I am so pleased that we, the Anglican Church of Canada, are undertaking this work. It is so vital to our life. If we don’t ask the questions how can we ever know that we are truly enabling God’s kingdom here on earth?
I belong to a long established parish that has seen its attendance drop steadily, year over year, for nearly the last 15 years. We are aging, perhaps 75% of us are over 50, and, I fear, growing less and less relevant to the world around us. We have a very strong sense of “being Anglican” but are we overly comfortable with the status quo? I am not sure. Thus I dream that maybe we can be more …
I dream of a Church (the Anglican Church of Canada) that is open to the Word of God, the breath of the Holy Spirit and the example of Jesus.
I dream of a Church where people know and feel God’s love and presence; where spiritual healing and reconciliation are a way of life.
I dream of a Church that is bold enough to stand against the greed, the wrongs and the prejudices of this world.
I dream of a Church that balances successfully its call to Scripture, tradition and living in the world of today.
I dream of a Church that dares to teach the historical Jesus and preach the Christ of faith, freeing us from mindless literalness.
I dream of a Church that dares to be marked by its inclusiveness and ecumenicality, open to all, regardless of race, colour, gender or sexual orientation (Mk. 12:28-31).
I dream of a Church that dares to make deeds as important as creeds (Matthew 5 ff.)
I dream of a Church that is so relevant to the society in which we live that people choose to come here over other places. Where youth and age worship and celebrate together in growing numbers.
I dream of a Church that dares to be different, experiment and innovate; that nurtures meaningful change; and yet is respectful of those less inclined to these aspects.
I dream of a Church less fixated on its bricks, mortar and administrative structures and more driven by spiritual nurturing and small groups.
And so I dream …
I am heartened by what I read of the Dream the Church Vision 2019 website.
May God continue to guide us and feed us as we work for His good.
