Trinitytide Roundup
By Sharon Dewey Hetke
MY AGNOSTIC-LEANING-ATHEIST friend tells me he got up at 5:00 a.m. to watch the coronation of King Charles, and found it very moving. He talked about the beauty of the traditional ceremony, how rituals like this convey a sense of purpose to our lives, how their beauty and glory “make us feel small” – and how we really do need that. I was a little embarrassed to tell him that my desire to sleep in had overcome my interest in watching the service. But I fully agree with him – and would add that whether or not one revels in the pomp and circumstance, those who are “set in authority above us” are called by God to govern for our protection and flourishing. And we are commanded in Scripture to respect and pray for them. It was a bit jarring then to wander over to the Anglican Church of Canada’s Facebook feed and read an article and various comments declaring the monarchy outdated and generally out of step with the need to address real world problems like poverty and racial injustice. I must say that I find my own desire to become more generous, more sacrificial, and more virtuous is hindered by many things, but not by the monarchy or by beautiful liturgy. In fact, I find it inspiring, in this imperfect world and with the sometimes depressing state of political leadership, to have a monarch who (flawed human as he may be) openly professes his Christian faith and in whose coronation committed himself to becoming like Christ, “who came not to be served, but to serve.”
Bishop consecrated in Mishamikoweesh
How good to hear that Morris Fiddler has now been consecrated bishop, to serve as Suffragan area bishop in Northern Ontario, alongside Bp. Lydia Mamakwa (diocesan) and Bp. Larry Beardy (Northern Manitoba). His consecration was delayed by various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic – which took the lives of four Mishamikoweesh clergy. During this difficult time Bp. Fiddler still managed to travel extensively to minister to remote communities. May God continue to bless his faithful ministry.
And may God bless Bp. Michael Hawkins, as his time as bishop of Saskatchewan comes to a close. What a blessing he has been to the Church. A brilliant preacher, passionate supporter of Indigenous ministry and a sharp theological mind, he will be missed across the Church – but we trust he will keep in touch and continue to share his many gifts, as his health allows. We wish Bp. Michael and family a blessed summer of transition and refreshment.
We learned in April that Bp. Charlie Masters (Anglican Network in Canada) has been battling cancer. Bp. Masters served as diocesan bishop of the Anglican Network in Canada from 2014 until 2022 when Bp. Dan Gifford was elected. Since then he has been serving ANiC as Assisting Bishop & Bishop of Evangelism. Please keep Bp. Charlie and his wife Judy in your prayers.
Speaking of bishops…
The proposals of the Governance Working Group, covered extensively in our previous issue, are now bubbling to the surface in Anglican conversations on Facebook, and among delegates. This is a good thing. But there seems to be a fair bit of chatter about how much power Bishops should have, and whether we should ratchet that down – I suppose to allow for more “power to the people” and to provide for (much!) quicker and easier changes to the doctrines of the Anglican Church of Canada. What I hope to hear more about is how we can encourage them to live more fully into their role as guardians and defenders of the faith–and about the ways our procedures should affirm and strengthen that role. Please keep an eye out for the upcoming essay series produced by the Living Church on behalf of the Anglican Communion Alliance on this topic – it should be a substantial contribution.
MAID in Canada
Past issues of TAP have covered the disastrous situation unfolding with Canada’s assisted suicide regime. A recent National Post article reports on Canadian bioethicists who say that “Canada is right to let people choose death when their living conditions make life intolerable.” (See “Canada shouldn’t deny assisted suicide…” May 9). How much more dire will the situation become before we hear a strong statement from the Primate or the Canadian House of Bishops? While I am aware of no such plans, perhaps this will be raised on the floor of General Synod. It should be.
Help our team cover General Synod
Your TAP team is looking forward to a summer rest, but that can wait until after General Synod! We look forward to providing you with news and analysis of the goings-on in Calgary, June 27-July 2. Would you consider donating $50 to help us with that task? Donate online at www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/st-peter-publications-inc (please designate “Anglican Planet Project” in the message box); by phone at 902-368-8442; or by mailing a cheque to The Anglican Planet Office, 11 All Souls’ Lane Charlottetown PE, C1A 1P9.
On behalf of the TAP team, May God bless your summer with beauty, rest and peace. TAP
