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Resource binder: A New Agape (2002)

The resource binder for A New Agape brings together stories, background materials and practical tools that support the vision of partnership, healing and self-determination set out in the 2001 plan A New Agape. Created to help parishes and dioceses explore this renewed relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Anglicans, the binder offers workshop ideas, worship materials, community engagement resources and real examples of local initiatives inspired by the plan.

Originally distributed across the Anglican Church of Canada beginning in 2002, the binder remains a helpful resource for communities seeking deeper understanding of Indigenous self-determination and the Church’s commitments to just and life-giving partnership.

An addendum resource, Worship in the Vision of New Agape, additionally provides guiding principles for crafting liturgies rooted in right relationship, together with opening prayers, Four Direction prayers, prayers for healing and reconciliation, responsive prayers, litanies, eucharistic prayers and examples of full services.

Contents

  • Book A – A New Agape
    • Introduction, A2
    • General Synod’s Commitment, A4
    • Goal One: Self-determination, A5
    • Goal Two: Justice, A8
    • Goal Three: Healing, A11
    • Goal Four: Historical Reparation, A14
    • Goal Five: Partnership, A16
    • The Primate’s Apology, A18
    • Response to the Primate, A20
    • The Indigenous Anglican Covenant, A21
  • Book B – Stories of A New Agape in Action
  • Book C – New Agape Worship Resources
    • Resources for Worship and Reflection, C2
    • Goal One: Self-determination, C5
    • Goal Two: Justice, C6
    • Goal Three: Healing, C7
    • Goal Four: Historical Reparation, C8
    • Goal Five: Walking in Partnership, C9
  • Book D – A New Agape Links
  • Book E – A New Agape Appendix
    • Justice and Healing: A History of the Journey Toward Reconciliation of Relationships in the Anglican Church of Canada, E2
    • I History: An Overview, E2
    • II The Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, E13
    • III The Anglican Indigenous Healing Fund, E17
    • IV Budget and Staffing in 2001, E18

Suggested uses

  • Parish or diocesan study of Indigenous and non-Indigenous partnership within the Anglican Church
  • Orientation tool for leaders preparing to engage with Indigenous ministries or Sacred Circle
  • Sourcebook for workshops, learning circles or reconciliation initiatives
  • Reference for planning worship or events shaped by the vision of A New Agape

Key themes

  • Self-determination
  • Healing and reconciliation
  • Justice and community well-being
  • Shared leadership
  • Right relationship
  • Local stories of partnership

Best suited for: clergy, parish leaders, diocesan staff, educators, reconciliation committees and anyone seeking tools to explore A New Agape in local contexts.

A New Agape resource binder cover

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.