Anglicans can now receive tax receipts for their donations to the Anglican Church Women of Canada (ACW) thanks to a new trust fund established in July with the Anglican Foundation. Formed in 1885 as the Women's Auxiliary, the ACW is a loose federation of Anglican women engaged in various kinds of ministry across Canada. Their work may include advocating for the homeless, coordinating prayer ministry, leading Christian education, or other activities.

"Women's ministry has often been referred to as the backbone of the church," said ACW National President Marion Saunders. "I like the phrase ‘daughters of the disciples.' We are telling and living the story."

For many years the ACW has used the interest from their investments to help certain members travel to national ACW meetings, especially those members who live in remote areas or who could not afford to go otherwise. The trust fund will continue this ministry because, as Ms. Saunders explains, "It's important to have everyone at the table." She said that at the next ACW national meeting on Sept. 15 members will take steps towards establishing fund guidelines, which will outline the specific ministry of the fund.

Establishing trust funds is one of many services provided by the Anglican Foundation, a community foundation for Anglicans in Canada. When organizations establish trust funds with the foundation these monies are managed by an expert investment committee, and organizations can give tax receipts for donations. The Anglican Foundation's other work includes distributing bursaries for theological training and providing grants to parishes for ministry or building work.

Ms. Saunders encourages all Anglicans to consider giving to the ACW Trust Fund. She suggests that some may want to consider a gift out of thanksgiving or as a memorial to ACW sisters, known or unknown.

For more information on how to give, or about the Anglican Foundation, email Jim Cullen, the foundation's treasurer, or call him at (416) 924-9199 ext. 338.

The Primates of the Council of Anglican Provinces of Africa met in Entebbe, Uganda, from Aug. 23 to 29. They have issued this communiqué:

1. In a spirit of unity and trust, and in an atmosphere of love the Primates of the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa (CAPA) as well as Archbishop John Chew, the Chairman of the Global South, which represents the majority of the active orthodox membership in the entire Anglican Communion, met during the 2nd All Africa Bishop's Conference in Entebbe, Uganda. We enjoyed the fellowship and the sense of unity as we heard the Word of God and gathered around the Lord's Table.

2. We gave thanks to God for the leadership of the Most. Rev. Ian Ernest, Archbishop of the Indian Ocean and Chairman of CAPA and for the abundant hospitality provided by the Most Rev. Henry Orombi, Archbishop of Uganda and the entire Church of Uganda.

3. We were honored by the presence of the His Excellency General Yoweri K. Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, for his official welcome to Uganda and for hosting an official state reception for the AABCH. We are very grateful to him for his support of the work of the Anglican Church in Uganda and for his call to stand against the alien intrusions and cultural arrogance which undermines the moral fiber of our societies. We recall his admonishment to live out the words and deeds of the Good Samaritan. We are also grateful to the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Uganda for his presence and words of encouragement to us.

4. We were very happy and appreciated that the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Dr. Rowan Williams, accepted our invitation to attend the 2nd All Africa Bishop's Conference. We were encouraged by his word to us. We also appreciated the opportunity to engage face-to-face with him in an atmosphere of love and respect. We shared our hearts openly and with transparency, and we have come to understand the difficulties and the pressures he is facing. He also came to understand our position and how our mission is threatened by actions which have continued in certain provinces in the Communion. We therefore commit ourselves to continuously support and pray for him and for the future of our beloved Communion.

5. We were very saddened with the recent actions of The Episcopal Church in America who went ahead and consecrated Mary Glasspool last May 2010, in spite of the call for a moratorium (1) and all the warnings from the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Standing Committee of the Anglican Communion and the 4th Encounter of the Global South.

This was a clear departure from the standard teaching of the Anglican Communion as stated in Lambeth Resolution 1.10. We are also concerned about similar progressive developments in Canada and in the U.K.

6. Being aware of the reluctance of those Instruments of Communion to follow through the recommendations of the Windsor Report (2) and taken by the Primates Meetings in Dromantine (3) and Dar es Salaam (4) we see the way ahead as follows:

A. In order to keep the ethos and tradition of the Anglican Communion in a credible way, it is obligatory of all Provinces to observe the agreed decisions and recommendations of the Windsor Report and the various communiqués of the past three Primates Meetings, especially Dar es Salaam in 2007. We as Primates of CAPA and the Global South are committed to honor such recommendations.

B. We are committed to meet more regularly as Global South Primates and take our responsibilities in regard to issues of Faith and Order. (5)

C. We will give special attention to sound theological education as we want to ensure that the future generations stand firm on the Word of God and faithfully follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

D. We are committed to network with orthodox Anglicans around the world, including Communion Partners in the USA and the Anglican Church in North America, in holistic mission and evangelism. Our aim is to advance the Kingdom of God especially in unreached areas.

E. We are committee to work for unity with our ecumenical partners and to promote interfaith dialogue with other faiths in order to promote a peaceful co-existence and to resolve conflicts.

F. We are committed to work for the welfare of our countries. This will involve alleviating poverty, achieving financial and economic empowerment, fighting diseases, and promoting education.

7. Finally, we are very aware of our own inadequacy and weaknesses hence we depend fully on the grace of God to achieve his purpose in the life of his church and our beloved Anglican Communion.

FOOTNOTES:

1. The Windsor Report Section 134.1 The Episcopal church (USA) be invited to express its regret that the proper constraints of the bonds of affection were breached in the events surrounding the election and consecration of a bishop for the See of New Hampshire, and for the consequences which followed and that such an expression of regret would represent the desire of the Episcopal Church (USA) to remain within the Communion (2) the Episcopal church (USA) be invited to effect a moratorium on the election and consent to the consecration of any candidate to the episcopate who is living in a same gender union until some new consensus in the Anglican Communion energies.

The Windsor Report Section 144.3 We call for a moratorium on all such public Rites, and recommend that bishops who have authorized such rites in the US and Canada be invited to express regret that the proper constraints of the bonds of affection were breached by such authorizations.

2. Windsor Report. Section D. 157 There remains a very real danger that we will not choose to walk together. Should the call to halt and find ways of continuing in our present communion not be heeded, then we shall have to begin to learn to walk apart.

3. The Communiqué of the Primates Meeting in Dromantine (2005) Section 14. Within the ambit of the issues discussed in the Windsor Report and in roder to recognize the integrity of all parties, we request that the Episcopal Church (USA) and the Anglican Church of Canada voluntarily withdraw their members from the Anglican Consultative Council for the period leading up to the next Lambeth Conference.

4. The Communiqué of the Primates Meeting in Dar es Salaam in 2007. If the reassurances requested of the House of Bishops cannot in good conscience be given, the relationship between The Episcopal Church and the Anglican communion as a whole remains damaged at best, and this has consequences for the full participation of the Church in the life of the Communion.

5. Lambeth 1988 Resolution 18.2(a) Urges the encouragement be given to a developing collegial rule for the Primates Meeting under the presidency of the Archbishop of Canterbury, so that the Primates Meeting is able to exercise an enhanced responsibility in offering guidance on doctrinal, moral and pastoral matters.

Lambeth 1998 Resolution III.6 (a) reaffirms the Resolution 18.2(a) Of Lambeth 1988 which "urges that encouragement be given to a developing collegial role for the Primates' Meeting under the presidency of the Archbishop of Canterbury, so that the Primates' Meeting is able to exercise an enhanced responsibility in offering guidance on doctrinal, moral and pastoral matters".

Since 1906, the Canadian Church Calendar has been a useful and beautiful addition to the walls of homes, clergy offices, and businesses across Canada. The 2011 calendar is now available, with 12 full-colour photos of Canadian Anglican churches and notes on liturgical colours, saints' days, important dates, and more.

Calendars sell for $5 each and can be ordered online or by phone through the Anglican Book Centre/Augsburg Fortress (1-800-265-6397). Quantity discounts are available.

More than just pin-ups of the nation's prettiest churches, the Canadian Church Calendar also weaves in a call for hospitality. The calendar includes a reflection on "All are welcome in this place," by Archdeacon A. Paul Feheley, the Primate's principal secretary. He writes, "[These buildings] are not museums or relics of the past but lively centres to nurture faith and biblical understanding, create community, and share the sacraments."

Previously an ecumenical project, the Canadian Church Calendar is now produced solely by the Anglican Journal. The 2011 calendar features more photos of urban churches, up-close images of stained glass art, and excerpts from Common Praise.

The calendar serves as a fundraising tool on two levels. Proceeds from the calendar go to the Anglican Journal, and other groups-including Anglican Church Women chapters-often buy calendars in bulk and resell them for their own fundraising. In 2010, more than 55,000 calendars were sold in total.

For more information on the Canadian Church Calendar, email Saskia Fielder, art director, Anglican Journal, or call her at (416) 924-9199 ext. 305.

"Do you love God enough to just throw it all away?" was the question youth were challenged with as they were sent from the 2010 Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) Gathering to go back to their families, congregations, and communities and "throw away" the seeds of grace and mercy received from God.

In this final of six Large Group Gatherings, CLAY 2010 participants heard the Parable of the Sower. "The seeds are precious. Seeds are life itself," said keynote speaker The Rev'd Canon William Cliff, Rector of The Collegiate Chapel of St. John the Evangelist, Huron College, and parish priest for Huron University College and the Anglican Community at the University of Western Ontario. "[The seeds are] your hope, your future, your body, mind and soul. It is God who gives them growth. It is our job to throw away the grace and mercy [the seeds] we have received." Cliff encouraged youth to share the seeds they have received from God and "cast them widely."

"This is my prayer for you. Will you please be foolish with it?" Cliff pleaded, once again referring to the seeds of grace and mercy given by God. "It is terrifying [but] trust that there is just enough, more than enough, for you and all your needs."

Throughout CLAY 2010, youth have heard the message of how they can be "hands on," the theme of the gathering, and be more involved in God's work, reaching out, passing on God's grace, and transforming lives.

In addition to large group gathering times, participants attended forums, had time together in their Home Team groups, worshiped together and were "hands on" at a servant event in which they helped create "We Care" packages made up of essential items such as toiletries and warm socks. The youth participants donated the 10,878 items which were packaged into 582 "We Care" kits assembled at the gathering. The kits will be donated throughout the London, Ontario community through programs at Daily Bread and The Fellowship Centre.

CLAY 2010 took place August 19-22 in London, Ontario. The gathering takes place every two years and involves youth between the ages of 14-19. This was the first joint gathering between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and Anglican Church of Canada. It was attended by almost 1000 youth.

The 2012 Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth gathering will take place is Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Further information on the gathering, along with highlights, are available on the CLAY website at www.clay2010.ca and on the Facebook page for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada's largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

In a room packed to capacity almost 1000 Lutheran and Anglican youth from across Canada came together for the start of the 2010 Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) gathering taking place in downtown London, Ontario, August 19-22.

They travelled by bus, plane, car and train to get here and yet in some ways the journey has just begun. Over the next four days, youth will participate in worship, prayer, large group gatherings, Home Team time, smaller forums, and servant events — all part of CLAY 2010.

The first of six large group gatherings kicked off the four-day event with a live band, drama troupe, a "parade of Bishops," and keynote speaker — The Rev'd Canon William Cliff, Rector of The Collegiate Chapel of St. John the Evangelist at Huron University College and parish priest for Huron University College and the Anglican Community at the University of Western Ontario.

"I want scripture to come alive for you," exclaimed Cliff as he laid out three ground rules for the youth to follow for his presentations during the gathering and for when reading scripture in general. The rules included: The Gospel is always astonishing; The Gospel is never fair — "because the Gospel is about grace"; and God always acts first. "We are going to find the most unfair, grace-filled, astonishing reading in which God acts first," declared Cliff.

Cliff appealed to the technologically savvy youth by looking up the scripture reading for his keynote on his Bible, "which looks like an iPad," he joked. Speaking of the Parable of the Labourers in the Vineyard, from the Gospel of Matthew, Cliff challenged youth to consider "how much is enough in the kingdom of God?"

In the text each labourer received one denarius, the standard daily wage at the time. "One measure is enough, no need for more, no need for less," said Cliff, "It is a strange message for us to hear — you and I have been surrounded all our life with the message that more is better!"

Cliff challenged youth in the church to stand up and find their place. "We need you," he said. "If we don't have you, we don't have a now, let alone a future."

The Rev. Michael Pryse, Bishop of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, and The Right Rev. Robert Bennett, Bishop of the Diocese of Huron in the Anglican Church of Canada, brought greetings on behalf of the host synod/diocese.

Pryse spoke of how the gathering theme, Hands Up, can be interpreted as a "posture of gratitude" in many different languages and cultures. "This week you will uncover many pearls in one another, in worship, in laughter, in the large group gatherings — let's do it with our hands up!" he said.

In addition to large group gathering times, participants will attend forums which will allow them to meet in smaller groups and discuss topics such as emerging church, what the church looks like from an Aboriginal perspective, how youth can engage with justice issues globally and locally in meaningful ways, and peer-led workshops on friendship, grieving, life choices and forgiveness.

The gathering takes place every two years and involves youth between the ages of 14-19. This is the first joint gathering between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and Anglican Church of Canada.

Further information on the gathering, along with highlights are available on the CLAY website at www.clay2010.ca and on the Facebook page for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada's largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

General Secretary Michael Pollesel has written a new update on the Anglican Church of Canada's work to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on residential schools. This fifth installment in the series covers these topics:

• First public national TRC event a success
• Ongoing support for healing and right relations
• Archives essential behind the scenes

This new series of TRC updates was started in May 2010 by Archdeacon Jim Boyles, who recently served General Synod as a consultant on residential schools.

From 1993 to 2005, Archdeacon Boyles served as general secretary of the Anglican Church of Canada and represented the church during the negotiations with the federal government that led to the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. During that time of negotiations, Archdeacon Boyles wrote a popular series of "Residential Schools updates."

These new TRC updates, now written by Archdeacon Pollesel, continue in the same tradition. They are intended to be a quick go-to for all Anglicans interested in following their church's ongoing work to promote healing and right relations between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals.

Almost 1,000 youth from across Canada will converge in London, Ontario from August 19-22 to take part in the 2010 Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) gathering. Youth will participate in a variety of events and acts of service, advocacy and prayer.

The gathering theme, "Hands On", will call on youth to "explore how God's hands are on us, forming us into the people we are and the people we are becoming," says Rev. Paul Gehrs, assistant to the bishop for justice and leadership at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and a member of the CLAY planning committee.

The theme will also encourage youth to explore how being hands on is an invitation to be involved in God's work of showing love for the world in word and deed. Youth will be encouraged to consider various ways they can use their hands to praise God, serve their neighbour and build community.

The gathering theme is drawn from Isaiah 64:8b, using the image of a potter working with clay to describe one's relationship with God, "...we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hands."
Organized by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and Anglican Church of Canada, the national gathering takes place every two years and is aimed at youth ages 14-19.

In between gatherings, youth work together on a two-year National Youth Project (NYP). The 2008-2010 NYP called on youth to engage more fully in the Stewardship of Creation through leadership in their congregations and communities. The 2010-2012 NYP calls on youth to assist with equipping developing communities with the resources they need to be sustainable.

Highlights from the gathering will be available online at: www.clay2010.ca.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada's largest Lutheran denomination with 152,500 baptized members in 607 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.
Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop, Director of Communications
302-393 Portage Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 3H6
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Complete membership lists of General Synod standing committees and the Council of General Synod (COGS) for the new 2010-2013 triennium are now available. At General Synod 2010, new members were elected to these bodies, and since General Synod, the Primate has appointed additional members to standing committees in order to address representational imbalances.

Members of all these bodies provide an important ministry to and for the Anglican Church of Canada. Standing committees guide the work of specific national departments, while COGS oversees the work of General Synod between triennial meetings.

At General Synod 2010 members approved several resolutions that altered COGS membership. They reduced membership from 42 to 31, and extended full voting privileges to nominees from the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

OFFICERS OF GENERAL SYNOD

The Most Rev. Fred Hiltz, Primate
Canon Robert Falby, Prolocutor
The Ven. Harry Huskins, Deputy Prolocutor
The Hon. Ronald Stevenson, Chancellor
Mr. Justice Brian Burrows, Deputy Chancellor
The Ven. Dr. Michael Pollesel, General Secretary
Ms. Michèle George, Treasurer
The Ven. Sidney Black, officer-at-large
Dr. Lela Zimmer, officer-at-large

STANDING COMMITTEES

Communications and Information Resources Committee
The Rev. Canon Milton Barry (chair, Toronto)
Mr. Jason Antonio (Qu'Appelle)
Ms. Yolanda Bird (Saskatchewan)
The Rev. Canon Neil Elliot (Kootenay)
The Right Rev. George Elliott (Toronto)
Ms. Trina Gallop (Partner, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada)
Mr. Peter Irish (Fredericton)
Ms. Katie-Scarlett MacGillivray (Huron)
The Rev. Susan Titterington (Yukon)
Mr. Charles Wilson (Algoma)

Faith, Worship, and Ministry Committee
The Rev. Canon Andrew Asbil (chair, Toronto)
The Rev. Canon Eric Beresford (Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island)
The Right Rev. George Bruce (Ontario)
Ms. Stephanie DeForest (Niagara)
The Rev. Travis Enright (Edmonton)
The Rev. Canon Sister Constance Joanna Gefvert, SSJD (Toronto)
The Ven. Dr. Greg Gilson (Caledonia)
Dr. Kenneth Hull (Huron)
The Very Rev. Dr. Iain Luke (Athabasca)
The Rev. Dr. Lynne McNaughton (New Westminster)
The Ven. Bruce Myers (Quebec)
The Rev. Ann Marie Nicklin (Saskatoon)
The Rev. Barbara Shoomski (Rupert's Land)
The Rev. Canon John Alfred Steele (British Columbia)
The Very Rev. Peter Wall (Niagara)

Financial Management Committee
Mr. Robert Dickson (New Westminster, chair)
The Right Rev. James Cowan (British Columbia)
The Rev. Hannah Dicks (Western Newfoundland)
The Right Rev. Michael Hawkins (Saskatchewan)
Ms. Marion Jenkins (Brandon)
Mr. Kennedy Marshall (Toronto)
Canon Paul Rathbone  (Huron)

Partners in Mission and Ecojustice
The Right Rev. Michael Ingham (New Westminster, chair)
The Ven. Dr. Larry Beardy (Keewatin)
Ms. Caroline Chum (Moosonee)
The Rev. Paul Gehrs (Partner, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada)
Lieut. the Ven. Jennifer Gosse (Military Ordinariate)
The Right Rev. Pie Ntukamazina (Bishop of Diocese of Bujumbura, Episcopal Church of Burundi)
Ms. Cynthia Haines-Turner (Western Newfoundland)
Mr. Nicholas Pang (Montreal)
Ms. Anne Patterson (Ontario)
The Rev. Jonathan Schmidt (Ecumenical Partner)
The Ven. Canon Pierre Voyer (Quebec)

Philanthropy Committee
Ms. Monica Patten (Ottawa, chair)
Mr. Robert Dickson (New Westminster)
Ms. Molly Finlay (Toronto)
The Most Rev. Claude Miller (Fredericton)
Mr. Glen Mitchell (New Westminster)
The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera (Ottawa)
The Ven. Dr. Michael Thompson (Niagara)

THE COUNCIL OF GENERAL SYNOD

Voting officers of General Synod
The Most Rev. Fred Hiltz, Primate
Canon Robert Falby, Prolocutor
The Ven. Harry Huskins, Deputy Prolocutor
The Hon. Ronald Stevenson, Chancellor
Mr. Justice Brian Burrows, Deputy Chancellor

Representing the Province of British Columbia and the Yukon
The Rt. Rev. James Cowan, Bishop, British Columbia
The Rev. Lynne McNaughton, Clergy, New Westminster
Canon Dr. Randall Fairey, Lay, Kootenay
Dr. Lela Zimmer, Lay, Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior (officer-at-large)
Miss Melissa Green, Youth, Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior

Representing the Province of Canada
The Rt. Rev. Dennis Drainville, Bishop, Quebec
The Very Rev. Josiah Noel, Clergy, Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador
Mrs. Cynthia Haines-Turner, Lay, Western Newfoundland
Mrs. Susan Winn, Lay, Montreal
Mr. Félix Coté-Gaudreau, Youth, Quebec

Representing the Province of Ontario
The Most Rev. Colin Johnson, Bishop, Toronto
The Ven. Dr. Michael Thompson, Clergy, Niagara
Mr. Ron Chaplin, Lay, Ottawa
Ms. Katie-Scarlett MacGillivray, Lay, Huron
Ms. Brianna Locke, Youth, Algoma

Representing the Province of Rupert's Land
The Rt. Rev. Greg Kerr-Wilson, Bishop, Qu'Appelle
The Rev. Chris Harper, Clergy, Saskatchewan
The Rev. Canon Gene Packwood, Clergy, Calgary
Mrs. Verna Firth, Lay, Arctic
Mr. Peter Kitchekeesik, Lay, Keewatin
Mr. Jonathan Sinnatamby, Lay, Edmonton
Ms. Debbie Rye, Youth, Saskatchewan

Representing the Anglican Military Ordinariate of Canada
Major, the Rev. Michelle Staples, Clergy

Representing the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples
The Ven. Sidney Black, Clergy (officer-at-large)
The Rev. Gloria Moses, Clergy

Representing the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
The Rev. Douglas Reble, Clergy

Seven dioceses have donated a total of over $240,000 to the Anglican Fund for Healing and Reconciliation (AFHR) out of the refunds they received from the revised Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (IRSSA). Recent donations from the dioceses of British Columbia, Central Newfoundland, Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, New Westminster, Ottawa, Quebec, and Western Newfoundland will be specially earmarked for projects that build right relations between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals.

"So many people's lives will be touched because of what the dioceses are giving," said Esther Wesley, AFHR's coordinator, "These extra funds will be used to bring people together as the people of God, not just ‘Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals.'"

$15,000 of these funds has already been designated for an outreach project in the Diocese of British Columbia, where Anglicans will provide laptops for Aboriginal post-secondary students in their communities. Another $5,000 was used to cover travel costs for Aboriginal participants attending "Doing Theology in a Fair Country," a Winnipeg conference sponsored by the Churches' Council on Theological Education.

Funds initially raised to cover lawsuits
In 2003, all Canadian Anglican dioceses were required to raise money for residential schools litigation. Supported by the federal government, the Anglican, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, and United churches had run residential schools across Canada from the mid 19th century up to 1996. In the 1990s, many former students began to come forward with abuse cases, and after much legal work, the 2003 IRSSA specified how the government and churches were to be held liable. Anglican dioceses were required to raise a total of $22 million.

Some dioceses were able to pay their required amount up front, while others started fundraising. In 2007, however, the IRSSA was revised and the church's contribution was reduced. Many of the dioceses  that had already donated more than was required by this new  decision were given refunds.

Since 2008, the seven aforementioned dioceses have chosen to donate at least a part of these refunds to address the residential schools legacy through the AFHR. Some dioceses have donated the  entire  amount of their refund, and others have given more.

"There was a feeling that people gave generously and willingly [during the fundraising period]," said Bishop David Torraville of the Diocese of Central Newfoundland. "This was what they intended, so this is where the money should go." 

No Anglican residential schools operated in the province of Newfoundland, yet all three Newfoundland dioceses have given donations. "There was an injustice done," explained Bishop Torraville. "It doesn't matter that it wasn't done in our province, it was done on our behalf. Being an Anglican means being proud of the good that's been done and also taking responsibility for the evil that's been done."

Funds now designated for building right relations
Founded in 1991, the AFHR has distributed over $4 million to community healing initiatives that address the legacy of residential schools. Although the AFHR does receive private donations, the vast majority of its funds are drawn from money raised by General Synod and the dioceses under the IRSSA.

The AFHR uses IRSSA funds for a wide range of Aboriginal healing programs. These include healing and sharing circles; community services and life skills training; training in traditional activities (wilderness retreats, elder and youth programs); training and education (language development, capacity building); projects that honour history (story and history books, photo and story collections); and projects that build knowledge (especially about residential school issues and impacts).

Ms. Wesley explained that these special diocesan contributions will be used not just for healing but for projects that focus on "right relations," which means building relationships between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals. "We need to get to know people as people, as the people of God," she said.

The definition of "right relations" will be refined by the AFHR committee, composed of Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals who are affiliated with Anglican communities, and representatives from the federal government and the Assembly of First Nations.

"This healing fund makes a big difference to the lives of Aboriginal survivors and their communities," said Ms. Wesley. "It brings awareness that the church today is about caring for people. It's the church's effort to do something about the wrongs they have done, and the people that we work with are often so thankful, so gracious, about receiving the money."

Visit the Anglican Fund for Healing and Reconciliation website for more information on how to donate and how to apply for grants.

A working group from across the worldwide Anglican Communion met at Lambeth Palace between 12 and 14 July to plan how to turn the proposed Anglican Alliance on relief, development and advocacy into a reality.

Professionals from five continents working on advocacy, relief and community development programmes reviewed responses to a public consultation on the foundational document and the issues arising from them, and worked together to chart a way forward for the first few years of the Alliance.

On the consultation's final afternoon the group reported back to both the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Canon Kenneth Kearon.

Their report included inspiring stories of local church action on relief, development and advocacy currently taking place around the Anglican world, and comments on how the Alliance could support this work.

Reflecting on his Church's programmes in areas of HIV and sexual violence, the Congolese participant Albert Baliesima said: "This is an opportunity to share our experiences and learn from each other in the Anglican Communion."

Ollie Pokhana, a participant from the Solomon Islands where the Church helps communities adapt to climate change, agreed: "This Alliance can connect me with other people who are engaged in similar issues so we can get better results."

Delene Mark from the Anglican Church of Southern Africa described her church's campaign against human trafficking and reflected on what the Alliance could add: "It could strengthen the voice of the individual churches working on key issues such as human trafficking, but also raise the profile of this campaign at the global level, encouraging churches in other countries to engage."

Mrs Sandra Andrade, the representative from Brazil, emphasised the importance of keeping people-especially the most vulnerable-at the heart of the vision: "We need to put at the centre the people who will be served by this Alliance, particularly our brothers and sisters who most need our support."

The Archbishop of Canterbury described the proposed Alliance as something he believed "could really allow local understanding, and local initiative to grow and flourish with the best skills and capacities we, as a church worldwide, can offer."

It was affirmed that a key aim of the Alliance was to work collaboratively to help equip Anglican churches to be more effective partners with other organisations. The working group's plan is to establish a light provisional structure to facilitate learning and collaboration while the participants developed the most effective mechanisms for learning from and strengthening grassroots initiatives and promoting regional collaboration.

The Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, Revd Canon Kenneth Kearon, told the group that this consultation was an encouraging move forward, seeing Anglicans coming together on a common vision around a response to poverty.

Dr Williams also stressed that with the Alliance the Anglican Communion was not trying "to create another huge NGO" but rather something that was "more focused, more intentional; something which could genuinely lead to an exchange of wisdom and experience and build the capacity of churches to be a credible partner for governments and NGOs."

What follows is a news release from a meeting of the Lutheran World Federation in Stuttgart, Germany. Archbishop Fred Hiltz, the Primate, is representing the Anglican Church of Canada at the meeting.

Stuttgart, Germany, 21 July 2010 (LWI)—"Hunger is not God's fault; it's our fault," said The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) President Bishop Mark S. Hanson at the opening press conference of the federation's Eleventh Assembly. Introducing the Assembly's theme, "Give Us Today Our Daily Bread," the president said, "If people lack what they need for daily life, it is because we have failed to ensure that the good things of God's creation are justly and equitably distributed to all."

Hanson brought the theme of hunger close to home when he said that even among Assembly delegates there were some who know what it means to not have enough food. "So we are not talking about this subject in the abstract...but in the context of our lived experiences." Hunger, though, does not refer only to the absence of food. "There are also those who hunger for peace in the midst of warfare," he said. "There are those who hunger for human rights. They are marginalised because of HIV/AIDS, or because they are first-nation people, or because of their gender or generation."

In Nicaragua the theme of hunger is fundamental, said Dr Victoria Cortez Rodríguez, Bishop of The Nicaraguan Lutheran Church of Faith and Hope. "We have people in our country who live each day and go to bed hungry." Reinforcing the theme introduced by the LWF president, Bishop Cortez Rodríguez said that "poverty did not come from God ... God created enough for everyone." The people of God are responsible to care for each other and to treat every person with dignity "because every person was created by God."

"Like Daylight and Dark"

Over the past 58 years the LWF has changed in ways that cannot be measured, said LWF General Secretary Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko. In 1952 the Second LWF Assembly was held in Hannover, Germany. Contrasting that Assembly with this one, he said, "There was hardly a Roman Catholic at that Assembly; nobody represented the Reformed Churches and there were no Mennonites." He also pointed out that at the last Assembly held in Germany, women had virtually no voice, indigenous people "were not part of the imagination of our people at that time" and Africans came not as voting members but only as official visitors.

Noko further pointed out how the character and ecumenical nature of the LWF has changed over those 58 years, noting in particular the inclusion of Reformed Churches in the federation's membership. The difference between the LWF of 1952 and the LWF of 2010 is "like daylight and dark," the general secretary said. "The meeting here is a landmark in many ways."

The issue of same-sex partnerships is unlikely to be a major point of discussion at this Assembly. The general secretary said that, as a result of a decision of the 2007 LWF Council meeting in Lund, Sweden, member churches are discussing issues relating to marriage, family and sexuality. "What might appear to be tension between some churches is simply the expression of diverse views on these issues."

The general secretary said that the LWF has given itself ample time—from 2007 to 2012—to converse and reflect on these matters. He promised that his report would update the Assembly on progress.

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See the Assembly Web site for more information and resources including the theme video for downloading and other video reflections; news stories, features, photos and blog feeds; the handbook, Assembly Updates and Study Materials.

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) is meeting for its Eleventh Assembly, July 20-27, 2010, in Stuttgart, Germany. Assemblies take place every seven years. The last assembly in 2003 was held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and was hosted by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

Partnership with the Diocese of Jerusalem is emerging as an international priority for the Anglican Church of Canada. The groundwork was laid at the General Synod meeting, June 3 to 11, where in the presence of the bishop of Jerusalem, Suheil Dawani, and his wife, Shafeeqa, members passed two related resolutions: one calling for peace and justice in Palestine and Israel, and another calling to strengthen the relationship with the diocese.

Now General Synod staff and volunteers are working to add practical programming traction to these statements of solidarity.

Already partners
The Canada-Jerusalem relationship is not new. For decades, Canadian Anglicans have supported, travelled to, and studied in the diocese, a diverse area that extends over Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories and Syria.

It was the Primate's August 2009 trip to the diocese that refocused the relationship. For 10 days, Archbishop Hiltz visited local churches and Anglican-run schools, hospitals, and clinics. He also made pilgrimages to several Christian holy sites.

The Primate also witnessed some of the diocese's challenges, not the least of which involves working  toward peace with justice in Palestine and Israel, even as many Palestinian and Israeli Arab Christians continue to leave the land.

The Primate was deeply moved. "I heard Bishop Suheil articulate a deep, deep desire that they not be forgotten," said the Primate. "I thought of the psalmist's call, to ‘pray for the peace of Jerusalem.'"

Prayer and action
Inspired by the Primate's passion, General Synod's Partnerships department began to translate this Biblical imperative into tangible action. A roadmap emerged in the form of Resolution A183: Strengthening Partnership with the Diocese of Jerusalem. Passed June 7 at General Synod, the resolution urged Canadian Anglicans to pray for peace, educate for peace, and strengthen relationships for peace. Several practical steps were offered for each point.

A new group of seven volunteers known informally as "The Canadian Companions of the Diocese of Jerusalem" will oversee the development of this work. The group is chaired by the Primate and staffed by Dr. Andrea Mann, global relations coordinator in General Synod's Partnerships Department. Its focus will include

• Encouraging Canadian Anglicans to learn about the diocese and its history. The companions organized a lunch for General Synod members with Bishop and Mrs. Dawani.

• Advocacy support for peace with justice in Palestine and Israel through KAIROS networks: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, and its local partners, including Sabeel Ecumenical Liberation Theology Centre, Bat Shalom, and the Jerusalem Women's Centre.

• Writing a "Pilgrim's Guide to the Land of the Holy One," using stories from the Diocese of Jerusalem. The Rev. Canon Maylanne Maybee, General Synod's ecojustice coordinator, is currently working on this project.

• Fostering the new companion diocese relationship between the Diocese of Ottawa and the Diocese of Jerusalem. Currently Kerri Brennan of Ottawa is participating in General Synod's Theological Students International Internship Program in Jerusalem.

• Supporting continuing education at St. George's College, Jerusalem, where many Canadian Anglicans have received theological training. Several Canadians, including Bishop Michael Bedford-Jones of Toronto (retired) are involved with St. George's North American Regional Committee.

With this work in place, the Primate hopes to deepen the relationship between the Anglican Church of Canada and the Diocese of Jerusalem over the next triennium. 

"We all share a very old relationship with the Diocese of Jerusalem," he explained. "We share this relationship with many Christians and people of other faiths. As Bishop Suheil says, ‘there is room for everyone in Jerusalem.'"

For more information, email Andrea Mann, global relations coordinator, or call her at (416) 924-9199 ext. 265.

Links

The Primate has appointed Suzanne Lawson consultant to General Synod's Department of Philanthropy and Philanthropy Committee. Ms. Lawson, a former Executive Director of Program at General Synod, will help assess current philanthropic initiatives and refocus the work of philanthropy at a national level.

"I chose her because she has a great love for the Anglican Church of Canada and our commitment to God's mission" said the Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz. He also cited Ms. Lawson's broad knowledge of church polity, financial management, and development.

Ms. Lawson will work with Interim Director of Philanthropy Vianney (Sam) Carriere, who was appointed following the resignation of Executive Director Holland Hendrix in May.

"At the end of her contract, we hope to have a firm, viable and ambitious plan to guide philanthropy through the triennium," said Mr. Carriere, who is also General Synod's Director of Communications.

Ms. Lawson, who currently heads a consulting practice, has held senior positions in several voluntary health organizations, including National Executive Director of ALS Canada; Executive Director of Arthritis, Ontario Division; Director of Volunteer Resources at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children; and several leadership positions in Ontario's Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Ms. Lawson is also an active volunteer within the Anglican Church of Canada. Last triennium she served on General Synod's Financial Management and Development Committee and the Council of General Synod, where she chaired the Planning and Agenda Team. She is a member of the General Synod, the Diocese of Toronto Synod, and is the only Canadian Anglican lay member at the Anglican Consultative Council.

 Ms. Lawson is a member of St. Peter's Anglican Church, Cobourg, Ont.

The biennial National Worship Conference is a Lutheran summer tradition that is catching on with Anglicans. The 2010 conference in Vancouver, B.C. gathered over 80 Anglicans, Lutherans, and other Christians from July 4 to 7 to explore the theme "Taking Care of the Neighbourhood."

Anglicans and Lutherans—already "neighbours" through their full communion relationship—drew closer through workshops, learning from speakers, and worship. Each day began with simple morning worship drawn from different traditions, and the conference culminated in a community Eucharist. On July 5, many attended the ordination of Gregory Mohr as Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) bishop of the British Columbia Synod.

The Rev. Dr. Richard Leggett, Anglican co-chair, said the question "who is my neighbour?" came up throughout the conference. National Indigenous Anglican Bishop Mark MacDonald shared insights about Indigenous neighbours. The Rev. Karen Ward, abbess of the Church of the Apostles community in Seattle, Wash., explained that many "spiritual but not religious" neighbours are looking for a genuine faith community.

Keynote speaker Doug Todd, a Vancouver Sun columnist, has also written about the "spiritual but not religious" phenomenon. At the conference he shared his own journey to join a church.

The conference also considered how ancient and new practices are combined. The Rev. Karen Ward shared examples from her new monastic community. She led a vespers service that used a traditional format but incorporated fresh translations and modern music.

The combination of old and new resonated with Dr. Leggett, who has taught at the Vancouver School of Theology for 23 years, and who has acted as a parish worship consultant.

"I've been playing with the phrase ‘old wine in new wineskins,' " he said. "This conference gave me great hope that practices that have been so important to me are still important to people."

The National Worship Conference, co-sponsored by the ACC and the ELCIC, is held on years opposite to the ELCIC national convention. The 2012 Winnipeg conference will be organized by co-chairs Geoffrey Woodcroft (ACC) and Michelle Barr (ELCIC). All interested in Christian worship are welcome, both clergy and lay. Upcoming information will be posted on the National Worship Conference website.