Guest bishop urges Anglicans to address question of cultural identity

MONTREAL -- (May 22, 1998)
Canadians must address the urgent question of cultural identity, Bishop French Chang-Him told about 800 Anglican General Synod members and visitors at Montreal's Christ Church Cathedral Thursday evening.

The service marked the opening of the Anglican Church of Canada's 35th General Synod, which meets every three years to discuss issues relating to church and society.

Bishop Chang-Him of Seychelles, who is attending the Synod as an overseas partner, told the congregation that Canada's future depends on its ability to hear and understand the diverse voices of its population.

"Canada has become very cosmopolitan since I first visited in 1986," he said. "On a 1991 visit I preached a sermon that had to be translated into Cantonese so I could be understood. This was not in Hong Kong or Singapore, but in downtown Toronto."

Bishop Chang-Him told the congregation that Canada must work hard to promote increased cooperation and appreciation between people of different backgrounds. Drawing on the Anglican General Synod theme "Lift Every Voice/Faisons Entendre Nos Voix" he asked: "When you lift the many voices of this country, will it be a rich harmony or a disturbing, competing cacophany?"

Bishop Chang-Him shared his personal struggle to find peace with his cultural identity. "Coming from a background that included African, French and Asian roots I felt a pain inside of not knowing who I was," he said. He urged all Canadians to affirm the rich diversity of their citizens and to listen carefully to those who are not in the mainstream of society.

Among the discussions scheduled during the nine-day Anglican synod is a forum on nation and identity. The synod incudes bishops, clergy and lay representatives from 30 dioceses across Canada.