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From Generation to Generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus was the theme of the 152nd Synod of the Diocese of Niagara on Saturday, November 7, 2026.  Clergy and lay delegates, including from St. Jude’s, gathered at the Burlington Convention Centre to worship God and discern the Holy Spirit’s direction while carrying out the business of the diocese and enjoying fellowship. Its energizing theme—taken from the Church’s doxology and Ephesians 3:21—underscored multi-dimensional approaches on how we might more fully embrace and equip faith’s back-and-forth flow between generations.

High levels of attendance and engagement made for a productive day.  Chancellor Greg Tweney—who also ably oversaw the Canon 4.1 amendments segment of the agenda—reported that there were 76 out of 83 clergy (92%) registrants, along with 121 out of 142 laity (85%) who had registered.  62 out of 74 parishes were represented. Governance Administrator of the Diocese, Hannah Keller, further confirmed that a total of 221 people attended, with 197 delegates plus volunteers and non-voting observers.  St. Jude’s was represented by five attendees.

The proceedings opened with Eucharist and Bishop Susan Bell’s Charge to Synod:  https://niagaraanglican.ca/news-events/the-bishops-charge-to-the-152nd-synod-of-the-diocese-of-niagara/ She invited members to reconsider the Church’s familiar, beloved doxology taken from Ephesians 3:21: “Glory to God, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the Church and in Christ Jesus, forever and ever. Amen.” Calling it “a piece of our shared lingua franca”, a closing breath, she asked, “…what space does its meaning actually take up in our hearts?”

Bishop Susan went on to explore how faith passes from one generation to the next.  She equated it with a “relay race” and “a gift received in order to be given.” She also circled back, saying: “…this relay runs both directions…the faith is handed on, yes, but it’s also handed back, renewed.”

This important distinction was elaborated in the remarks by Kristen Jackson-Dockeray--Diocesan children, youth, and family missional coordinator—who spoke about how children, youth and families are already present in parishes and neighbourhoods.  She said, “It is not a one-way exchange; it is a two-way street,” and that God is at work in everyday places and spaces.   The theme of inter-generational ties continued throughout the day and in presentations on MAP 3.0, a bold new initiative launching in 2027, the St. Brigid’s Community, and presentations by the Anglican Foundation of Canada, Canterbury Hills camp, Alongside Hope and more.

Delegates approved the 2027 diocesan budget, for an investment of $4.3 million dedicated to fulfilling God’s work and mission across Niagara. Synod Members approved the appointment of Norton McMullen LLP as auditors for 2026 and elected new regional representatives to Synod Council and heard election results for the diocesan delegate for Provincial Synod in 2027. All motions presented to Synod were approved and received the Bishop’s assent.

It was a fruitful and enjoyable day of worship and fellowship, while doing the business of the diocese in reviewing and planning for the future. Next year’s Synod will take place Saturday, November 6, 2027, online via Zoom videoconferencing.

Image 1: St. Jude’s Synod delegation: (L to R) the Rev. Adedayo Olomodosi (Assistant Curate). the Rev. Canon Dr. David Anderson (Rector), Sally McFadyen (lay delegate), Nancy Coombs (Episcopal appointee, Synod Council), and Cheryl Hudson (lay delegate)

Image 2: Diocesan children, youth, and family missional coordinator Kristen Jackson-Dockeray asks attendees, “What might we receive from children and youth?”