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PWRDF: An instrument of faith

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By Trina Gallop on 
June 6, 2010

For over 50 years, the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) has been mobilizing and energizing people around the world. On the second full day of General Synod 2010, members heard highlights of this “instrument of faith” and how PWRDF “changes lives and changes communities.”

Adele Finney, PWRDF Interim Executive Director, expressed gratitude for the, “incredible support of Anglicans across Canada.” As of the end of 2009, over $94 million had been donated in support of PWRDF work, along with prayers and, “countless hours of time and energy.”

In celebration of 50 years of PWRDF and looking forward to the next 50 years of ministry in this area, staff member Suzanne Rumsey, Public Engagements Coordinator, will kick off “Le Tour de PWRDF” during General Synod 2010. Suzanne will be commissioned during a Eucharist celebrating the 50th anniversary on Tuesday, June 8 and then depart from the General Synod site at St. Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia on Wednesday, June 9 and ride 1300 km to raise funds and awareness of PWRDF’s work in the world. The ride will finish in Ste. Anne de Bellevue on the west end of the Island of Montreal, the site of General Synod 1959 where PWRDF was official created.

Further information on Le Tour de PWRDF, including how to donate and a bulletin insert are available online.

PWRDF works in partnership with organizations in Canada and throughout the world to support people-centred development, improving the quality of daily life for vulnerable populations, promoting self-reliance and addressing root causes of poverty and injustice.

Over 350 delegates and special guests have come from coast to coast to coast across Canada for this nine-day event, which takes place each triennium. Further details and highlights are available online at www.anglican.ca.

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.