Dear friends in Christ,
I am writing this week from Vancouver, BC, where managing editor Richelle Thompson and I will be representing Forward Movement at the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada.
If you are the sort of person who takes an interest in such things, you can get news of what’s happening in the Anglican Journal, the national newspaper of the Anglican Church of Canada. Among other things, delegates will be electing a new Primate (or head) of the Anglican Church of Canada. Much like the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, time will be spent in worship, fellowship, learning, and legislative deliberation. It’s all anchored in prayer and in the presence of Jesus Christ.
Speaking of prayer, I encourage you to pray for the work of our Anglican siblings in Canada. You might like to use the prayer For a Synod from their Book of Alternative Services:
Almighty and everliving God, source of all wisdom and understanding, be present with those who take counsel in Vancouver for the renewal and mission of your Church. Teach us in all things to seek first your honour and glory. Guide us to perceive what is right, and grant us both the courage to pursue it and the grace to accomplish it; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
I arrived yesterday, and I’ve already had a chance to see some friends and meet new friends. It’s remarkable to trade stories and hear about how our ministries are similar or different. One bishop told me about some challenges he faces with polar bears! That’s not what I’m used to thinking about. And yet we are all working to make disciples.
Follow along if that’s of interest to you. There’s a great blessing in learning about the work of those of similar but significantly different traditions. We can support one another. We can learn from one another. We can rejoice together. And we can bear one another’s burdens. Our church is holy, wherever we find it. And that is something for which to give thanks and to praise God.
Yours faithfully,
 |
Scott Gunn
Executive Director
P.S…If you are attending General Synod, find our stall in the display area. We’d love to meet you.
Image: WikiCommons, Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver
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