Four breakaway congregations in the Vancouver area cannot keep their buildings, the British Columbia Court of Appeal ruled Nov. 15. The congregations left the Anglican Diocese of New Westminster over theological differences relating primarily to the blessing of same-sex relationships and have joined the more conservative Anglican Network in Canada (ANIC). This judgment upheld the original 2009 B.C. Supreme Court ruling that the disputed church buildings must be used for ministry within the diocese, part of the Anglican Church of Canada.
Restorative Justice Week, Nov. 14 to 21, is a time to learn about the human impacts of crime. In Canada, the justice system has traditionally responded to crime with punishment, and often incarceration. Restorative justice suggests a more holistic approach. If the victim, offender, and community are willing, they can pursue alternative justice methods that work on relationships between people, including mediation or sentencing circles.
The Rev. Canon Dr. Judy Rois has been appointed executive director of the Anglican Foundation of Canada, the community foundation of the Anglican Church of Canada. Canon Rois, a 56-year-old Toronto priest and professor, says she wants to increase the foundation’s profile, or add “a little bling,” as she puts it.
On a cold and windy fall day a group of young infantry recruits in Wainwright, Alta. shouted “Silent Night” as they rappelled one-by-one down a 60-foot wall. At the top of the tower was their chaplain, Captain the Rev. Eric Davis, holding a video camera and cheering them on.
On November 1, the national office of the Anglican Church of Canada will be restructured according to the mission priorities of the new strategic plan, Vision 2019, adopted at General Synod 2010. Fourteen positions have been affected and ten positions were eliminated. Six individuals received layoff notices, while others have been offered different or new jobs.
Twenty-five years ago, a shiny new green book popped up in the pew racks of Canadian Anglican churches. Some people welcomed it, some were puzzled, and others were upset. The Book of Alternative Services (BAS) was a compilation of new liturgies developed for use alongside theBook of Common Prayer (BCP), and gradually it has become the primary prayer book used within the Anglican Church of Canada.
The Rev. Canon Kenneth Kearon, secretary general of the Anglican Communion, has written to Bishop Tito Zavala of Chile informing him that his membership on the Inter Anglican Standing Commission on Unity, Faith and Order (IASCUFO) has been withdrawn and inviting him instead to serve as a consultant to that body.
Natasha Klukach, General Synod’s coordinator for ecumenical relations, has been appointed to an international role that will make the most of her strong theological and relationship-building skills.
The Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, knows a beautiful carol when he hears one. “‘Silent Night’ has a way of bringing the whole world together,” he said, “if only for a few moments of quiet as we reflect on God’s will for love and peace throughout all nations.”
What is the mission and purpose of the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada, and how does it fit in with God’s mission? Those are questions representatives of the seven dioceses which make up the ecclesiastical province spent much time reflecting on during a meeting of its Provincial Council, held September 23-26.
For the next three years, Bishop Pie Ntukamazina of the Diocese of Bujumbura in Burundi will serve as an international partner on the Partners in Mission and Ecojustice (PMEJ) Committee of General Synod. His participation will continue a strong partnership between Anglicans in Canada and Burundi, forged by years of exchange visits as well as joint work in development and mission.
Anglicans from across the world have contributed to a report to the United Nations about church-supported projects that are working to meet the Millennium Development Goals.
“It’s about saving lives, particularly young lives.” This is how Cynthia Patterson summarized the Council of the North’s Suicide Prevention Project, which aims to equip northern Anglican clergy as they respond to high suicide rates in their communities. Since Ms. Patterson started her two-year contract as coordinator in November 2009 she has travelled widely to learn about the issue and set up a coordinated program. On Sept. 14 she was in Toronto for a meeting at Church House.
Archdeacon Adam Halkett has a broad smile and a firm handshake. The 54-year-old Cree man from Montreal Lake, Sask. works just like other Anglican ministers: he preaches the Word, presides at weddings and funerals, and takes emergency calls in the middle of the night.
