The Diocese of The Arctic

Rev. Canon Paul Williams has completed the first draft of the English/Inuktitut hymnbook. This book will be reviewed for necessary revisions. It is hoped that a final draft will be prepared prior to Synod 2008.

Translation work on the Old Testament continues. It is hoped that a final draft will be available at the 2008 Synod. It was also noted that although the translations for Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, Isaiah, Ruth, Proverbs and Ezekiel are outdated, these readings be included in the 2009 Bible reading guide as produced by the Canadian Bible Society.

It was noted that the clergy housing policy of the diocese needs to be reviewed and perhaps revised so that all parishes work under the same guidelines where clergy housing is provided.

Harriet Moulton-Burdett of FSC was on hand to provide an overview of the construction drawings and suggested materials for the new cathedral. The Synod office is to produce pamphlets and folders which include letters, information materials, CDs and the Cathedral Arctic News for distribution to possible donors. As well, a bi-monthly newsletter update will be sent to all parishes in the Diocese and be placed on the webpage so that all our donors can be kept informed of the progress on the project.

Plans are underway for the 75^th anniversary of the Diocese including plans for celebration services during the gathering. Several special guests have been invited including the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. As well, several guest speakers have been invited. It is hoped that a video/CD/DVD can be produced which will assist vestries, wardens and rectors understand the need for annual reports and to explain the consequences that the Diocese and Parishes may face if these reports are not received.

In 2006 discussions were initiated between the Yukon and the Arctic to see how we could better minister to our people. As fellow-dioceses, we are looking at things, particularly in the west, that we can do together, and to look at doing ministry in different ways. Additionally the Dioceses of the Arctic, Alaska and Yukon have an agreement that they try to meet together annually to talk about joint ministry, particularly amongst the Gwich’in people who are a nation within their own right, and whose nation crosses all through each of the three dioceses. In recognition of the value of collaboration in the use of resources, this Diocese will continue to support the sharing of information and resources between the Yukon and Alaska.

The Executive Committee of the Diocese of the Arctic thought to rent the units at ATTS when courses were not taking place. However, it has been determined that much work needs to be done on the facilities before that can occur. Bishop Andrew and Debra traveled to Pangnirtung to see where major physical work needed to be done. Our objective is to upgrade the ATTS buildings and resources; enhance services/programs of ATTS by developing our own people; developing relationships with other institutions and developing an awareness of the Diocese of the Arctic. As well we need to develop standards for the use of the facility.

The Diocese continues to work on financial self-sufficiency. The Executive Committee decided to ask parishes to consider giving 10% of their weekly offering to the Diocese in order to help it become self sufficient. This 10% is in addition to the assessment and stipend already being provided.

The following parishes have indicated that their churches need to be replaced as the current space is not large enough Coral Harbour, Resolute Bay, Igloolik, Taloyoak and Cape Dorset. Pangnirtung, Sachs Harbour and Yellowknife are planning renovations to their current churches. As well, the parish in Baker Lake is making renovations to their mission house.

As this is the last meeting of the current committee, the date and location of the next meeting will be decided on by the new Executive which will be elected during Synod 2008.