EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SEPTEMBER 2006
The following are highlights of some of the issues discussed by the Executive Committee at its recent meeting in Fort Smith.
Mother’s Union A Mother’s Union presentation made by Kathleen Snow, President, Mothers’ Union Canada, followed by questions. Kathleen was invited to make a similar presentation at the next Diocesan Synod in 2008. We have five
ATTS The ATTS students are coming to the end of their terms. Plans are underway for their ordination as deacons on December 3 at St. Luke’s in Pangnirtung. As well, plans are underway to ordain Loasie Kooneeluisie as a locally raised deacon for Qikiqtarjuaq. It was decided that the ATTS apartments would be leased on a yearly basis at fair rental value until such time as the apartments are required for student housing. This rental income would be used to maintain the buildings.
Translation continues on the Old Testament project. The translation team will once again have a workshop in Kitchener Waterloo in November to continue checking revision work. First draft translations for the whole book have been completed. Second draft of Judges, 2nd Chronicles and 1st Kings still need polishing. Each book must go through 9 stages of writing/revision. Most of the texts are in the sixth stage. Perhaps 20 books are ready for proofreading but we want to wait for the rest before. Hopefully 2007 will be the printing year for the Old Testament. It was noted that translation work also needs to be done on the Canons and Constitution, the Rules and Regulations and several BAS services including marriage and burial services.
Cathedral Report James Barlow pointed out some of the highlights of the FSC report. Fundraising brochures have been sent out to about 4000 individuals and to dioceses seeking approval to send into their parishes. Since mid October, we have received 440 positive responses, with about $185,000.00 having been received as a result of that. The Iqaluit congregation is doing a variety of things to fund-raise for the “interior” needs of the building. The Executive approved the design, as laid out in the Schematic Design Report.
Building Insurance as a result of issues with the fire at St. Jude’s, it was decided that ALL parish buildings AND contents be insured for FULL replacement value.
Land and Buildings The Kuujjuaq mission house is having some renovation work done. The Arviat mission house is in need of some repair, and apparently is their next major building plan. St. Francis Church has been completed and was officially opened by Bishop Benjamin in August. It was noted that the Executive Committee, and/or the Diocesan office must approve all building projects, rentals, etc. This must be reiterated and re-emphasized to all parishes. The housing and building policies must be looked at and possibly renewed.
Synod 2008 (75th Anniversary of the Diocese of the Arctic) Bishop Andrew has appointed an organizing committee for Synod 2008 in preparation of 75th Anniversary of Diocese of the Arctic: Lizzie Epoo-York, Peter Kanayuk, Rev. Capt. Ron McLean, Bishop Larry and Derek Williams. In view of the Cathedral work, plans are to have this synod in Iqaluit from May 26 to June 4, 2008. Congregations must be advised that they need to be in good standing, with assessments having been paid in full prior to the Synod.
Conversations with Diocese of Yukon In March discussions were initiated between the Yukon and the Arctic to see how we could better minister to our people. These discussions continued at the Executive level. In the spring Bishop Larry was invited to attend the Yukon Executive Committee Meeting, and reciprocally Rev. Lesley Wheeler-Dame from Yukon has been invited to meet with this Executive Committee. 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.
Police Checks and Safety Procedures After much discussion, it was decided that anyone who wishes to hold a Bishop’s license for ministry must undergo a police records check and that those currently holding a license be asked to voluntarily submit to a police check.
Clergy Conference 2007 Plans are underway to hold the 2007 diocesan clergy conference in Kuujjuaq from April 23 to 30.
Next Meeting of the Executive will be held in September 2007 in Inuvik.