Appendix D: THE SOLEMN DECLARATION, 1906

(Synod of the Diocese of Algoma)

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.

I. We, the Bishop, Clergy and Representatives of the Laity of the Church of England in Canada, within the Diocese of Algoma, in Synod assembled, intending, under God’s blessing and guidance, to consider and determine upon such matters as shall appear necessary for the welfare of the Church in this Diocese, hereby make a solemn declaration of the principles upon which we propose to proceed.

II. We desire that the Church in this Diocese shall continue as it has been, an integral portion of the Church of England in Canada. As members of that Church we claim a part in the fellowship of the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic church which is the one Body of Christ who is its One Divine Head; we receive the Canon of the Holy Scripture so set forth by that Church on the testimony of the primitive Catholic Church as containing all things necessary to salvation; we hold the one Faith revealed in the Holy Writ and defined in the Creeds as maintained by the undivided primitive Church in the undisputed Ecumenical Councils; we maintain the form of Church government by Bishops, Priests and Deacons, as Scriptural and Apostolical; and we are determined by the help of God to hold and maintain the Doctrine, Sacraments and Discipline of Christ as the Lord hath commanded in His Holy Word as the Church of England hath received and set forth the same in "The Book of Common Prayer and Administration of the Sacraments and other Rites and Ceremonies of the Church according to the use of the Church of England, together with the Psalter or Psalms of David pointed as they are the be sung in Churches; and the Form and Manner of Making, Ordaining and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests and Deacons", and in the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion, and to transmit the same unimpaired our posterity.

III. It is our earnest desire and determination to confine our deliberations and actions to matters of discipline, to the temporalities of the Church, and to such regulations of Order as may tend to her efficiency and extension. We conceive that the following and such like objects may fitly come under our consideration and lead to action on our part.

1. To form a Constitution for the Synod of this Diocese, and to regulate the time and place of its meetings and the order and manner of its proceedings.

2. To provide for the proper exercise of ecclesiastical discipline in regard to both clergy and laity, by enacting or amending canons.

3. To provide for the extension and well-being of the Church, the support of the clergy, the maintenance of public worship, and the diffusion of a sound religious education.

4. To promote and regulate the building and conservation of churches, parsonages and schoolhouses.

5. To provide for the division of the diocese into parishes or missions, with regulations for future sub-divisions.

6. To provide, where needed, fit regulations for the appointment of Bishops, Priests and Deacons.

7. To provide for the division of the diocese into new dioceses.

8. To procure such provincial legislation as the circumstances of the Church may from time to time require.