Subject: Vision Keepers

Moved By: Ms. Judith Moses
Seconded By: The Rt. Rev. Lynne McNaughton

Be it resolved that this General Synod:

Establish the Vision Keepers as a permanent forum to oversee the work of the Church in implementing the spirit of United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples through transformed church structures, governance systems, processes and practices including a strengthened external Anglican advocacy voice on social justice and reconciliation and on active implementation of the Fourth Mark of Mission.

Source: Vision Keepers             

Submitted By: Vision Keepers                    

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

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

EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND  

Since 2017, the Vision Keepers Council has been working hard on their mandate to monitor the Anglican Church of Canada’s honouring in word and action, our church’s commitment “to formally adopt and comply with the principles, norms and standards of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP);” and to help the Church live into the fourth Mark of Mission “To seek to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and to pursue peace and reconciliation.” (Vision Keeper’s Mandate)

At the Fall, 2019 Council of General Synod meeting, the Vision Keepers Council presented on their work to-date as well as their strategies and proposals for future work, including their proposal to create a permanent, arms-length Vision Keepers group that will report every three years on the Church’s progress in achieving systemic, transformational change. This motion proposes to continue that work by establishing the Vision Keepers as a permanent forum.

PROCEDURE FOR ADOPTION (G)

In the normal course, an ordinary motion must be passed by a majority of the members of General Synod present and 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 immediately before the next item of business require a vote to be taken by dioceses. A motion passes if a majority (or a tie) of dioceses vote in favour. 

Source: Sections 4 and 5 of the Declaration of Principles and sections 18, 19 and 20 of the Rules of Order and Procedure.