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Primate writes message of thanksgiving to Jerusalem Archbishop on the occasion of his retirement

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Published on 
April 20, 2021

Archbishop and Primate Linda Nicholls writes with sadness and joy in a letter congratulating the Most Rev. Suheil Dawani on the occasion of his retirement as Archbishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

“Your friendship with the Anglican Church of Canada has been a gift to our church over many years and especially since your diocese became one of our global partners in 2007.… You have exemplified the qualities of Christian leadership, always seeking justice and peace and acting with generous compassion and grace.“

Read the Primate’s full letter (PDF).

A Service of Thanksgiving for Archbishop Suheil Dawani and Mrs. Shafeeqa Dawani will take place on Friday, April 23, 11am Eastern, at St. George’s Cathedral, Jerusalem. The service will be livestreamed through YouTube, available for viewing below.

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.