Speaking to the life and times of the Anglican Church of Canada is no easy feat. What with the diversity of relationships, the differing theological paradigms, and the uncertain interface between society and church, unique challenges emerged as the General Synod Planning Committee wrestled with a theme for the 2004 General Synod.
Recognizing that the church continues to be in an era of flux, whether by virtue of post residential school negotiations, the issue of blessing same-sex unions, a New Agape, a new strategic plan, or the election of a new primate, what emerged through the discussions was the notion of transition or “newness.”
The committee’s hope was to engage the future by moving beyond the images, polarities, and positional stances that so often limit the church’s creativity. In addition, the theme needed to be scripturally based, yet socially active in its application. The text, “See, I am making all things new,” from Revelation 21:5, resonated with the planning team as it seemed to have the potential of transforming the very “stuff” of our lives. With a courage that suggested that God’s “grace” is indeed more pervasive than all that might tear us apart, the committee proceeded to create a logo that would capture our faith, prayers and longings.
In looking to the logo, the cross remains central to our theological understanding of Christ and the new life that comes through the gift of resurrection that is proclaimed through the waters of baptism. As depicted, the cross is shown emerging from the waters of chaos. Without the possibility of resurrection, the cross remains dark and rippled – a poor reflection of life’s potential under the reign of God. Yet when seen in a transforming light, the waters become capable of nurturing life anew. The vine symbolizes God’s grace that can make all things new.
In our church, as in our lives, little remains static as we engage in the process of discerning an in breaking God. The logo represents an active faith journey not with standing the challenges and stresses that can drown our very hopes and dreams.
It is our prayer that the logo will represent our struggles and our joys, our weaknesses and our strengths as lived out beneath the cross of Christ in the knowledge of our unity as those living the resurrected glory.… “See, I am making all things new.”
Rev. Nick Parker is a parish clergy for St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, West Vancouver. He is also a member of the General Synod 2004 Planning Committee.
Information about the 37th General Synod can be found at: gs2004.anglican.ca
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