Anglicans prepare to gather in Winnipeg for crucial General Synod
Toronto, June 14, 2007

More than 400 people including delegates, partners and staff will gather in Winnipeg next week for the Anglican Church of Canada's 38th General Synod -- a crucial assembly that will elect a new national leader or Primate and once again tackle the difficult and divisive issue of the blessing of same-gender relationships.

The General Synod meets every three years and consists of bishops, clergy and lay people elected as delegates locally in each of the church's 30 dioceses. It is the Anglican church's chief governing body, dealing with everything from changes to church laws and practices to finances and the membership of committees that oversee church programs in years when General Synod does not meet.

The synod is being held at the Marlborough Hotel in downtown Winnipeg, with the diocese of Rupert's Land acting as host. the rest