The diocesan council of Montreal has approved a recommendation to merge all the assets and liabilities of the Diocesan Clergy Pension Plan with the General Synod pension plan effective, Jan. 1, 2006.

The proposal was to be submitted for approval by the diocesan synod scheduled Oct. 21 to 22.

Diocesan council also approved a motion that the diocese join the national church's Continuing Education Plan.

Parishes in an interim situation would not have to pay pension plan contributions; lay (non-ordained) synod staff are to be included in the plan.

All 29 other dioceses of the Anglican Church of Canada participate in the General Synod pension plan.