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Worship in the Vision of New Agape

Worship in the Vision of New Agape is considered an addendum to the A New Agape resource binder and was prepared by a joint working group of the Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee and the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples in the 2001-2004 triennium. Developed to support communities seeking to pray in the spirit of partnership and reconciliation, it gathers liturgical principles shaped by Indigenous teachings alongside worship resources created and shared by Indigenous Anglicans. The collection includes 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. While some portions remain draft text from the development process, this resource continues to offer practical, meaningful guidance for communities seeking to honour Indigenous gifts in worship.

Suggested uses

  • Worship planning for parish, diocesan or regional gatherings attentive to reconciliation
  • Study groups exploring Indigenous–non-Indigenous partnership through liturgy
  • Orientation for clergy, lay leaders or worship planners preparing for cross-cultural services
  • Reference for communities discerning how to incorporate Indigenous teachings with respect and care

Key themes

  • Healing and reconciliation
  • Indigenous liturgical expression
  • Cross-cultural worship and shared leadership
  • Covenant, partnership and right relationship
  • Principles for liturgy shaped by Indigenous teachings

Best suited for: clergy, worship planners, parish leaders, educators, reconciliation committees and communities seeking to embody the vision of A New Agape in their worship life.

Cover image for Worship in the Vision of New Agape

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.