The Eleventh Indigenous Anglican Sacred Circle took place May 28 to June 1, 2023. This national gathering brought Indigenous Anglicans together for prayer, worship, discernment and decision-making.
Over five days, participants endorsed a new vision for the self-determining church within the Anglican Church of Canada.
A summary of key highlights from the week is available, including the installation of the National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop.
Resources
- The Covenant and Our Way of Life (PDF)
- Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen lands, Strong Hearts
- Reclaiming our Spiritual Wholeness: Our Journey to Self-Determination
News and information
June 1, 2023 — Sacred Circle elects new members of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples (ACIP)
May 30, 2023 — Sacred Circle ratifies Covenant and Our Way of Life — Anglican Journal
May 29, 2023 — Opening Service and Installation of the National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop
May 29, 2023 — Sacred Circle must be ‘peace bringers,’ Harper says in opening sermon — Anglican Journal
May 29, 2023 — Video of Archbishop Chris Harper at the lighting of the Sacred Fire
May 25, 2023 — Sacred Circle 2023 will be ‘pivotal moment’ for church, national Indigenous archbishop says — Anglican Journal
Livestream Recordings
June 1, 2023 — Morning Plenary | Afternoon Plenary and closing worship | Evening Plenary
May 31, 2023 — Morning Plenary | Afternoon Plenary | Evening Plenary
May 30, 2023 — Morning Plenary | Afternoon Plenary | Evening Plenary
May 29, 2023 — Afternoon Plenary | Evening Plenary
May 29, 2023 — Opening Service and Installation of Archbishop Chris Harper
Highlights of Sacred Circle
Sunday May 28
- Travel Day to Sacred Circle
Monday May 29
- 7:00am Lighting of the Sacred Fire
- 9:30am Opening Eucharist and Installation of Archbishop Chris Harper, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop
- 1:30pm first plenary session
- History Highlights with Q&A
- 7:00pm second plenary session. Presentations:
- “Pitching Our Tent” — Mishamikoweesh
- Vancouver School of Theology: Indigenous Incorporation Curriculum
- 9:00pm Gospel Jam
Tuesday May 30 — Orange Shirt Day
- 11:00am third plenary session
- The Covenant and Our Way of Life
- 3:45pm fourth plenary session
- Talking Circle reports
- 7:30pm fifth plenary session
- Partner reflections: Aotearoa
- 9:00pm Gospel Jam
Wednesday May 31 — Red Shirt Day
- 10:45am sixth plenary session
- 1:45pm seventh plenary session. Presentations:
- Trauma to New Life
- Suicide Prevention/Embracing Life
- Justice and Reconciliation
- 7:30pm eighth plenary session. Partner reflections:
- Amazonia
- Susan Johnson, National Bishop ELCIC
- Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada
- 9:00pm Gospel Jam
Thursday June 1 — Black Shirt Day
- 10:15an ninth plenary session.
- Election results for ACIP
- Consensus — Our Way of Life
- 2:00pm tenth plenary session: The Young Adults Speak
- 4:00pm Closing eucharist
- 7:00pm eleventh plenary session: Tribute, tree planting, and give aways!
- 9:00pm Gospel Jam
Friday June 2
- Extinguishing the Sacred Fire
- Departures home