44 TheAnglican TheAnglican
COMMENT COMMENT
We failed the Church again lives Ourhave Faith-Our Hope is changing G I od is good. People came across a pastoral letmake mistakes. ter from the Bishop of In Inuvik in 2012, at Toronto to the clergy and the Northern Nalaity proposing a signifitional Event of the Truth and cant fundraising effort. In it he Reconciliation Commission proposed a graduated schedon Indian Residential Schools, ule of offerings to achieve a Archbishop Terry Finlay said substantial goal and an indiwith powerful humility and honesty, “We vidual appeal to each church family in the made a mistake. We have failed the Church.” diocese by a member of their parish “to He was the and call for ourthe Church knock atresponding every one’stodoor rouse into acknowledge and to begin to rebuild relahabitants to devote a small portion of what tionships from theupon pain, them grief to and genocidal God has bestowed promote so damage of colonization, in our case done great a work.” in That the name Jesus. WeJohn as a Strachan, Church have letterofcame from the acted in spiritual arrogance and ignorance first Bishop of Toronto, in January 1854! in The oppressing, denying and Re-imagine robbing the GodOur Faith-Our Hope: given gifts and inherent language, Church campaign began rights with anofidea I first faith, culture and land of the peoples proposed to Synod a decade ago. As itof graduTurtle Island. ally took shape, we determined that it would afraid we program failed theshared Church again the beIaam cooperative between at our General Synod 2019, held this diocese and parishes that responded past to the July. Once again, wemany have gifts actedtoinusspiritual generosity of God’s to enarrogance made in the gage God’sagainst mission.those We identified theimage goals of of God, this time our Parishes, gay, lesbian, bisexual, Strengthening Local Building the transgendered and two-spirited siblings in Church for Tomorrow, Revitalizing Our InChrist, in denying the validity and sacredheritance and Giving to Others. ness ofCanadian their loveNorth withinhas themany sacrament The clergy and of this, we havewho also work laymarriage. catechistsBy indoing charge of parishes undermined the integrity of isolated our Christian without a stipend. Many are in comcommunities inclusivity racial, geomunities that in face traumaticacross pastoral issues graphical, economic and social divides. We including, unfortunately, the accumulated are we are called to include, painexcluding of dealingwhere with multiple suicides. The and it is of wrong. Diocese Toronto made a grant of $500,000 With a solid one-fifth of(OFOH) the Church op- a from Our Faith-Our Hope to fund posed tofrom equalthe marriage, it is clear that we request Council of the North and as a community struggling to see God Anglican Councilare of Indigenous Peoples to in theregional faces ofcircles one another to recognize hold where and clergy and lay the intrinsic God-created difference. leaders couldvalue comein 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-
ple from 48 communities together. The feedWe as a Church are also wrestling with our back has been astounding. It makes a differtheological understandings of salvation in ence in peoples’ lives. relation to human sexuality. God does not The Anglican Chaplaincy for the Canadian make mistakes. How can we come to see our Forces elected its first full-time bishop to prodifferences as a rich gift from our Creator, vide episcopal care for regular and reserve who madeand people saw that are chaplains theirand families, andthey to military good? How can we redeem ourselves when personnel across the country. It only became we have because so harshly worked dehumanize possible of an initialtoendowment of our siblings? $500,000 from What OFOH.are the first steps we need to take in working reconciliaAnother $500,000 granttowards from OFOH to the tion and right-relationship with those whom Primate’s World Relief and Development we have pushed to the margins? How can we Fund (PWRDF) supports new work in materdecrease our health humaninnature fearfulness and nal and child the developing world increase our Holy Spirit-inspired and midwifery services in remote loving? northern Saint JulianinofCanada. Norwich teaches that communities Ours is theus largest in the best cases, our mistakes single gift any diocese has ever bring given us to to self-knowledge and a humble ofof God. PWRDF in its 50+ year history.seeking Because In this painful andgovernment gut-wrenching case, what matching federal grants, that can created we learna about ourselves individuals, gift value of over $2.5asmillion. Safe as Christians, Anglicans, thisnow Generdeliveries and as proper health from care are al Synod process? How can we move forward, available because of your generosity. recognizing that we have trespassed upon Parishes around the diocese have been our own spirits when we have marginalized made physically accessible, youth work is bethe funded, vulnerable and are the being oppressed? Where ing leaders trained, pioare we being calledintonew see contexts and hearhave God’s neering ministries been heart beating our communities, in ourprojplaned and an in amazing array of creative families, ourundertaken own selves?locally How can we of ects havein been because moveFaith-Our away from making decisions Our Hope – notlegislative just because of the about such significant sacred but matters? financial resources nowand available, also It hasof been revealed to usofthrough the because a reinvigoration imagination pastcommitment. 50 years, with theological stumbling and blocks around re-marriage of divorced We have succeeded in remarkable ways. persons toevery this current and ongoing the struggle While not parish participated, vast for equaldid marriage, that the more wholethan Church majority – and achieved 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
holds marriage to be sacred. However, might goals to meet parish capital needs and did it also be emerging that we are creating idols spectacularly well. Taking that into account, of ideals? Can we be fully human when we at least $50 million in new funds has been continue to deny others their humanity? In contributed to ministry in the diocese and beArchbishop Desmond Tutu’s teaching on yond in the last seven years, over our regular “ubuntu,” he says: “My humanity is caught offerings and FaithWorks contributions. up, is inextricably bound up, in yours. In We are a different diocese because of that. other words, we need one another in order Yes, the money has helped us fund new minto each discover our magnificence and allow istries, adapt old buildings, engage in new it to shine by what we do with our lives.” (10 mission, support vulnerable people in Pieces ofname. Wisdom from Desmond Tutu it onhas his Christ’s More than that, though, Birthday, article, October 2015.) helped build relationships between people, alIt is people my responsibility as a bishop to be a lowed to share personal stories, idendefender of the faith. What does “defense” tified and trained new leaders, built up confilook like? especially, is it that and I am dence, andAnd assisted peoplewhat to articulate defending? The prophet Micah calls us to “do share their faith. justice, love kindness and walk humbly with I have been changed by the experience. I ourmore God.”confident (6:8) Is it humble to make decisions am in speaking clearly about on behalf of God and other people, about my faith and my commitment to it. I have disthe sacredness of their loving covered a new capacity to giverelationships? generously. I Whenmet is itthe kindness to listenAnglicans, to my siblings have most amazing heard with my deafand earsbeen and moved my hard an their stories byheart, their faithunwillingness have my mind changed? How fulness. I have to rejoiced in the creativity and is it justice to marginalize those who are actuboldness of vision of people and parishes ally beloved of honest, God, made in the image of God, (and yes, to be occasionally disapour ownby family members? pointed a few). I think our church is in a In the expansive and of inclusive experience different place because Our Faith-Our of becoming fully human, we both make Hope. We have begun to re-imagine church. mistakes and we are encouraged abandon I am profoundly grateful to you to and the fear. Itpeople is often fear that binds to narrow many like you who haveus made and are paths and judgements. It isworld freedom in Christ making a difference in our because of that opens our hearts to new understandyour faith in Jesus Christ. And I am especialings of howtoGod in and our lives. ly grateful the operates lay leaders clergyChrist in teaches us to unbind chains of and righteous our diocese who took the the initiative rose indignation, to bless those who curse us, to to it so graciously. heal one on the margins and concluded, to welcome Thethe campaign is now officially andthe feed the strangers in our midst – to treat but allocations continue and the mission theminvites like family, as indeed you God us to share is still onare our“all my relations.” As my first paragraph noted, this doorsteps. 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.
“There are many who say, ‘O ful and hope-filled ways to engage with the that we might see some good!’” world around us. - Psalm 4:6 Thea Prescod, this year’s keynote speaker, broad inviting smile, is a staff member at Sanctuary, a commuBISHOP’S OPINION firm handshake and BY ELIN GOULDEN nity ministry for street-involved people in the word “welcome” downtown B Toronto. She is also a member Y BISHOP PETER FENTY are thechange, memories we limate worsenof the Wine Before Breakfast worshipping have when Angela andthe I first quickly got to the purpose our meeting ing inequality, rise community, where she hasofpreached on and met Terence Bishop asked if I was willing to be considered as a of hateFinlay, groups, racistof the prophetic call to “courageous, hopeful Toronto, in anti-immigrant the summer of candidate for executive and faithfulness.” She was aassistant keynote and speaker at 1997. violence, I was beginning my minarchdeacon. The position had become rhetoric, exclusion, and a polarthe Junia’s Daughters conference for vacant women istry political as the incumbent St. Joseph when Archdeacon Colin Johnson was elected ized climate – of these factorsofall in ministry this past May. Nazareth, suffragan bishop. I was surprised leaders when hewill seem to beBramalea. growing. For many people today, A diverse line-up of workshop Whenattention we entered his news office,seems there was met withwith me just beforeways the clergy conference paying to the to bea wrestle different in which churchwarmth and genuineness experienced by both that year offered the position. an invitation to greater alienation, anxiety es can be and “pockets of me resilience” resisting of usdespair. in our first meetingcartoon with Bishop Finlay. was a privilege and distinct and A popular features one theIttemptations of isolation andhonour despair.to He was saying very interested in getting to know us serve as his executive assistant archdeaperson to another, “My desire to be Seasoned community advocate and René Adams and our young is family. We shared the stories con. examine I got to know Terry even better and and well-informed currently at odds with my will the key role of compassion of our Christian learned much from in him. I witnessed the depth desire to remainjourneys sane.” and family life. It love for neighbour confronting the strucwas a pleasure engage with him and havea a of hiscauses faith and concern for Jahnke every parish What does itto mean to reach out to such tural of his poverty. Grant and in sense of pastoral care and he ofthe diocese. Hewill showed particu-a world, tothe seek God’s justice insupport such a conKaren Turner look compassion, at how celebrating fered How clergy and their families. I had no idea larly forof the marginalized and minorities in text? can our churches become centres Season Creation transformed the capacity that six yearsin later would working closely thetheir Church andto inaddress the wider of resistance theIface of be injustice and hope of parish thecommunity. looming threat with executive assistant and Finlay wasthe very disciplined in thehim faceasofhis despair? This year’s Outreach of Archbishop climate change, while Rev. Stephenin Archdeacon of York. his work. He worked long hours and paid at& Advocacy Conference will put such quesDrakeford and Angela Elzinga-Chen share I got to know Terry, as he was affectionatetention to detail, thoroughly reading docutions front and centre as we explore faithhow building partnerships with local envily called, when I became a member of the Posments, letters or any material needed for ronmental groups tulancy Committee and a regional dean. He meetings. It was also evident that he cared can enhance pargave wise counsel and offered good insight indeeply for the wider Church and appreciated ish resistance, and LIGHTmatters ON facing THE the HILL (ST. JOHN BAPTIST) of ecumenical to challenging Church. His THE the importance youngrelationships. activist Lane was a calming voiceCOMMUNITY and a non-anxious CHURCH presOne of the qualities I admired Terry Patriquinabout addresses ence. He offered strong episcopal leadership was his willingness to make time for people. We are looking for a the emotional, in the diocese, both pastorally and morally. He He made himself available to clergy and laity social and spirPART-TIME COMMITTED LEADER was a model of deep faith and prayerful who needed to meet with him. I was oftenof itual dimensions with a passion for the discipleship of young people with the gospel. thoughtfulness, and was genuinely concerned asked to join him in meetings withgrief. others, ecological The Thewell-being ideal candidate is an experienced or about the of the clergy and laity and it was evident that he always listened inRev. Lesley Barclay, emerging leader who can relate well with under his episcopal leadership. tently. Terry was a pastor, mentor, friend and Patricia Sinnott and children, youth, parents, and adult volunteers. In the spring of 2003 I received a call from confidante. Sharon O’Connor Email letter of introduction and resume to the Archbishop’s office inviting me to meet Another quality I admired him was his fromin the Durhamadamfurfaro@gmail.com with him. I thought I was going to be invited humility. He engaged with people in all staNorthumberland to sit another committee the diocese. He tions of life. He was as comfortable Foron more information, pleaseof visit lightonthehill.ca region willtalking explore
the unique challenges and opportunities of outreach work in smaller towns and rural communities. Basilian Father and Christian peacemaker Holmes will a workand engagingBob with persons on lead the street corner oron drop-in centre asWord, he wasawith persons shop Unsettling the re-reading of serving inthat public office. typical colonial inscripture challenges One of the challenges faced wasKern the exterpretations, while the he Rev. Leigh Church’s position human sexuality. While plores ways to lifton Indigenous land acknowlin office he upheld the doctrinestatements and discipline edgements from perfunctory of the Church. On leaving office, he officiated to living invitations to reconciliation. The in a same-gender marriage, for which he had Rev. Christian Harvey, executive director of to be disciplined by his diocesan bishop, who the Warming Room Ministry and deacon at wasJohn oncethe hisEvangelist, archdeacon,Peterborough, executive assistant St. will and suffragan In churches receiving the admonishare possiblebishop. ways for to respond tion, told his successor in office exto thehecrisis of homelessness withthat love,hecreapectedand nothing less from and that he was tivity solidarity. Andhim Tamique Erskine exercising hisClaudette episcopalTaylor ministry responsibly. and the Rev. will offer a I believetothat Archbishop Terence was leadfollow-up their popular “Turning Tables” ing the diocese the delving directioninto of being more workshop fromin 2018, questions welcoming to thoseanger who were vulnerable, of racial injustice, and solidarity. marginalized, voiceless and in minority. Youth age 11-18 are extendedthe a special He made a significant difference in the welcome tovery attend the conference. During life of the Diocese of Toronto. It isAlexandra not surpristhe morning workshop session, ing, therefore, to hearRuch, and read thecoordinavery comMcIntosh and Jillian youth plimentary many have shared tors for the reflections York-Creditthat Valley and Yorkabout their experiences of him. He exercised a Scarborough episcopal areas, will host a servant ministry throughout his ordained discussion on youth and the radical call tolife, and for that weparticipants give thanks are to God for his ex-to justice. Youth encouraged ample. I was privileged and honoured to have join one of the afternoon workshops and will had the as my durbishhave an opportunity opportunityto toknow sharehim feedback op, mentor and worship. friend. The has been ing the closing AllChurch youth qualify for blessed to have had him as fee a faithful the half-price registration of $15.bishop. HeThe willconference be missed and a legacy willleaves be held on Oct.of19exemplary leadership, humility, compassion from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Havergal Col-and profound WeRd., are Toronto. grateful to his venue family lege, 1451 faith. Avenue This for having shared him with the Church and can be reached easily by car or TTC and is assure them of our prayerful support. We give fully wheelchair accessible. To learn more Archbishop Finlay back to his Creand register,Terence visit www.toronto.anglican.ca. ator God with the same graciousness we experienced of him. May he restSocial in peace and Elin Goulden is the diocese’s Justice rise with Christ in glory. and Advocacy consultant.
BISHOP’S OPINION ARCHBISHOP’S DIARY B y B ishop R iscylla S haw BY ARCHBISHOP COLIN JOHNSON
Conference to provide ray of hope Serving Archbishop Finlay was a privilege
A C
September 2019 June 2017
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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
