“RECONCILIATION AND RESTORATION” TAKE CENTER STAGE IN NEW ANGLICAN BISHOP’S CHARGE

From Uganda-

On Sunday, November 25, 2018, Right Reverend Wilson Kitara was enthroned as the third bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kitgum, during which occasion, he read out his charge highlighting ‘reconciliation and restoration’ of sanity among his flock in his hitherto divided diocese.

“Generally, my thoughts and dreams of how to navigate the Diocese of Kitgum out of development challenges on assumption of office shall be premised on considerations and actions to reconcile and restore the functioning and purposive inspirations throughout the diocese, integrity of the clergy throughout the diocese, repentance and reconciliation across the diocese, re-evangelization throughout the diocese, among others”, reads part of the bishop’s charge statement.  

The Diocese of Kitgum was curved out of the Diocese of Northern Uganda and its first bishop, Rt. Rev. Macleod Baker Ocholla II was enthroned on May 21, 1995. It was established in the middle of the near two decades of civil war which plagued the Diocese between 1986 and 2006.

Its second bishop, Rt. Rev. Benjamin Ojwang was even abducted by the Lord’s Resistance Army rebels in early 2000s and spent more than a week in captivity before he was released by the rebels.

More here-

http://www.blackstarnews.com/global-politics/africa/uganda-%E2%80%9Creconciliation-and-restoration%E2%80%9D-take-center-stage-in

Anglican bishop riding for reconciliation

From Canada-

The Right Reverend Rob Hardwick is cycling across Canada in the name of unity, healing and reconciliation.

Hardwick, who has served as the bishop of the Diocese of Qu’Appelle for the past five years, knows about the often uneasy relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Canada.

He says that his diocese, located in southern Saskatchewan, had the longest-running residential school in Canada.

“The pain of that, the pain of that history, is with us,” Hardwick said. “The pain of so many people that have lost their culture and have been abused in various ways.”

“This bike ride is a form of penance, in a way, but it’s also to try and bring reconciliation.”

More here-

https://www.sootoday.com/local-news/anglican-bishop-riding-for-reconciliation-967540

Church hosts barbecue to unite inmates’ families, law enforcement

From Texas-

A pickup basketball game two years ago was the inspiration for a free barbecue hospitality event Saturday to unite two unlikely groups: law enforcement and families of those incarcerated in the McLennan County Jail.

The Holy Spirit Episcopal Church has partnered with the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office to host an event at the Shepherd Mullens Visitation Center, 3241 Marlin Highway in Waco, to help break down barriers. Organizers expect about 100 law enforcement officials and more than 400 loved ones of inmates to attend.

Social service agencies will be on hand to assist with needs families of those incarcerated may be facing, and guests can eat lunch while socializing while they wait to visit their loved one. Organizers are eyeing the forecast as thunderstorms are expected Friday night.

More here-

http://www.wacotrib.com/news/religion/church-hosts-barbecue-to-unite-inmates-families-law-enforcement/article_b905f434-c46e-5fcc-bfa4-5b5749c49339.html

ARCHIVIST TO ANIMATOR

From Canada-

The Office of the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada announced today, Monday, April 3, 2017, that Melanie Delva currently Archivist at the Diocese of New Westminster and the Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbian/Yukon has been appointed Reconciliation Animator for the National Church effective June 1, 2017.

In this new role, Ms. Delva will be “responsible for forming, equipping and resourcing a national team to encourage and sustain local engagement in the work of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous persons and communities, both within the Anglican Church and in Canadian society. In particular, the incumbent will be responsible for our church’s overall strategy in implementing the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in incorporating the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples into our life, in ongoing response to calls for justice emerging out of the Indigenous leadership of our church and our country, and in recognizing and acting on opportunities in the local, diocesan and national life of our church to act in support of such reconciliation.”

More here-

http://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/news/archivist-to-animator

Anglican archbishop acknowledges suffering caused by residential school system

From Canada-

"I'm sorry."

He's said it before and Anglican Archbishop of Canada Fred Hiltz says he'll keep saying it.

"I must never weary of saying, on behalf of our church, I'm sorry."

But, said the archbishop Saturday, words aren't enough.

In order to promote the continuous reconciliation with the aboriginal survivors of the residential school system and their families, Hiltz said, the church must take action.

At the Mohawk Chapel, the archbishop announced several new steps the church will take, answering a call to action issued by the Truth and Reconciliation Report.

Hiltz called on the church to: include the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the handbook of the general synod; to publicly read that document in every parish on the Sunday closest to June 21, National Aboriginal Day; to include the declaration when preparing candidates for baptisms and confirmation; and to commit to anti-racism training.

More here-

http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/2016/03/20/anglican-archbishop-acknowledges-suffering-caused-by-residential-school-system

There was a Georgetown presence on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

From Canada-

A Georgetown woman who represented the Anglican Church of Canada during the recently completed Truth and Reconciliation Commission lamented that the damage caused by the abuse of indigenous people in residential schools across the country for decades will likely require many generations to heal.

Henriette Thompson sat in on many conference calls attended hearings and events across the country and as far north as James Bay during her six-year term with the commission, which resulted in the proposal of 94 recommendations named Calls to Acton that were overwhelmingly supported by all provinces, but not as yet by the federal government.

More here-

http://www.theifp.ca/community-story/5819441-there-was-a-georgetown-presence-on-the-truth-and-reconciliation-commission/

Archbishop Welby praises 'ongoing project of reconciliation' on VJ Day

From Anglican News-

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, sent a message to the service of friendship and reconciliation at Canterbury Cathedral [yesterday] marking the 70th anniversary of Victory in Japan Day.

Veterans were joined by many Japanese and British promoters of reconciliation for the dedicated Evensong service, which has been held annually since 2005.

The service, which alternates each year between Canterbury and Coventry cathedrals, is organised by the International Friendship and Reconciliation Trust, which was formed five years ago by veterans of the Burma Campaign.

More here-

http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2015/08/archbishop-welby-praises-ongoing-project-of-reconciliation-on-vj-day.aspx

Liturgy and Reconciliation

From The Living Church-

Some of the church gestures and documents aimed at reconciliation after past wrongs – like those associated with Canada’s residential schools — already have the characteristics of liturgy, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, told an international gathering of specialists on liturgy on 4 August.

Hiltz suggested the church take another step and make liturgy out of them.

For example, he said, a timeline poster almost seven feet long available from the national church and detailing the evolving history of relations between the Anglican church and Indigenous peoples between 1452 and 2014 does not just tell a story.

More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/liturgy-and-reconciliation

Anglican Diocese of Melbourne launches reconciliation action plan

From Australia-

The Most Revd Dr Philip Freier, Archbishop of Melbourne and Primate of the Anglican Church of Australia, has officially launched the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The RAP, developed in conjunction with Reconciliation Australia, is being implemented so that the diocese, along with its parishes and sector ministries, is able to coordinate key programs and initiatives aimed at changing the culture of the diocese to better embrace reconciliation. This will include advocacy and promotion of the key issues surrounding reconciliation, as well as providing practical advice and liturgical resources for parish and other ministry events.

More here-

http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2015/08/anglican-diocese-of-melbourne-launches-reconciliation-action-plan.aspx

Guilty thief returns this to church after 40 years

A story from England-

The words “thou shalt not steal” – or at least the book containing them – had been eating away at the thief’s mind for over 40 years.

That’s how long it took for a guilty, unidentified man to return a 200-year-old Bible he says he swiped from a dusty corner of Holy Trinity Church in Hastings, England, in 1971.

According to the Hastings Observer, Church Treasurer Simon Scott received an anonymous, typed letter from Germany explaining the Bible’s intriguing story.

The letter reads: “It may be astonishing to you to receive a letter from one whom you do not know. More than ever to receive a parcel which contains an old Bible. In 1971 I was just married and went with my wife to Hastings to upgrade our English knowledge for a better start in our occupations. The English lesson we had were in some rather old and dark rooms not made for lecturing. The lecturer himself seem to be very old and he had no teaching skills. He confused us totally. So we were very disappointed as we paid a lot of money for the four week course. In this excited moment I made a big mistake. I saw some gorgeous Holy Bibles in a corner underneath a bench. It seemed they were no worth for the community or the church and I took one with me home. It was a compensation for the poor course. In my mind I wanted to read and study chapter by chapter to complete my English. But in reality I did not. Back home I felt my action was not correct. Even more my wife was very angry and tried to persuade me to return the book. This Bible always brought me a guilty conscience. I was too cowardly to hand it over personally. Now I am retired and I make a final impulse to clear my conscience. I deeply regret what I did and can only hope this Bible finds its rightful home again.”

Read more at

http://www.wnd.com/2013/08/guilty-thief-returns-this-to-church-after-40-years/#35qYKtffcb1zdrcJ.99

Anglican Communion launches worldwide survey on reconciliation

From Christian Today-

The Anglican Communion's Anglican Peace and Justice Network (APJN) has launched a worldwide survey to gather the experience of Anglicans and Episcopalians who have taken part in national or local truth and reconciliation commissions.

The aim is to learn from Anglican contributions to past and present truth and reconciliation processes. The information received will be used to create resources and mechanisms to support Communion churches who may become involved in such reconciliation work locally. It will also identify Anglicans and Episcopalians who can offer insight and advice.

APJN convenor South African Ms Delene Mark anticipates a wealth of information from the APJN survey which has been addressed initially to the Primates* and Provincial Secretaries of the 38 Provinces of the Anglican Communion, as well as the Bishops of extra-provincial dioceses.

"We have already received details of Anglican engagement with truth and reconciliation processes associated with ethnic conflict, slavery and racism, the exclusion of people experiencing the sharp end of poverty from decisions made about them, and two national initiatives concerned with the legacies of the separation of Aboriginal children from their parents", she said.

More here-

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/anglican.communion.launches.worldwide.survey.on.reconciliation/32510.htm

Justin Welby Reconciliation: Archbishop Of Canterbury Puts Focus On Bridging Differences

From RNS-

As the new archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby is spiritual leader to nearly 80 million Anglicans around the world. Now, after being officially enthroned on Thursday (March 21), the 57-year-old former oil executive faces a monumental challenge: helping the Anglican Communion stay together amid profound differences over theology, gender and sexuality.

"We are struggling with very, very significant divisions, different ways of looking at the world coming out of our context, coming out of our history," Welby said in an interview with the PBS television program "Religion & Ethics NewsWeekly."

"Learning how we deal with those differences -- which are of themselves valuable things -- is really significant.

The worldwide Anglican Communion has more than 40 separate branches, including the Church of England, the Episcopal Church in the U.S. and numerous churches across Africa, Asia and South America. Theological and cultural differences over a series of issues, including homosexuality, have threatened to tear the Communion apart.

In an interview before his installation, Welby said he intends to promote reconciliation as one of his top priorities.

More here-

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/26/justin-welby-reconciliation-archbishop-of-canterbury-puts-focus-on-bridging-differences_n_2936769.html

Episcopal Church calls for reconciliation in Northern Bahr el Ghazal

From the Sudan Tribune-

The Episcopal church of Sudan on Wednesday issued a strong appeal, calling for immediate initiation of the reconciliation and forgiveness processes among political leaders and supporters in the southern state of Northern Bahr el Ghazal.

Reverend Abraham Yel Nhial, a bishop of the Episcopal diocese for Aweil, in an appeal statement addressed to the state governor and his deputy, advisor for peace and reconciliation, the state peace commission, ministries, assembly, religious leaders, citizens and concerned groups, said it had become evident that the Church in Aweil needs to lead with a strong message of forgiveness and reconciliation in order to promote the holistic transformation of the “beloved state”.

"The urgent need for peace and reconciliation is very important to people of Aweil because with war still going on in Darfur and signs of tensions building up elsewhere in the country, no one knows what is going to happen in 2011,” said Bishop Nhial, in reference to the January vote in which southerners hope to vote on secession from northern Sudan. Preparations for the plebiscite a woefully behind schedule and there are fears that delays could renew violent tensions in the region.

More here-

http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article36437

Pittsburgh's Episcopal bishop seeks reconciliation

From The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review-

The Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh's new bishop, Kenneth L. Price, is seeking face-to-face meetings with area congregations that left the Episcopal Church over issues ranging from abortion to the consecration of a non-celibate gay bishop.

A letter from Price was sent Wednesday to lay leaders and clergy of 40 congregations that split from the Episcopal Church in October 2008. A copy of the letter was sent to the diocese's former bishop, Robert Duncan, who heads a newly formed Anglican Diocese of Pittsburgh diocese which has 55 congregations.

"This is all toward seeking an understanding and reconciliation of how each of us, even if we disagree, can still serve our one Lord and Savior," Price said. Episcopal Church offices are based in Monroeville.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/valleynewsdispatch/s_663509.html

Rwanda: Regional Clerics for Reconciliation

From All Africa-

Hundreds of Christians from Rwanda and beyond on Thursday thronged Amahoro indoor stadium to attend a four-day international convention.

The convention organized by the Anglican church of Rwanda-Kigali diocese was also attended by senior clerics that included Archbishops and Bishops from East Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Sudan, South Africa and from the Anglican congregation of the United States.

The convention whose theme is: "A new heart, a new spirit for an individual" focuses on the 'healing of people's hearts' that were shattered by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

In his opening remarks, Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini of the Anglican Church of Rwandan called upon Africans and Rwandans in particular to have a heart of forgiveness even to those who should not be forgiven. "It's high time Rwandans and Africans in general put on the garments of forgiveness and love if we are to experience rapid development," he advised.

The convention which is slated to end on Sunday with a service will also fundraise for the ongoing One Dollar Campaign.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200908030556.html

Keeping the faith for church to reconcile

AND SO BEGINS another round of what some see as little more than battling bishops and multimillion-dollar lawsuits, all in the name of the church.

I'm referring to this summer's General Convention of the Episcopal Church, the once-every-three-years gathering of thousands of church members from Ecuador to Alaska.

For the fourth time, I will don my hat as editor of Center Aisle, the daily newspaper published during the convention by the Diocese of Virginia.

This year, the 10-day-long convention will be held in an Anaheim, Calif., convention center across the street from Disneyland. But judging by my experience, I'll have no time to spend with Mickey Mouse, Goofy and the rest of the gang (though the temptation to make symbolic use of those characters may be irresistible).

Ever since 2003, when Gene Robinson's consecration as the first openly gay bishop of the church was affirmed, the media have made a beeline to this convention, despite the fact that it spends a good portion of its time delving into arcane matters of church governance.

So why am I still an optimist when the doomsayers are once again predicting that the Episcopal Church and the Worldwide Anglican Communion are about to come apart at the seams over issues of human sexuality?

Call me naive, but I see another opportunity in Anaheim for our church to be a positive witness to the world--a model of how passionate believers can champion their causes and still remain committed to the foundational beliefs that unite them.

More here-

http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2009/052009/05132009/465225

Conflict resolution methods recommended for warring bishops

From the London Times- (Don't think even Danny Devito will help much).

Warring Anglican bishops could be forced to confront each other in divorce-style "mediation" or conflict resolution, under proposals published today.

Theologians and canon lawyers responsible for drawing up the drafts of a new covenant, a document which is intended to re-unite the divided Anglican Communion around agreed practices and beliefs, have proposed that different forms of conflict resolution be examined to see if any might be suitable for use by Anglican bishops.

The document, drawn up after consultations with the bishops attending Lambeth Conference earlier this year, discusses the various types of conflict resolution that might be suitable.

Possible models include professionals involved in arbitration, mediation and reconciliation.

More here-

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article4996033.ece

Good Stuff : Rio Grande

This is from the August Diocesan Newsletter and is pre-Lambeth but I'm sure the sentiments haven't changed. The President of the Standing Committee is writing to the diocese and describing a plan for reconciliation not separation. Refreshing ! ("Reconciliation" - by Vladimir Sokolov- right)


A message from
The Rev. Canon Colin P. Kelly, III, D. Min
President of the Standing Committee

As I write to you, most of the bishops within the Anglican
Communion are meeting in England, under the leadership
of the Archbishop of Canterbury at what is commonly called
The Lambeth Conference. They are in our prayers. Many
clergy and laity are eagerly or anxiously awaiting some
statement from this Conference. All hope and pray this gathering
of our bishops will provide some clear leadership for
the future of the Communion. Some fear that nothing substantive
will come forth and they wonder if they should make
plans to leave The Episcopal Church.

I have heard from some that there are fears within our
own diocese that the Standing Committee and others in
leadership are promoting an image of a unified diocese,
when in fact there are serious divisions. From the beginning,
we on the Standing Committee have acknowledged that our
diocese has many issues with which to contend. Among
them are the differing theological positions held by the
members of our diocese. It is, in fact, because we do not
have a mirage of a unified diocese that we are working to
prayerfully face into the divisions which exist in our diocese.

Our Lord, Christ Jesus directs us to go and be reconciled
with our brother or sister when we discover that they have
something against us. (Mt 5:23-24) We see this process of
healing continuing for the next several years, going deeper
and deeper, much like the image of peeling the onion. As a
response to the call of the people of our diocese for healing
and reconciliation, we formed the New Life Healing and
Reconciliation Process. All of our leadership teams: The
Standing Committee, The Diocesan Council, and the
Search and Transition teams experienced the first Healing
and Reconciling Retreat.

The New Life Healing and Reconciliation process is designed
with the following vision:

* Call together the community of Jesus Christ.

* Develop a sustainable process that offers hope for
healing, reconciliation, and restored trust.

* Build communication capacities that are transparent,
respectful, and loving.

* Provide opportunities to live in the tension of diversity.

*Create a Sacred Space as a safe place to share stories
and explore differences.

* Establish connections that transcend differences.

The retreats will also offer people across the diocese the
opportunity to inform the profile being developed as a part of
our search for a new bishop.

I invite you to come work with your brothers and sisters in
Christ to bring healing in the body of Christ, that together we
may glorify our Lord and bear witness to Christ's reconciling
power.

In Christ’s love,
Colin+

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