On this page we will be posting the updates as they are made available on the progress of our discussions with Holy Cross Lutheran on the potential of a merger of the congregations.

All information provided on this page has been distributed to the congregations as a whole and has been approved by the merger committee for distribution.

Background
Representatives from St Elizbeth’s Anglican and Holy Cross Lutheran have been meeting since early 2021 to explore the possibility of merging into one Anglican/Lutheran congregation. A merger can only occur if each congregation ratifies a formal merger agreement. Four subgroups have studied and
made recommendation in the areas we anticipated are of most concern to parishioners. Namely – governance – the decision-making process, ministry – choosing and working with a full-time clergy, building – what location would best accommodate our needs, finance – matters related to money.

The recommendations below have been approved by the joint merger committee. The complete report of each subgroup is available to all members and will provide explanations of the rationale for each recommendation. This newsletter is to inform you about what we believe the text of the merger agreement should establish.

The council of Holy Cross has scheduled an in-person meeting open to all Holy Cross members to discuss the recommendations at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday June 25 at the church. A virtual meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Monday June 27 has also been scheduled – the link will be sent out soon by email. St. Elizabeth’s townhall was held on June 24, 2022.

Recommendations
On Governance:

1. The governing body of the merged congregation will be a council elected by the congregation – the size and manner of election to be specified in bylaws to be adopted by the new congregation.
2. The first council would have an equal number of members from each founding congregation.
3. The initial bylaws will be approved by both founding congregations before being adopted by a merged congregation.
4. Subsequent bylaw changes must be approved by a congregational vote.
5. All bylaws need approval of the Anglican diocese and the Lutheran synod.

On Ministry:

1. A call to ministry (i.e. to the fulltime clergy position) may only be considered for candidates who receive support from a congregational vote.
2. Both the Anglican and Lutheran bishops have final authority over issuing the call.
3. A call vote will be held to consider a call to Rev. Colin Cameron to be the first clergy of the new congregation. The call to Rev Cameron must first be approved by both founding congregations.
4. The clergy will be an employee of the congregation, responsible to the council, with obligations to both bishops.

On Building:

1. The new congregation will own and occupy the Lakeshore site. The Diocese of Niagara will determine the Bromley site’s future.
2. If the new congregation were to dissolve, the asset value would be split between the Anglican diocese and the Lutheran synod in the same proportion as the assets brought into the merger – such proportion to be determined at the time of the merger.

On Finances:

1. The new congregation will have one charitable number.
2. It will be solely responsible for all its financial obligations including the payment of salaries and benefits of all staff.
3. Compensation for the clergy will be as per the guideline for the roster the clergy is on.
4. The Anglican DM&M (Diocesan Mission and Ministry) assessment and the Lutheran benevolence system will be replaced by tithing (10%) of revenue to the wider church split 50/50 between the diocese and the synod.

Next Steps

The joint committee will create a merger agreement which the bishops must approve before the two congregations conduct a vote. If the merger is approved the merged congregation will elect its first council.

The documents that have been sent are as follows:

Joint Merger Summary Progress to Date

Finance Summary

Governance Summary

Building Summary

July 3, 2022
@Holy Cross – 10AM

July 10, 2022
@St. Elizabeth’s – 10AM

July 17, 2022
@Holy Cross – 10AM

July 24, 2022
@St. Elizabeth’s – 10AM

July 31, 2022
@Holy Cross – 10AM

August 7, 2022
@St. Elizabeth’s – 10AM

August 14, 2022
@Holy Cross – 10AM

August 21, 2022
@St. Elizabeth’s – 10AM

August 28, 2022
@Holy Cross – 10AM

September 4, 2022
@St. Elizabeth’s – 10AM

All services will be held live in person and streamed via zoom and youtube.