First of all I would like to thank the Vision Team, in allowing me to answer these two questions.I have always loved and been very proud of my Anglican roots and to be part of
the Anglican Communion as a whole.
These questions calls upon each of us to ‘look deeply, prayerfully with insight, with a humble and open heart. Listening, as we do to the Holy Spirit, now and in the future. It is my hope that by doing so, God will direct, guide the Vision for his church in 2019.
Where is the church now?
I am only going to touch on 2 issues of interest, for there are many and varied as we know.
In my opinion the church is continues to deal with the complexities of finding its place
within the scope of the ‘traditional and liberal’ liturgies.
The Anglican Church has established the importance of ecumenicism and where it holds it place, however I do believe we need to be careful that we ‘not lose our own identity’ in doing so by being too complacent. I am very pleased that the relationship with the Lutheran and Roman Church dialogues continues to be amiable and open.
Where I want the Anglican Church of Canada to be in 2019:
I have focused primarily on 10 points, as these might provide brain-storming for others, these brush strokes may be light and varied……….I hope so:
- A church that is vibrant, growing focusing clearly on: prayer, Sovereignty of God, liturgy, study, vision to be welcoming, to ’build up the Body of Christ’;
- A church that is remains to be focused on God and to discern the voice of the Holy Spirit;
- A church that continues. to communicate effectively by using technology, multi-media locally, nationally and throughout the Anglican Communion;
- A church that continues and encourages the laity to grow,seek further secondary education through theological colleges. Enable those that have graduated from Theological colleges to be used at the parish level. Those with the distinction of Lay Ministers could provide more active roll that what they are now doing. By providing there resources as a ‘bridge between the Clergy and ordained deacons” alike. As we move into the future – the clergy will be stretched as congregations will be growing older. Further I would like to see the implementation of a “B.A” designation established once again at Wycliffe college the laity can progress and maintain their skills on an ongoing basis.
- The church to establish of a local data bank (either held at the diocesan level or parish) with the parish determine: skills, talents that might be used as an ‘as need basis’ much like a human resource in business. The parish could draw to assist those in the congregation or for it’s own volunteer needs;
- To continue locally, nationally to raise awareness through education concerning the Religious Orders and what they do. To provide financial resources at the national level so that they can grow in the future;
- At the national level, an establishment of both a designated “Vision Sunday’ marked in the Church calendar to gather and continue to prayer for the “Vision 2019″. The second part of this would be to have a of yearly gathering for prayer and worship at the Sky Dome to continue this process and mission for the Church. Perhaps it could be called “Anglicans with a Vision”,
- At the parish level continue to include “every age group” to be part of a group. There are plenty of groups for the teenagers, young people and seniors; however unfortunately in some parishes the ‘middle-aged’ are often and invisible group;
- To continue to monitor the needs of our elderly in congregations, so that they do not become invisible or isolated. The laity could be used in this regard to assist the clergy.
Respectfully submitted,
Vanessa R., Toronto ON
