Timmins Ontario

Dear Friends in Christ,

This afternoon members of the Synod of the Diocese of Moosonee voted unanimously to return to being a diocese in its own right with a duly elected diocesan bishop resident in Moosonee.

This decision was taken following a period of discussion at Great Chapter meetings in 2020 and in a diocesan Assembly in 2022.  It was made through much prayerful reflection and discernment in the months leading up to today’s historic vote.

The matter of returning to being a diocese with a resident bishop was a major part of my Charge to Synod last evening.

After delivering my Charge delegates met in small groups to respond to it with questions and concerns. This morning we listened to a presentation on how we can afford a diocesan bishop.

“Is it time?” We asked.

“Are we ready mentally, spiritually, emotionally?”

This afternoon delegates entered into a time of silent prayer before voting on this motion:

‘Be it now resolved that the Metropolitan and the Synod of the Diocese of Moosonee hereby jointly determine that the Diocese should cease to be a Mission Area and be restored to its former status.’

Once the ballots were counted and the results of the unanimous vote  given we gathered in a circle and offered thanks to God for all that has been, and for all that will be.

‘Glory to God, whose power working in us can do infinitely more than we can ask for imagine. Glory to God from generation to generation, in the church and in Christ Jesus.’

Thank you for your prayers and support,

The Most Rev. Anne Germond

Bishop of Algoma and Moosonee

Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario

(705)2565061

“Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” Teilhard de Chardin