Welcome from the Chair of General Synod Planning Committee

Dear Friends:

I would like to extend a warm welcome to the forty-fourth session of General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada. We will be gathering to do the work of the National Church in the lovely university city of London, Ontario from June 23^rd-29^th. We will work, pray, learn, and socialize throughout the week in the Diocese of Huron. The General Synod Planning Committee, working with the Worship Committee and Local Arrangements Committee, are designing our time together to ensure you leave feeling fulfilled with the work we have done and with a trove of wonderful memories. 

Our Synod gathering will take place at RBC Place London and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Bishop Todd Townshend, his team, and the volunteers from the Diocese of Huron will welcome us warmly. The delegates will be staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel London Ontario that is linked to RBC Place London and only a 12-minute walk to the newly renovated St. Paul’s Cathedral. The cathedral will be our venue for our opening and closing services as well as the Primatial Election where there will be time to enjoy this beautiful building and the grounds. 

General Synod is a busy time, and there is a significant amount of information to process before you arrive. You will find details on our website (www.anglican.ca/gs2025) as well as in the Convening Circular. We are just an email or phone call away if you have any questions. 

Amongst the important matters before Synod, we will hear from the Primate’s Commission; address governance motions; we will attend a Primatial Election to elect the fifteenth Primate of our church; and we will enjoy special guests, services, and meals. While it will be a busy week, it will also be uplifting as we see our work come to fruition. 

The weather in Ontario is rarely dull in June. Temperatures will be on the warm side and can be over 30 degrees. Attire for Synod should be comfortable; the hotel and RBC Place will have air conditioning so bring a sweater along with clothing for warmer days and cooler evenings. 

I would ask when you arrive that you offer thanks to the many volunteers and staff that work hard to make this event enjoyable for us. The members of the General Synod Planning Committee, the Worship Committee, the Local Arrangements Committee, and the General Synod staff have been working diligently for two years to ensure your time in London is an enriching experience. I am especially grateful for Shannon Cottrell who is making sure everything unfolds as it should. Know that Archbishop Nicholls helped move our early planning forward, then Archbishop Germond continued the positive momentum in an incredibly busy time of transition. Without both leaders, our time together would be less fruitful. 

I look forward to seeing you in June and ask for your prayers as we continue to plan for your arrival. Be in touch as needed and we are happy to answer any questions you may have. We pray for your safe travels and are excited to see you soon. 

With my prayers and warm wishes,

Canon Laura Walton, ODT
Chair, General Synod Planning Committee