CoGS to receive report from Commission on the Marriage Canon

Members of the Council of General Synod (CoGS) will meet in Toronto this week to receive a report from the Commission on the Marriage Canon, paving the way for a resolution on the blessing of same-sex marriage to be made at General Synod 2016. The report—which will be presented to CoGS members on Tuesday, Sept. … Continued

Finding common ground: On diversity and interfaith co-operation

The proposed Charter of Québec Values in 2013 was a watershed moment for interfaith dialogue in that province. Through their shared concern and opposition to the bill—which among other provisions would have banned the wearing of “conspicuous” religious symbols for public sector employees—members of different faiths found themselves united in a common struggle. In the … Continued

‘Stronger Together’ advances youth ministry

In sharing their ideas and experiences, youth ministry leaders from across Canada are able to create a shared vision—a broad outlook that allows them to return to their communities and make their ministry more contextual, and more effective. Professional development is a major focus of “Stronger Together,” a grassroots initiative started five years ago by … Continued

Primate’s letter to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

On Sept. 9, Queen Elizabeth II will officially become the longest reigning British monarch, surpassing Queen Victoria who reigned for 63 years and 216 days. In the following open letter, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, thanks the Queen for her years of service to the Commonwealth. August 27, 2015 Her … Continued

Call to Prayer and Action

The following statement by Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, and Adele Finney, executive director of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), in response to the Syrian refugee crisis was originally posted on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2015 at the PWRDF website. The Turkish policeman is us. Aylan Kurdi is our … Continued

Welcoming the stranger: On the plight of refugees

The Christian duty to “welcome the stranger” hearkens back to the words of Jesus, himself a refugee, in Matthew 25:35—“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.” In that spirit, advocacy on behalf of refugees … Continued

ACC shares reconciliation experience at international Anglican gathering

The Anglican Church of Canada continues the journey of healing and reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples. This path away from the legacy of colonialism and racism including the Indian residential school system reflects the unfortunate universal experiences of human conflict and resilience against egregious acts. Prevailing over such historic divisions through sacred rites and a … Continued

Election resource identifies political priorities for Anglicans

Just in time for the 2015 federal election, a new non-partisan resource offers support for Canadian Anglicans to engage with parties and candidates on a range of vital issues rooted in shared prosperity and protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Entitled Compassion, Justice and Reason: An Anglican Approach for Election 2015, the free downloadable … Continued

Planting the seeds of an Anglican Indigenous Church

As the cool evening air settled, Sacred Circle participants congregated around a small evergreen tree ready to be planted as part of a tradition at the end of the gathering. Before the tree was planted, Bishop Lydia Mamakwa of the Indigenous Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh offered a few words. “Planting a tree is an occasion … Continued

Indigenous youth point the way forward

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”—Romans 8:18 The tribulations of the past and present intermingled with hope for the future at Sacred Circle on Thursday, Aug. 19, as a new generation of Indigenous Anglicans stepped forward … Continued

‘Lifted on the wings of faith’ through music

More than most Anglican gatherings, Sacred Circle is characterized by the ever-present role of music. The sheer joy and enthusiasm of participants is matched only by the frequency and variety of the songs. Throughout each day, agenda items are bookended by musical segues led by either National Indigenous Anglican Bishop Mark MacDonald playing guitar or … Continued