Partnership in God’s mission

By Andrea Mann Global Relations Coordinator, Partnerships, Anglican Church of Canada

The Diocese of New Westminster and the Vancouver School of Theology (VST) were hosts to General Synod’s Partners in Mission and Ecojustice Committee, September 30 to October 04, 2009. 20 committee members from 16 Canadian Anglican dioceses, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, and the Episcopal Church in the Philippines met to conduct business and learn about local mission and ministry.  Representatives from the Diocese of New Westminster and the Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbia and Yukon include: The Rev. Margaret Cornish (New Westminster), The Rev. Susan Titterington (Yukon), and Ms. Peggy Wilmot (BC). 

General Synod’s Partnerships program and committee works with diocesan units, Provinces of the Anglican Communion and ecumenical organisations in Canada and globally, to strengthen the Anglican Church of Canada’s participation in God’s mission in the world.    It supports persons and families interested in overseas service through Volunteers in Mission and International Theological Student Internships. Parishes and dioceses involved in ecojustice are assisted through initiatives such as Justice Camps dedicated to local collaboration and advocacy on issues of community development, urban poverty, environment and ecosystems to name a few. The committee is engaged in efforts to teach and learn about Indigenous peoples in Canada, and globally, and to identify ways Canadian Anglicans can move toward healing, reconciliation and solidarity in the struggle of Indigenous peoples to protect land and rights.

While gathered in Vancouver, committee members were welcomed by Bishop Michael, who presided at the opening Eucharist and spoke about the diocese’s commitment to being a sign and instrument of God’s reconciling love in the world. The Rev. Dr. Wendy Fletcher, Principal, VST, introduced members to the new Iona Pacific Inter-Religious Centre and other VST programs, including Native Ministries Consortium and ongoing degree programs.

In keeping with the long standing practice of meeting in dioceses across the church, and worshipping locally, committee members got to know a little about Anglican and ecumenical mission and ministry in Vancouver and Richmond. We celebrated with St. Paul Anglican Church, Vancouver, the commissioning of The Rev. Emilie Smith to ministry as a Volunteer in Mission in Guatemala.  Small group exposure visits took the committee in other directions.  Some were introduced to Mission to Seafarers and the issues of migrant workers by The Rev. Nicholas Parker, Senior Port Chaplain, and to issues of sanctuary with Mr. Mikail Lennikov, who is in sanctuary at First Lutheran as he is under an order of deportation and Pastor Richard Hergesheimer the First Lutheran Church, Vancouver. 

Others walked the streets of Vancouver’s downtown eastside, guided by The Rev. Clarence Li and The Rev. Brian Heinrich, Lutheran Urban Mission Society. This was a moving, prayerful experience which revealed how the encroachment of high cost housing is undermining established, supportive neighbourhoods for those who live there.