Diocesan Synod met at the Cathedral on April 18 to discuss the future of the Cathedral itself. The Cathedral congregation was represented by lay delegates Rosa Macaulay, Tom Fetter, and Ethan De Jong, and by clergy delegates Geoffrey Hall, Jon Lownds, and Debbie Edmondson. A number of other Cathedral members attended either as observers or in roles with the Synod or Diocese, including Cheryl Jacobs, Jamie Yeamans, Ash McLellan, and Greg Young Morris. This strong level of participation was mirrored in the Synod itself; clergy and laity from across the diocese clearly felt this was to be an important discussion, and virtually every seat in the Nave was filled.
Enclosed and shaped first by a morning Eucharist and latterly by Evening Prayer, the rules of order were relaxed for a period to enable a free expression of folks' concerns, hopes, and understanding of the role the Cathedral fills and could play within the life of the Diocese. This clearly led to shifts in perspective for some, the emergence of a real sense of community and shared ownership of the issues, which informed the motions which the Synod carried in the afternoon. The text of those motions is provided at the bottom of this report.
All of us felt daunted by the financial concerns - whether the projected costs for present work, or those swollen to $23M through establishing a capital fund to address maintenance etc. through the future. At the same time, delegate after delegate spoke to how the Cathedral is a Diocesan resource, and not a large parish church. As such it must be used by the Diocese as a centre of excellence (e.g. in liturgy, music, Christian formation etc.). This responsibility would not rest solely on the shoulders of the Cathedral's worshipping congregation, for all that we'd certainly continue to aspire to excellence. Delegates suggested that all ordinations (whether to the Diaconate or Priesthood) should occur here, others suggested that the Cathedral could somehow provide a showcase platform to highlight excellence occurring throughout the Diocese, etc.
Several delegates pointed to the experience at Stone Church and elsewhere, where renewal efforts have resulted in much increased partnership with the community - and even with contractors. As we actually are the Church, in action and engagement, people respond. People are drawn as they experience God's mission, God's care for our communities and the world. Transformation happens. Using examples literally from across the world, delegates encouraged Synod to trust God, and reflected on how their experience of not dissimilar challenges resulted in unanticipated renewal. That what had seemed frightening turned out to be a source of blessing ... for all that there continue to be sleepless nights.
As a result, Synod coalesced around the view that while a Bishop's hands should not be tied to rule out options like transferring ownership of the Cathedral to a secular Foundation, this should be far from a first option - and Synod motions should not appear to privilege those options. More than that, Synod clearly affirmed that the Cathedral is an important and iconic Diocesan resource, and that its care, preservation, and any changes to enable ministry in future are collective matters of Diocesan responsibility, not to be shouldered by the Cathedral congregation alone. The tone in the room on this was striking - and reaffirmed the Archbishop's own perspectives (including that the whole process must rest upon a foundation of prayer, throughout the diocese), which he'd expressed both in his homily and his comments at the end of the day.
We none of us know the forward shape of things, but are firm in the orientation and aspiration to seek God's direction and leadership, which we invite and trust to be expressed through the Bishop, his successors, and advisors. Archbishop David noted that other Cathedrals have faced challenges similar both to our urgent concerns about roofing and structural integrity, and our long term concerns about sustainability; their processes can inform ours. Immediate approaches may likely include striking a steering group and developing a prioritized plan “We said today that what we want is to retain this building, look at it as a diocesan issue and work together to bring some resolution to this issue. What that means is that a) we need to be committed to that, but b) we still need to listen. I ask for your prayers – what has been said is in some way easy – to live up to that will require a work of the Spirit.”
The motions passed by Synod, providing advice to the Archbishop follow.
MOTION 1
(as amended to remove several more specific references)
THAT
This Synod advise the Bishop that, after such further consultation as he considers useful with the Cathedral Bishop and Chapter, Diocesan Council and Synod Finance Committee, and any other stakeholders, and with the agreement and cooperation of any of those bodies as necessary, the Bishop (current or successor), take such steps as s/he considers proper for safeguarding the fabric of Christ Church Cathedral for the present and future.
MOTION 2:
THAT
1. This Synod reaffirm that the mission and life and facilities of the Cathedral are part of the responsibility of all New Brunswick Anglicans.
2. This Synod request the Diocesan Council take steps to enable the Cathedral to widen its presence and ministry throughout the Diocese of Fredericton.
24 April 2026
