The Body of Christ is made of many parts, and people experience their understanding of God in many different ways. On this blog, we'll consider the beliefs and activities of congregations, denominations and different religions.
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
E-ssentials: New Shared National Office Space, Statement on Rafah, and more!
Anglicans, Presbyterians, and United Church to Share National Office Space in Toronto
It’s official! The United, Anglican, and Presbyterian churches have signed leases to share national office space at the redeveloped site of Bloor Street United Church at 300 Bloor St. West. in Toronto. The agreement reflects the churches’ ongoing commitment to nurturing ecumenical relationships and cooperation, to reducing costs, and to lessening their carbon footprint.
The Venerable Alan Perry, General Secretary of the Anglican Church of Canada; the Reverend Victor Kim, Principal Clerk at The Presbyterian Church in Canada, and the Reverend. Michael Blair, General Secretary of The United Church of Canada, met at the construction site to see the progress of the project and to offer prayers of blessing for the safety and wellbeing of the construction workers.
“We’ve marked a formal agreement between the Presbyterian Church, the United Church and the Anglican Church of Canada as we prepare to move in together in shared office space in a couple of years. I’m very excited about the possibilities of what this partnership will produce in the years to come. A happy day for all of us!” - The Reverend Victor Kim, Principal Clerk at The Presbyterian Church in Canada.
Located in downtown Toronto's Annex-University of Toronto neighbourhood, the development includes a refurbished Bloor Street United Church and office, community, commercial, and worship spaces. The floor plans reflect a more efficient and flexible use of physical space for the new offices and were drafted with input from all three denominations. The archives of all three denominations will also move to the new national office building, and be shared, along with meeting and video spaces. Read the full news story.
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
The United Church of Canada Statement on the Israeli Military Assault on Rafah
The United Church of Canada condemns the Israeli military assault on Rafah, which constitutes a grave breach of the Genocide Convention. Rafah has been considered one of the only “safe zones” in Gaza. The humanitarian situation there is dire: famine is a current reality, the death toll rises, people are unable to access basic necessities for life.
For months, humanitarian agencies have sounded the alarm against any military offensive in this extremely densely populated refugee camp, where thousands who have been displaced multiple times are forced to seek shelter.
“There is nowhere to go,” says the International Committee of the Red Cross. United Church partners also clearly state that people in Rafah cannot flee to safety from further hostilities.
This assault on Rafah causes irreparable harm to the right of an estimated 1.4 million Palestinians to be protected from acts of genocide under Articles II and III of the Genocide Convention.
As a party to the Genocide Convention, Canada must abide by its obligations and take every diplomatic, political, and economic step available to prevent the crime of genocide unfolding in Gaza. Canada must hold Israel and Hamas accountable for crimes against humanity.
Mutual Accountability and Budget Planning General Council Executive Summary for May 10–11, 2024
The General Council Executive (GCE) met virtually on May 10–11, 2024. Among the items GCE engaged with were updates from the the Partner Council, accountability reports from the Moderator and General Secretary, as well as reports on the Strategic Plan, Kindred Works, Faithful Footprints, the 2025 Operational Budget, and more. Read the full summary on GeneralCouncill44.ca.
[Art credit: Ron Mader]
Asian Heritage Month Webinar: Filipino Faith Journeys from United Church Ministers
Our panellists will share how immigrating to Canada shaped their understanding of God and offer insights into Filipino theologies. You'll gain a richer perspective on themes like:
Women in ministry
Christian activism in Filipino diasporic communities
Emerging Filipino theologies
This is a unique opportunity to learn and be inspired by the experiences of Filipino ministers. Register now and broaden your understanding of faith and heritage during Asian Heritage Month!
[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]
Mission and Service Stories:Connecting for Global Peace and Security
Project Ploughshares is a Canadian peace research institute with a focus on disarmament efforts and international security. It is also one of our dedicated Mission and Service partners.
Duncan Etches, The United Church of Canada’s representative on Project Ploughshares’ management committee, comments on how wise and inspirational the whole team is, sharing that “they keep hope in impossible situations.”
Your support through Mission and Service provides encouragement and hope to leaders of Project Ploughshares, a vital connection point for those passionate about global peace and security. Thank you.
[Photo credit:Duncan Etches]
The United Church Bookstore: Empower Young Minds with Anti-Racism Curriculum
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