2 August 2013

Subject: A message from Bishop Terry regarding changes to the Baptismal Covenant

Dear friends, As you may be aware, at the recent General Synod, a resolution was passed to add a sixth covenant promise to the Baptismal rite in the Book of Alternative Services. This important promise reflects our Churchs focus on the Five Marks of Mission and also supports our very real support of the biblical call to be good stewards of the earth. The new promise (the sixth of the covenant questions, the ninth baptismal question, including the creedal questions) is: Celebrant: Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of God's creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life of the Earth? People: I will, with Gods help. Given the importance we in Huron have placed on ecological and environmental concerns, I am very pleased that this question has been added, and I commend it to you and authorize it for use. It should be incorporated into BAS baptismal rites in parishes and congregations effective immediately. With all blessings,

Resolution C001 Download as PDF RESOLUTION CARRIED Subject: Baptismal Covenant Addition Moved by: The Very Rev. Louise Peters, Diocese of Cariboo (APCI) Seconded by: The Very Rev. Peter Wall, Diocese of Niagara Be it resolved that this General Synod

approve the following addition to the Baptismal Covenant set out in the Book of Alternative Services. The following would be the ninth question in the Covenant Inquiry: Celebrant: Will you strive to safeguard the integrity of Gods creation, and respect, sustain and renew the life of the Earth? People: I will, with Gods help. Source: Member Submitted by: The Very Reverend Louise Peters Does this motion contain within it any financial implications? Yes No X If yes, has the General Synod Expenditures Committee considered the implications? Yes No EXPLANATORY NOTE/BACKGROUND INFORMATION General Synod 2010 directed the Faith, Worship, and Ministry committee as follows: 1. to consider the best way to incorporate into the Baptismal Covenant set out in the Book of Alternative Services our ministry to sustain, respect, and renew the earth as stewards of creation; and 2. to make a recommendation to General Synod 2013. The Faith, Worship, and Ministry Committee requested that its Liturgy Task Force work on this directive and bring a motion to General Synod 2013. The Liturgy Task Force agreed this work at its meeting of April 2013, the timing of which did not allow for this motion to come to this General Synod as a priority motion from the Standing Committees and Council of General Synod. PROCEDURE FOR ADOPTION (G) In the normal course, an ordinary motion must be passed by a majority of the Order of Bishops, and by a majority of the Orders of Clergy and Laity 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 require a vote to be taken by dioceses. A motion passes if a majority of dioceses (or a tie) vote in favour. Source: Section 5 of the Declaration of Principles and sections 18, 19 and 20 of the Rules of Order and Procedure. If Resolution A030 is given second reading, the required majority will be all Orders voting together.