Think tank guided church through tough issues

For 15 years the Primate’s Theological Commission (PTC) has helped Canadian Anglicans think more clearly about their faith. The current team of 12 theologians will hold their last meeting from Jan. 20 to 23 in Niagara Falls, Ont. After that, the commission will be on hiatus as the Primate discerns how best to approach future theological work.

PWRDF responds to massive destruction in Haiti

Hundreds, maybe thousands, of people were buried alive when a major earthquake struck Port-au-Prince, the capital of impoverished Haiti on Tuesday. The magnitude 7.0 quake sent panic-stricken people into the streets. Offices, hotels, houses and shops collapsed, and people were screaming “Jesus, Jesus”, not knowing where to run. The presidential palace lay in ruins, and many churches have been destroyed. Members of ACT Alliance are already in place, assisting those affected by the earthquake. The ACT Secretariat in Geneva is coordinating the relief operations of its members, and more details will follow in the coming hours.

A statement from the Primate on the disaster in Haiti

Haiti has been devastated by a terrible earthquake. Thousands are feared to have died and many more injured. The people in Haiti have suffered so much in the past 10 years. Hurricane Jeanne ripped through the island in 2004 and in 2008 tropical storms took a huge toll. Now a new disaster. Through the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, our church has made an initial donation of $15,000 for emergency relief through Action by Churches Together (ACT).

Pray for unity with other Christians in 2010

Thousands of Christians—from Canadian Anglicans to Malaysian Pentecostals—will begin the new year by participating in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The 2010 week is slated for Jan. 18 to 25 and will focus on the theme “You are witnesses of these things” (Luke 24:48).

Project offers active clergy global exposure

The Rev. Andrew Twiddy will spend his sabbatical as a guinea pig of sorts. In January he and his family will jet off to Belize as the first participants in the Continuing Education for Global Ministry program, which places active Anglican Church of Canada clergy with an international partner for three months.

Christmas reflection and blessing from the Primate

In her book, “Awaiting The Child: An Advent Journal,” Isabel Anders writes on Christmas Eve, “The ordered sequence of the weeks has brought us to the bedside of this babe, to the declaration that this child is indeed the Christ Child, the one toward whom all our waiting and expectations has been directed.” In the same reflection, she reminds us that beyond the festival of Christmas is the season of Epiphany—“a further revealing of Christ, his purposes for us and for the world.”

A ‘full communion’ Christmas greeting

Once again this year, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, and National Bishop Susan Johnson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, come together to offer a reflection on the Christmas season and greetings to all Canadian Anglicans and Lutherans.

New Anglican Military Ordinariate website

A new website describes the work and ministry of the Anglican Military Ordinariate (AMO) in Canada and throughout the world. The ordinariate includes all Anglicans who serve in the Canadian Forces, including regular and reserve forces in the air, maritime, or land force commands.

Anglican, Lutheran youth organize cross-Canada theatre tour

Jenny Salisbury is excited about her summer plans: “We’re creating a motley, merry band of players that is going to travel across the country.” The Toronto-based playwright, director, and Anglican youth minister is directing Roots Among the Rocks, an ecumenical theatre project that will gather seven young performers to live in community, create a play, then take it on the road between May and August.