Article describes a number of AIDS related outreach projects operated within the diocese of Toronto for local populations and overseas in Africa. Includes the story of the Rev. Doug Willoughby, an Anglican priest who is himself HIV-positive and the diocese's involvement in the Philip Aziz Centre, a non-profit home hospice for people living with AIDS. Describes the work of The Teresa Group, founded by Penelope Holeton, an Anglican lay woman, to help children in Toronto living with AIDS, and also the fundraising work of St. Clement's, Eglinton, which has contributed to the work of the Stephen Lewis Foundation and which in August 2006 "held a reception for grandmothers from Kenya who [were] in Toronto for the International AIDS Conference and the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers' Gathering".
That General Synod commend the present efforts to provide pastoral care to patients with AIDS and their families and affirm that they are entitled to full participation in the life of The Anglican Church of Canada. CARRIED IN ALL ORDERS Act 60
That the Primate, in consultation with the House of Bishops, call a national Day of Prayer on behalf of persons living with AIDS and those ministering to them. The motion was then put and - CARRIED Act 114
a) In connection with the article "The Most Misunderstood Disease" (Alcoholism) in the January 1973 issue of the Canadian Churchman, Mr. Gault complimented the staff of the paper and, in particular, Miss Carolyn Purden for her factual and accurate account of this problem. Because of the excellence of this article and the valuable information it contains, the paper was in great demand in his area of the country.
b) Concern was expressed at the apparent contradiction between the stand of the Canadian Churchman on the Third World, poverty and racism and its acceptance of advertisements of expensive tours.
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That this NEC request the Board of Trustees of Canadian Churchman to prepare a report for the next meeting of this Council on its policy concerning, and the operations of, Canadian Churchman tours. CARRIED
"Each issue of 'The Churches Speak' begins with an introductory essay which provides an overview of the topic itself and traces its recent historical manifestations. This essay also summarize, compares, and contrasts the opinions found in the individual statements, allowing the user to place each one in the appropriate context. Each essay concludes with bibliographic citations to sources for further reading on the topic. The statements presented in each monograph are arranged into four main sections based on broad religious families or traditions: The Roman Catholic Church (which represents the single largest religious body in the United States); Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Churches; Jewish Groups; and Other Religious Bodies. Within the Roman Catholic Church section, statements are arranged chronologically by issuing date. The remaining sections are subarranged alphabetically by individual churches, religious bodies, or ecumenical organizations; the statements issued by each organization are presented chronologically within that organization. Each of the four religious family sections is preceded by a note which provides background information of the family and analysis of its perspective on the issue in question." -- Preface.
Contents: Preface / J. Gordon Melton -- Introductory Essay: The Contemporary Debate in the Churches on the AIDS Crisis -- Statements -- Index to Organizations, Statements, and Subjects.
Statements sub-divided into sections: Roman Catholic Church -- Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Churches -- Jewish Groups -- Other Religious Bodies.
OTCH Note: Protestant and Eastern Orthodox Churches section contains four Canadian and/or Anglican statements as follows: A Bi-National (Canada/United States) Consultation Statement on AIDS (1987) -- AIDS: Some Guidelines for Pastoral Care (1986) / Church of England -- Resolution on AIDS (1988), Report of the Commission on Human Affairs and Health (1988) / Episcopal Church -- Statement on AIDS (1986), Statement on AIDS (1987), AIDS in Canada (1988) / United Church of Canada.
Mr. Matthew Kett presented the report of the Eco-Justice Committee. Speaking to the issue of HIV/AIDS:
- PWRDF Executive Director, Mr. Andrew Ignatieff, told of the work of the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund in responding to the call from our partners in Africa. The Fund is also interested in working with aboriginal communities in Canada.
- Dr. Eleanor Johnson, Director Partnerships, reported that the General Synod Planning Committee had been approached to invite Stephen Lewis to speak at General Synod. The Partners in Mission Committee would like to bring the issue back to Canada and have parishes look at their response to the disease.
-The Rev. Canon Allen Box spoke of his work HOPE Africa, a social development wing of the Diocese of Capetown [i.e. Cape Town], and of the project he is involved in, which raises funds for a community in Africa where 40% of people are HIV sufferers.
-Bishop Barry Hollowell stressed that Council not forget the situation in Canada where the disease is on the increase, particularly in the prison system and in aboriginal communities. Our awareness and our ability to inform and keep information in front of people are imperative.
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That the Council of General Synod commend the HIV/AIDS document originating in Southern Africa for widespread distribution and action (see Appendix 1 of the PIMC Report to Council of General Synod).
It was noted that both EcoJustice and Partners-in-Mission recommended this motion.
Friendly Amendment
The mover and seconder agreed to add the words "and support the request of Partners in Mission for an educational session on HIV/AIDS at General Synod 2004" to the motion. The motion now reads
That the Council of General Synod commend the HIV-AIDS document originating in Southern Africa for widespread distribution and action (see Appendix 1 of the PIMC Report to Council of General Synod) and support the request of Partners in Mission for an educational session on HIV AIDS at General synod 2004" to the motion. CARRIED #20-05-03
"Prepared for the AIDS Working Group by General Synod Communications, Anglican Church of Canada".
Contents: The Working Group on AIDS -- What Am I ? -- A Mother's Story -- AIDS brings us face to face with the stranger, sexuality and death / Stephen Manning -- Biblical, Theological and Ethical Issues Surrounding Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome / Geoffrey Parke-Taylor -- AIDS and the Church as a Healing Community -- More information on AIDS -- Intercessory Prayer.
A new version of the 1988 paper was prepared in May 2000 at the request of the House of Bishops and distributed along with a summary brochure. New edition placed with 1988 `Resources for Liturgy' issue and additional copies in the VF "Common Cup".