44 TheAnglican TheAnglican
COMMENT COMMENT
Words of gratitude, and hope Our Faith-Our Hopewonder is changing lives FI ebruary, the shortest came across a pastoral letmonth of the year, beter from the Bishop of gins with the tradition Toronto to the clergy and of Wiarton Willie seelaity proposing a signifiing or not seeing his shadow. cant fundraising effort. In it he Will he show us the way to proposed a graduated schedan early spring or six more ule of offerings to achieve a weeks of blessed snow, slush substantial goal and an indiand cold? It is important to remember vidual appeal to each church family in the that Willie gets it right only about 40 per diocese by a member of their parish “to cent ofatthe time. Flipping a coin offers you knock every one’s door and rouse the inbetter odds. Nevertheless, we anticipate habitants to devote a small portion of what the for anupon indication what isso to Godmoment has bestowed them toofpromote come. On the same day, Feb. 2, the Church great a work.” remembers moment – when Mary That letteranother came from John Strachan, the and Joseph arrive at the temple, days first Bishop of Toronto, in January40 1854! after of Jesus, to Re-imagine bless, to be Thethe Ourbirth Faith-Our Hope: blessed and to be began purified. Church campaign withIt’s anthe ideaday I first when an old priest and a prophetess give proposed to Synod a decade ago. As it graduan ofwe what is to come. allyindication took shape, determined that it would and Joseph cameshared with abetween pair of the beMary a cooperative program turtledoves – or was it two pigeons? to diocese and parishes that responded to– the mark in a liturgical way the generosity of God’s many giftssafe to usarrival to enof Jesus and a new We beginning. Ask gage God’s mission. identified theany goals of new parent about the momentBuilding of arrival Strengthening Local Parishes, the and onefor listens to an epic accountOur thatInis Church Tomorrow, Revitalizing marked by drama, near misses, harrowing heritance and Giving to Others. anxiety, pain, a call to has the many midwife, a rush The Canadian North clergy and to hospital, into contractions, laythe catechists in breathing charge of parishes who work barely it, Many unexpected visitors, a withoutmaking a stipend. are isolated in comstranger’s intervention, andpastoral the moment munities that face traumatic issues aincluding, first breath is drawn. Mary and Joseph unfortunately, the accumulated came an emerging narrative that pain ofwith dealing with multiple suicides. The included same made but made more complete Diocese ofthe Toronto a grant of $500,000 by theOur presence of angels, shepherds, and from Faith-Our Hope (OFOH) to fund a magi from the east. request from the Council of the North and Like most parents of a newborn, theyto Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples 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 DIARY ARCHBISHOP’S DIARY Bishop ACndrew Asbil BY B AyRCHBISHOP OLIN JOHNSON
ple from 48 communities together. The feedmust have been sleep deprived, bewildered back has been astounding. It makes a differand joy-filled. They must have wondered ence in peoples’ lives. how their lives had changed, how their The Anglican Chaplaincy for the Canadian hearts had expanded with love in ways Forces elected its first full-time bishop to prothey could not have imagined. By the 40th vide episcopal care for regular and reserve day, it all and begins tofamilies, sink in. and By the 40th day, chaplains their to military you discover how a newborn can render personnel across the country. It only became you feeling quiteofincompetent, unsure of possible because an initial endowment of what the cry in the night might mean: is it $500,000 from OFOH. hunger, a need for grant a diaper change, Another $500,000 from OFOH a towant the for comfort? How daunting is the responPrimate’s World Relief and Development sibility of raising an infant. how Fund (PWRDF) supports newAnd workyet in materprofound andhealth wondrous is, too – kind of nal and child in theitdeveloping world like taking your first few steps as a bishop and midwifery services in remote northern in this wondrously gifted diocese. communities in Canada. Ours is the largest For some ofdiocese us, Christmas ontoBoxsingle gift any has everends given ing Day and out to the curb goes the PWRDF in its 50+ year history. Becausetree. of For others, Christmas is stretched the matching federal government grants,tothat Epiphany, that’s themillion. decorations gift createdand a value of when over $2.5 Safe go back into And still go deliveries andstorage. proper health careothers are now the distance and of bring available because yourChristmas generosity.to its natural conclusion onthe Feb. 2. On have the 40th Parishes around diocese beenday, the telling aboutaccessible, this wondrous made physically youth child work takes is beanother turn. The shepherds, the angels ing funded, leaders are being trained, pioand the ministries magi haveinalready spoken. Now we neering new contexts have been hear from Holy Spirit and elders. planed and the an amazing array of two creative projA priest Simeon and a prophetess ects havenamed been undertaken locally because of named Anna have forbecause this moment. Our Faith-Our Hopelonged – not just of the Whispersresources of the Spirit that financial now assured available,them but also their waiting would not beofforsaken. They because of a reinvigoration imagination would see the Messiah with their own eyes. and commitment. Longing for the Day part of ourways. ChrisWe have succeeded inis remarkable 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
tian journey. Pining to experience the regoals to meet parish capital needs and did turn of Jesus, of peace, of justice, of divine spectacularly well. Taking that into account, order fuels us to keep going in the face of at least $50 million in new funds has been so many shadows in life. Moses longed for contributed to ministry in the diocese and bea land flowing with milk and honey. The yond in the last seven years, over our regular prophets ached for home. Paul desired to offerings and FaithWorks contributions. finish the race. Week by week, we embody We are a different diocese because of that. the faith and the longing that is in us when Yes, the money has helped us fund new minwe speak the memorial acclamation, Christ istries, adapt old buildings, engage in new has died, Christ is Risen, Christ will come mission, support vulnerable people in again. name. More than that, though, it has Christ’s Simeon helps us imagine the same when helped build relationships between people, alhe breaks out song: “Master, nowidenlowed people tointo share personal stories, you are your servant peace, tified anddismissing trained new leaders, builtinup confiaccording to your word; my eyes have dence, and assisted peoplefor to articulate and seen your which you have preshare their salvation, faith. pared inbeen the presence of the all peoples, a light I have changed by experience. I for more revelation to the Gentiles and forabout glory am confident in speaking clearly to your my faith people and myIsrael.” commitment to it. I have disWe hear these wordstoofgive gratitude, won-I covered a new capacity generously. der and at Evensong, set to music by have methope the most amazing Anglicans, heard the likes of Chilcott and Byrd, Tavener and their stories and been moved by their faithWood. The older I get,in the I apprecifulness. I have rejoiced themore creativity and ate Simeon and Anna for their tenacity, boldness of vision of people and parishes patience and trust. disap(and yes, to beunwavering honest, occasionally On Feb. 2,few). we are reminded to place pointed by a I think our church is inour a hope in a God who always surpasses the different place because of Our Faith-Our odds by into life. By the Hope. Wetransforming have begun todeath re-imagine church. blessing of candles, the bearer I am profoundly grateful to youreveals and thethe Light people of Christ thewho midst of made darkness and many likeinyou have and are brings to reality God’s dream salvation. making a difference in our worldofbecause of Candlemas Church transform your faith in calls Jesusthe Christ. Andto I am especialold, broken and toand be steadfast ly grateful topatterns the lay leaders clergy in in holding on leads our dioceseon. whoAnd tookholding the initiative andto rose freedom. Feb. 2… that’s the same day F.W. to it so graciously. deThe Klerk announced toofficially the world that he campaign is now concluded, would Nelson Mandela from prison. but the release 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.
A story woven into the quilt of Canada
Serving B Archbishop Finlay was a privilege
lack History Month is celebrated in North America and in some other countries in February. It is believed that the broad inviting smile, precursor of Black History firm“Negro handshake and Month was History the word “welcome” Week,” which was started are thebymemories in 1926 in the United States historianwe have and whenthe Angela and I first Carter G. Woodson Association for met Terence Bishop the Study of Negro Life andFinlay, History. Mr. of Toronto, in the of no Woodson contended that, “If asummer race has 1997. I was beginning my minhistory, it has no worthwhile tradition, it beistry asathe incumbent of St. of comes negligible factor inJoseph the thought of Nazareth, the world,Bramalea. and it stands in danger of being When we entered office, was a exterminated.” The his choice of there February is warmthtoand by both linked thegenuineness birthdays ofexperienced Abraham Lincoln of us in first meetingDouglass with Bishop Finlay. (Feb. 12)our and Frederick (Feb. 14). HeItwas inthat getting toan know us hasvery beeninterested suggested such obserand ourwas young We shared the stories vation firstfamily. celebrated in Toronto by of our Christian andblack family life. It railroad portersjourneys within the communiwas pleasure engage withabout him and have a ty bya1950, whotohad learned it on their sense of the pastoral care and support he oftravels in the United States. In 1979, the Onfered Black clergyHistory and their families. I had no idea tario Society (OBHS), founded that six years later Ithe would in 1978, petitioned Citybe ofworking Torontoclosely to with him as his proclaimed executive assistant and have February Black History Archdeacon of York. Month. Interest grew in the community and I got to know Terry, aslobbied he was the affectionatethe OBHS successfully federal ly called, when became a member of theas Posgovernment to Ihave February declared tulancy Committee andFollowing a regionaladean. He inBlack History Month. motion gave wise by counsel and offered the goodHon. insight introduced Grenadian-born Jean to challenging facing the Church. His Augustine, thematters first black Canadian woman was a calming voice andthe a non-anxious elected to Parliament, Parliament presof ence. Heofficially offered strong episcopal leadership Canada recognized February as in the diocese, pastorally and morally. Black History both Month in December 1995. He was a model of deep and prayerful It is believed that faith Mathieu Da Costa was thoughtfulness, and was concerned the first black person togenuinely arrive in Canada about the well-being of the clergy and laity in the early 1690s. He served as a translator under his episcopal leadership. for French and Dutch traders and explorInFollowing the spring Mr. of 2003 I received a call from ers. Da Costa, many persons the Archbishop’s office inviting me to meet of African descent have made Canada their with him. I was of going be invited home. As Iinthought other parts the to world, black to sit on another committee of the diocese. He people were once enslaved in Canada.
A
BISHOP’S OPINION By Bishop Peter Fenty
They, their descendants, and new AfricanBISHOP’S OPINION Canadians have made and continue to make significantBcontributions to Fthe development Y BISHOP PETER ENTY of Canada. quickly gotof toAfrican-Canadians the purpose of our meeting and The list who have asked I was willing to be considered as a is made if invaluable contributions to Canada candidate forJerome, executive assistant and long! Harry a three-time Olympian, archdeacon. The medal position vacant won the bronze inhad the become 100-metre race when Archdeacon Colin was elected in 1964; there is now an Johnson awards ceremony suffragan I wasDonovan surprisedBailey when he named in bishop. his honour. bemet with justrecord-holder before the clergy came theme world andconference the fastthat yearin and the Atlanta position.Games est man theoffered worldme at the wasOther a privilege distinct honour to in It1996. blackand sports stars include serve asplayer, his executive assistant and archdeahockey P.K. Subban, a significant con. I got know Terry even better and donor to atoMontreal hospital. learned much fromgrowing him. I witnessed theofdepth The list is also in the field of his faith hiswomen concernhave for every parish politics, in and which played a in the diocese. He showed compassion, particuleading role. Rosemary Brown, confronted larly the marginalized and minorities in with for racism and sexism, was the first black the Church and inofthe wider community. female member a provincial legislature Archbishop Finlay was very and the first woman to run fordisciplined leadershipin his Heparty. worked long hours and paid of awork. federal Immigrating from Ja-attention to detail, thoroughly reading documaica, she became well known as a politiments, letters or any for cal commentator andmaterial activist,needed co-founding meetings. It wasStatus also evident that he cared the Vancouver of Women Council. deeply for the wider Church appreciated Barbadian-born Anne Clareand Cools was the the of ecumenical relationships. firstimportance black person to be appointed to the One ofofthe qualities I admired about Terry Senate Canada. Haitian-born Michaëlle was willingness to makeincluding time for people. Jeanhis broke many barriers, her He himself available and laity rolemade as the first woman to to beclergy Secretary-Genwho needed to meet with him. I was oftende la eral of the Organisation internationale asked to join him meetings withGovernor others, Francophone. Sheinwas appointed and it was he always listened General ofevident Canadathat by Queen Elizabeth Il inin tently. Terry was a pastor, mentor, friend 2005. The face of Viola Desmond, of Novaand confidante. Scotian descent, both an activist for desegAnother quality I admiredbusinesswoman, in him was his regation and a pioneering humility. He Canada’s engaged with in all stanow graces newpeople $10 bill. tions of life. He was as comfortable talking Lawyer Lincoln Alexander had many
“firsts.” He was the first black member of Parliament, cabinet minister, and Lieutenant Governor for Ontario. Having served in the Royal Canadian Air Force before attending law school, he held his seat for and with personsbefore on the resigning street cor-to fourengaging successive elections ner or as drop-in he wasWorkers’ with persons serve chaircentre of theas Ontario Comserving in public pensation Board.office. He served as chancellor of One of the challenges hefor faced was theterm, the University of Guelph a 15-year Church’s position human While exceeding that ofon any of hissexuality. predecessors. in office hesecret upheld thethere doctrine discipline It is no that are and many Africanof the Church. On leaving he officiated Canadian members of theoffice, Anglican Church in same-gender marriage, he had of aCanada who have made, for andwhich continue to to be disciplined his diocesan bishop, who make, invaluablebycontributions to the life and was onceof his archdeacon, executive witness this Church. Our Churchassistant must and suffragan In receiving the not take theirbishop. presence and desire toadmonicontion, told his successor in office that he extinuehe contributing to its life and witness for pected nothing lesscontinue from himto and thattowards he was granted. We must work exercising ministry responsibly. increasinghis theepiscopal participation, representation, I believe that and Archbishop Terence was leadempowerment inclusion of black people ing theand diocese in theleadership direction ofroles being in lay ordained inmore the welcoming to those who were vulnerable, full life of our Church. marginalized, voiceless the enriched minority. by The story of Canada and has in been He madeofa avery significant difference in the a story people that is not often taught life Diocese is notyoung surprisandoforthe passed on of inToronto. schools. It Many ing, therefore, hear andup read the very comCanadians aretogrowing having never plimentary that many have shared heard thesereflections tales of human endeavour and about their him.allHe success. It experiences is importantofthat ofexercised us take a servant throughout his ordained life, the timeministry and initiative to learn more about and that we give to to God for his exour for contribution to thanks Canada, share it with ample. was to privileged to have others,I and advocateand forhonoured its inclusion in had the opportunity to know him as myThe bishschools’ curricula across our nation. op, mentor and friend. The Church has been story of African-Canadians is intricately blessed to have as aCanadian faithful bishop. woven into the had quilthim of the story. HeThere will beismissed and leaves a legacy exan annual Diocesan BlackofHisemplary leadership, humility, compassion and tory Month service held on the last Sunday profound faith. are grateful to his family of February at We St. Paul, Bloor Street, and for having shared the are Church more parishes in him our with diocese alsoand holdassure them of our prayerful support. We and give ing similar celebrations. Let us honour Archbishop Terence Finlay back with to histhe Crecelebrate Black History Month ator God with the same graciousness we exsame interest, enthusiasm and support as perienced May he rest in peace and that givenoftohim. other celebrations throughout rise with Christ in glory. the year.
February 2019 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. Fred Hiltz, 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 the largest population of aboriginal peoples in the country. 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
