44 TheAnglican TheAnglican
COMMENT COMMENT
With risen Christ, we have a second chance Our the Faith-Our Hope is changing lives
TI
he Easter message is about new life and hope came across a pastoral letfor new beginnings. The ter from the Bishop of season of spring brings Toronto to the clergy and a welcome change from the laity proposing a significold to warmer weather. This cant fundraising effort. In it he new beginning gives hope for proposed a graduated schedwhat the time ahead holds, and it provides ule of offerings to achieve a opportunities for more outdoor activities like substantial goal and an indigardening. vidual appeal to each church family in the Just as spring provides such hope and opdiocese by a member of their parish “to portunities, Easter the promise of a knock at every one’sprovides door and rouse the inrich and new life in Christ. This has been habitants to devote a small portion of whatthe gospel message forupon morethem thanto2,000 years.so God has bestowed promote After the death of Jesus, all who had been great a work.” with him or knew himJohn wondered whatthe the That letter cameoffrom Strachan, future held for them. They could not fathom first Bishop of Toronto, in January 1854! what would be like without him. Thelife Our Faith-Our Hope: Re-imagine In John’s gospel,began we are toldan that Mary Church campaign with idea I first Magdalene went to the tomb, only to proposed to Synod a decade ago. As itdisgraducover thatshape, the stone had been removed from ally took we determined that it would the Sheprogram did not go in, but ran and be aentrance. cooperative shared between the told Peter and John, who to theto tomb diocese and parishes that went responded the to find thatof the bodymany of Jesus not generosity God’s giftswas to us tothere. enIt was on seeing the empty tomb that they of gage God’s mission. We identified the goals came to believeLocal that Jesus hadBuilding risen from Strengthening Parishes, thethe dead, asfor he Tomorrow, had told them he would.Our Mary, Church Revitalizing Inon the other wastoso distraught that she heritance andhand Giving Others. remained there weeping. didclergy not recogThe Canadian North hasShe many and nize Jesus at first, until of a very familiar lay catechists in charge parishes whovoice work said to her, “Mary.”Many She was commissioned without a stipend. are isolated in comto go and that tell the that he wasissues alive. munities facedisciples traumatic pastoral It was Mary who first broke the news to including, unfortunately, the accumulatedthe disciples that she had seen the risen Lord. pain of dealing with multiple suicides. The One may imaginemade how that news was reDiocese of Toronto a grant of $500,000 ceived by Faith-Our the close friends of Jesus. from Our Hope (OFOH) to Accordfund a request from the Council of the North and Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples to hold regional circles where clergy and lay leaders could come together for mutual learning, support and refreshment. So far, 276 have participated from half a dozen dioceses. Grants ranged from $500 to $100,000. The Diocese of the Arctic, for instance, brought peo-
BISHOP’S OPINION ARCHBISHOP’S DIARY By Bishop Peter Fenty BY ARCHBISHOP COLIN JOHNSON
ing to John’s gospel, the disciples remained ple from 48 communities together. The feedlocked in a room until Jesus made his first back has been astounding. It makes a differappearance to them. In that meeting, Jesus ence in peoples’ lives. offered them peace and breathed his spirit The Anglican Chaplaincy for the Canadian upon them, as he commissioned them for Forces elected its first full-time bishop to profuture ministry. I believe that was a moment vide episcopal care for regular and reserve of transformation, and a real reason to chaplains and theirjoy families, and to military hope and not be afraid anymore. personnel across the country. It only became In our because lives, there are many things thatof possible of an initial endowment can happen that can break our spirit or $500,000 from OFOH. make us want to give up. from Fear, OFOH hopelessness, Another $500,000 grant to the despair and despondency easily beset Primate’s World Relief andcan Development us amid loss, brokenness, betrayal, illness or Fund (PWRDF) supports new work in materthe and death of someone to us. There can nal child health inclose the developing world be an emptiness, maybeinlike that which the and midwifery services remote northern disciples experienced when Christ crucicommunities in Canada. Ours is thewas largest fied. Until something reverses single gift any diocesehappens has everthat given to those feelings, we may remain doubtful, fearPWRDF in its 50+ year history. Because of ful or evenfederal paralyzed. matching government grants, that the gospel stories, those met the giftIncreated a value of over $2.5who million. Safe risen Christ allproper experienced their deliveries and health change care areinnow lives. Christ was alive andgenerosity. offered peace and available because of your hope to them. They were offered new beginParishes around the diocese have been nings,physically just like ataccessible, springtime. Our work Lord’sis bemade youth resurrection meantare overcoming sin and ing funded, leaders being trained, piodeath. Therefore, human flaw maybeen be neering ministriesevery in new contexts have corrected, overcome, and we can planed andweakness an amazing array of creative projbe redeemed. offerslocally the assurance ects have beenEaster undertaken because of that Faith-Our we can overcome thejust many obstacles, Our Hope – not because of the difficulties and challenges that lifebut presents, financial resources now available, also from time time. We live in world that at because of to a reinvigoration ofaimagination and commitment. We have succeeded in remarkable ways. While not every parish participated, the vast majority did – and achieved more than many had thought possible. Some of the parishes did not formally join the OFOH project because they were already in the midst of substantial funding efforts. Others added to their
times is cruel, uncaring, unforgiving, and seemingly void of hope or second chances. goals to meet parish capital needs and did The risen Christ makes possible for all of spectacularly well. Taking that into account, us to have second chances, new beginnings, at least $50 million in new funds has been new life and hope. contributed to ministry in the diocese and beSometimes our behaviours are not consistyond in the last seven years, over our regular ent with our values, healthy lifestyles or of offerings and FaithWorks contributions. showing neighbourliness, love and respect We are a different diocese because of that. for others. Jesus loves and values each Yes, the money has helped us fund new minand every one of us, even with our faults istries, adapt old buildings, engage in new and shortcomings. He offered to those who mission, support vulnerable people in offended and hurt him, as he does to us, Christ’s name. More than that, though, it has forgiveness, new life and hope for the future. helped build relationships between people, alTherepeople is healing and hope to bestories, experienced lowed to share personal idenin Him who camenew that leaders, we might have in tified and trained built uplife confiall its fullness. Jesus says to as he said dence, and assisted people to us articulate and to the their women who went to the empty tomb share faith. and to the frightened in the locked I have been changeddisciples by the experience. I room, “Do not be afraid” and “Shalomam more confident in speaking clearly about Peace.” afraid my faithWe andare myencouraged commitmentnot to to it. be I have disbecauseaofnew thecapacity loss of a to job, thegenerously. death of a I covered give lovedmet one,the a pending surgery, a meeting with have most amazing Anglicans, heard someone with whom you are seeking recontheir stories and been moved by their faithciliation,I have a difficult decision be madeand or a fulness. rejoiced in theto creativity new venture to be started. Jesus offers hope boldness of vision of people and parishes and guidance all situations, through the (and yes, to bein honest, occasionally disappower ofbyhis spirit.I think our church is in a pointed a few). The Good News is that is going bedifferent place because of Jesus Our Faith-Our fore usWe every andto promises to be with us, Hope. haveday begun re-imagine church. always. We have the opportunity a second I am profoundly grateful to you of and the chance, beinglike forgiven andhave being reconciled many people you who made and are with another. Let usin grasp every because opportunity making a difference our world of to experience new beginnings in the name of your faith in Jesus Christ. And I am especialHim who istoalive andleaders reigns and forever. Christ ly grateful the lay clergy in is alive! Alleluia! Have a blessed our diocese who took the initiativeand andhappy rose Easter. to it so graciously. The campaign is now officially concluded, but the allocations continue and the mission God invites us to share is still on our doorsteps. As my first paragraph noted, this was not the first financial campaign, nor will it be the last – the work of the Church is not over. Let us continue onwards in faith and in hope.
Your friends at The Anglican wish you a joyful Easter.
Serving Finlay wasora privilege Need Archbishop to sign up for, update cancel your A subscription to The Anglican?
broad inviting smile, firm handshake and the word “welcome” are the memories we have when Angela and I first met Terence Finlay, Bishop of Toronto, in the summer of 1997. I was beginning my ministry as the incumbent of St. Joseph of Nazareth, Bramalea. When we entered his office, there was a warmth and genuineness experienced by both of us in our first meeting with Bishop Finlay. He was very interested in getting to know us and our young family. We shared the stories of our Christian journeys and family life. It was a pleasure to engage with him and have a sense of the pastoral care and support he offered clergy and their families. I had no idea that six years later I would be working closely with him as his executive assistant and Archdeacon of York. I got to know Terry, as he was affectionately called, when I became a member of the Postulancy Committee and a regional dean. He gave wise counsel and offered good insight into challenging matters facing the Church. His was a calming voice and a non-anxious presence. He offered strong episcopal leadership in the diocese, both pastorally and morally. He was a model of deep faith and prayerful thoughtfulness, and was genuinely concerned about the well-being of the clergy and laity under his episcopal leadership. In the spring of 2003 I received a call from the Archbishop’s office inviting me to meet with him. I thought I was going to be invited to sit on another committee of the diocese. He
BISHOP’S OPINION BY BISHOP PETER FENTY
quickly got to the purpose of our meeting and asked if I was willing to be considered as a candidate for executive assistant and archdeacon. The position had become vacant when Archdeacon Colin Johnson was elected suffragan bishop. I was surprised when he met with me just before the clergy conference that year and offered me the position. It was a privilege and distinct honour to serve as his executive assistant and archdeacon. I got to know Terry even better and learned much from him. I witnessed the depth of his faith and his concern for every parish in the diocese. He showed compassion, particularly for the marginalized and minorities in the Church and in the wider community. Archbishop Finlay was very disciplined in his work. He worked long hours and paid attention to detail, thoroughly reading documents, letters or any material needed for meetings. It was also evident that he cared deeply for the wider Church and appreciated the importance of ecumenical relationships. One of the qualities I admired about Terry was his willingness to make time for people. He made himself available to clergy and laity who needed to meet with him. I was often asked to join him in meetings with others, and it was evident that he always listened intently. Terry was a pastor, mentor, friend and confidante. Another quality I admired in him was his humility. He engaged with people in all stations of life. He was as comfortable talking
and engaging with persons on the street corner or drop-in centre as he was with persons serving in public office. One of the challenges he faced was the Church’s position on human sexuality. While in office he upheld the doctrine and discipline of the Church. On leaving office, he officiated in a same-gender marriage, for which he had to be disciplined by his diocesan bishop, who was once his archdeacon, executive assistant and suffragan bishop. In receiving the admonition, he told his successor in office that he expected nothing less from him and that he was exercising his episcopal ministry responsibly. I believe that Archbishop Terence was leading the diocese in the direction of being more welcoming to those who were vulnerable, marginalized, voiceless and in the minority. He made a very significant difference in the life of the Diocese of Toronto. It is not surprising, therefore, to hear and read the very complimentary reflections that many have shared about their experiences of him. He exercised a servant ministry throughout his ordained life, and for that we give thanks to God for his example. I was privileged and honoured to have had the opportunity to know him as my bishop, mentor and friend. The Church has been blessed to have had him as a faithful bishop. He will be missed and leaves a legacy of exemplary leadership, humility, compassion and profound faith. We are grateful to his family for having shared him with the Church and assure them of our prayerful support. We give Archbishop Terence Finlay back to his Creator God with the same graciousness we experienced of him. May he rest in peace and rise with Christ in glory.
Manage your subscription online.
www.anglicanjournal.com
April 2020 June 2017
TheAnglican The Anglican is published under the authority of the Bishop of Toronto and the Incorporated Synod of the Diocese of Toronto. Opinions expressed in The Anglican are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher. Canon Stuart Mann: Editor Address all editorial material to: The Anglican 135 Adelaide Street East Toronto, Ontario M5C 1L8 Tel: (416) 363-6021, ext. 247 Toll free: 1- 800 - 668 - 8932 Fax: (416) 363 -7678 E-mail: editor@toronto.anglican.ca Circulation: For all circulation inquiries, including address changes, new subscriptions and cancellations, call the Circulation Department at (416) 924-9199, ext. 259/245, or email circulation@national.anglican.ca. You can also make changes online: visit www.anglicanjournal.com and click Subscription Centre. Annie Fenn: Advertising Address all advertising material to: Fenn Company Inc. P.O. Box 1060 King City, Ontario L7B 1B1 Tel: 905-833-6200, ext. 22 Toll free: 1- 800 - 209- 4810 Fax: (905) 833- 2116 E-mail: anglican@churchadvertising.ca
The Anglican Church In the Anglican Communion: A global community of 70 million Anglicans in 64,000 congregations in 164 countries. Archbishop of Canterbury: The Most Rev. and Rt. Hon. Justin Welby, Lambeth Palace, London, England SE1 7JU. In Canada: A community of about 600,000 members in 30 dioceses, stretching from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland and north to the Arctic Ocean. Primate: The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, Church House, 80 Hayden St. Toronto, ON M4Y 3G2 Tel: 416-924-9192 In the Diocese of Toronto: A community of 254 congregations in 210 parishes covering 26,000 square kilometers. Of the nearly 5 million people who live within the diocesan boundaries, 376,000 claim to be affiliated with the Anglican Church, with about 80,000 people identified on the parish rolls. The diocese is home to many ethnic and languagebased congregations, including African, Caribbean, Chinese, Filipino, French, Hispanic, Japanese, and Tamil. The City of Toronto has a large population of aboriginal peoples. Bishop of Toronto: The Rt. Rev. Andrew Asbil York-Credit Valley: The Rt. Rev. Jenny Andison Trent-Durham: The Rt. Rev. Riscylla Shaw York-Scarborough: The Rt. Rev. Kevin Robertson York-Simcoe: The Rt. Rev. Peter Fenty The Diocese of Toronto: 135 Adelaide St. E., Toronto, Ont., M5C 1L8 1-800-668-8932/416-363-6021 Web site: http://www.toronto.anglican.ca
