will be posting Call and Response videos, pictures and stories that your parish or ministry group would like to share on our new Synod platform. Share your story so others can be inspired, get ideas and enhance the ministry of Cast the Net. Send any videos, pictures, or write ups of reasonable length, to Ajith Philip and we will upload them to our site for others to scroll through and enjoy during Synod. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Our new Synod platform allows us to post events from parishes. If your parish has a Christmas Bazaar, choral event or other programs coming up, you are welcome to send a short post to Ajith Philip and we will post them on the new platform. While we have no deadline, it will be difficult to upload them closer to Synod so please give us ample time to do this.

IMPORTANT DEADLINES

All participants are requested to adhere strictly to these timelines. Your cooperation is essential for the successful execution of the event.

For further information or clarification, please contact Ajith Philip.

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 October 9, 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.

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