RESOLUTION CARRIED

Subject : Confirmation of Terms of Reference of Standing Committees

Moved By: Chancellor David Jones, Diocese of Edmonton

Seconded By: The Ven. Harry Huskins, Diocese of Algoma

Be it resolved that this General Synod:

confirm the adoption or changes made by the Council of General Synod to the terms of reference of standing committees:

1. Communications and Information Resources Committee—terms of reference approved by COGS in May 2008, inadvertently not referred to General Synod 2010, referred by COGS in November 2010 to the current Handbook Concerns Committee for action at General Synod 2013 (as contained at page 136 in Appendix B in the current Handbook).

2. Communications and Information Resources Committee—references to “the Anglican Journal Board” in paragraphs 1 e) and 2 b) changed to “the Anglican Journal Committee” by COGS in May 2012.

3. Philanthropy Committee—terms of reference approved by COGS in November 2010 (as contained at page 138 in Appendix B in the current Handbook, with additional changes noted in #4 and #5 below.)

4. Philanthropy Committee—name change from “Philanthropy Committee” to “Resources for Mission Committee” in section 6 of Appendix B)—approved by COGS in March 2011.

5. Resources for Mission Committee—change in the first item in the terms of reference to read:  “a)  Develop and continue to update a theology of stewardship for the church.” —approved by COGS in November 2012.

6. Anglican Journal—adoption of terms of reference for the new Anglican Journal Committee (to be included as part 7 in Appendix B of the Handbook) and removal of the terms of reference for the former Anglican Journal Corporation (Appendix C in the Handbook)—approved by COGS in November 2011:

7. Anglican Journal Committee

The Committee shall:

(i) Be the publisher of the Anglican Journal.

(ii) Monitor, defend and safeguard the editorial independence of the Anglican Journal.

(iii) Support the work of the Anglican Journal staff and advise staff as requested.

(iv) Explore and work on areas of mutual interest with the Communications and Information Resources Committee.

(v) Produce, publish and distribute a national newspaper of interest to the members of the Anglican Church of Canada, with an independent editorial policy and not being an official voice of or for the church.  When expression of opinion conflicts with official church policy, as stated by decisions of the General Synod or the Council of General Synod, the newspaper will, at the same time, carry an explanation by an informed spokesperson of the official position of the church.

(vi) Provide a means to distribute diocesan newspapers and other materials as inserts to the national newspaper.

(vii) Maintain a data base containing pertinent circulation information that will be available to the national and diocesan offices of the Anglican Church of Canada.

(viii) Exercise functions to all committees, namely

(a) Develop annual budget proposals

(b) Communicate with other committees and groups

(c) Report regularly to the Council of General Synod

(d) At least once a triennium review its own mandate and review policies governing the various areas of work of the Anglican Journal.

7. Communications and Information Resources—revise terms of reference: Section 1 (d) – remove the reference to the library and Ministry Matters; Section 2 (b) remove the sentence, “At the appropriate time in the triennium, the Communications and Information Resources Committee may nominate possible names to the Council of General Synod for membership on the Anglican Journal Board.”—approved by COGS in March 2013

Source : Handbook Concerns Committee

Submitted By: Council of General Synod

Does this motion contain within it any financial implications?      Yes     No  X

If yes, has the General Synod Expenditures Committee considered the implications?   Yes    No  X

EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Section 39 j) of the Constitution authorizes the Council of General Synod to adopt or amend the terms of reference for standing committees (unless the terms of reference are established by Canon), subject to confirmation by General Synod at its next regular session.

PROCEDURE REQUIRED FOR ADOPTION (G)

In the normal course, an ordinary motion must be passed by a majority of the Order of Bishops, and by a majority of the Orders of Clergy and Laity voting together.

Six members of General Synod may, prior to the question being put, require a vote by Orders, with a majority of each Order being necessary to pass.

If a question passes on a Vote by Orders, any six members (two from each of three different dioceses) may require a vote to be taken by dioceses.  A motion passes if a majority of dioceses (or a tie) vote in favour.

Source: Section 5 of the Declaration of Principles and sections 18, 19 and 20 of the Rules of Order and Procedure