PRINCE ALBERT — The first session of synod began with the reception of various committees, appointments and reports followed by two motions from the constitution and canons committee.
Motion No. 1 That Canon IV,16 on Youth and Vulnerable Persons be removed from Canon IV; and that we re-title Canon V to Canon VI.16, that we place the former Canon IV.16 as the only canon that would constitute Canon V. Motion No. 2 on page 4: Introduction, we add a footnote to the word “Indian” to the phrase, “Cree-speaking Indian as suffragan,” with the word “Indigenous person”; and change the word “Indian” on page 12 section 3.19 Diocesan Indigenous Bishop to the phrase “First Nations person.” Both motions carried.
Following the nominating committee report, there were nominations from the floor and delegates voted.
Sarah Groat gave a very informative presentation on Legacy Giving. She would be willing to come to parishes to do her presentation.
The Rev. Dixie Bird, representing the Anglican Church of Canada’s Indigenous Ministries, spoke about an initiative where Indigenous youth can learn the traditions of the past while forging towards the future. There will be a Sacred Beginnings event held in Saskatchewan at Camp Harding in 2026.
In the second session of synod, the bishop took questions from the floor about the convening circular. He also informed the meeting that the diocese purchased a new residence for the bishop. Two funds were used to cover the costs: Bishopthorpe ($330,000) and Synod Property Reserve ($50,000). The topic of a new Indigenous bishop (suffragan bishop) was discussed. There is nothing in place to cover the costs, travel, etc., of the position. There is no guarantee on the grants from the national church.
During 2025, the mission, vision and values commission had regional engagements throughout the diocese and presented their report to the synod. The report highlighted three specific topics.
Vision: The diocese seeks to be a Christ-centred, Bible-focused, Spirit-led family of churches reaching out to those around us with the hope of Jesus.
Mission: The diocese exists to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the people of northern Saskatchewan and to enable all members of the church to live out their faith in their parishes, their communities, and the world.
Values: The Bible, communion, community and missional heritage. Members put forward ideas and discussions on improving the draft presented. Archdeacon Brody Albers assured the delegates that other concerns like finances, church attendance, sustainability of ministry and communication have not been forgotten about. He indicated that these concerns will derive naturally out of the next step of the process, which will be developing and implementing a strategic plan for the next triennium with the newly elected executive committee.
The committee on the bishop’s charge gave its report in which it proposed the diocese begin a dialogue to pair Indigenous and non-Indigenous parishes in their church life.
The results of the elections are as follows:
General Synod
Clerical The Rev. Deacon Matthew Hoskin
The Rev. Ted Williams
Lay Caron Hallen
John Henry Charles
Youth Delegate – Taylor Henderson
Provincial Synod
Clerical The Rev. Deacon Kathleen Stewart
The Rev. Michael Lyons
Lay Ethel Rutherford
Connie Jessop
Youth Delegate – Taylor Henderson
Executive Committee
Clerical The Rev. Deacon David Zulkoskey
The Rev. Deacon Beatrice Fremont
The Rev. Deacon Trevor Roberts
Lay Art Pederson
Jeff Bates
Nancy Bonyai
Ethel Rutherford
Noreen Hareuther
Court of Appeal
Clerical Archdeacon Andy Hoskin
The Rev Deacon Helen Roberts
Lay Connie Jessop
John Hareuther
Nancy Carruthers
Constitution and Canons Committee
Clerical The Rev. Wendell Brock
The Rev. Deacon Matthew Hoskin
Lay Caron Hallen
Nancy Bonyal
Katherine Sutton
The synod adjourned and proceeded to the cathedral for the ordination to the diaconate of Beatrice Winnifred Fremont, Matthew James Hoskin, Helen Jane Roberts, Trevor Doyle Roberts and Kathleen Sheila Stewart.
