The annual Christmas greeting by leaders of the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) has become a holiday tradition symbolizing the full communion partnership the two churches have enjoyed since 2001.
In their 2014 Christmas video message, Fred Hiltz, Primate of the ACC, and Bishop Susan Johnson, National Bishop of the ELCIC, reflect on a year marked by turmoil and violence around the world – one that makes the message of the Prince of Peace more relevant than ever.
Amidst widespread human suffering in areas from Nigeria to Iraq and from Gaza to Ukraine, Hiltz offers the hopeful message of the Christmas story, quoting Isaiah 9:6: “A child is born, to us a son is given, and his name is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Evoking the spirit of the season, Johnson expresses hope that the coming year may see “peace in our hearts, peace in our homes, peace in our communities, and peace in the very many places around the world that are in so desperate need of the message” of Jesus Christ.
Through their full communion partnership, the ACC and ELCIC retain each church’s independence while maintaining a deeper bond through joint worship, co-operative ministries and the exchange of liturgies and clergy.