Since the termination of Project North in 1987, further evaluation and consultation between the churches in Canada has led to a new coalition on aboriginal justice concerns. This is the result of discussion between the churches, network groups, and native organizations. It shifts the focus of the former Project North to include justice issues for native people all over Canada and is based upon the church leaders' recent statement: "A New Covenant".
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That this National Executive Council support and participate fully in the new coalition: Project North - Ecumenical Coalition for Aboriginal Justice; and request the Program Committee to appoint two representatives from the Anglican Church of Canada to its Steering Committee. CARRIED #54-11-88
December 01, 2009 - An interview with the Rev. Patricia Sawo, a church leader and mother living with HIV in Kenya inspired Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams to entitle his World Aids Day Message A Space for Hope. Patricia says of her church "My congregation knows about my status and people in my church know that this is a place where, if they come with HIV, they can be loved." The Archbishop says "when the Church is doing its job, it is providing space for people to face themselves, to be themselves, and to cope with the future."
On my trip to Burundi in February, I saw numerous examples of that kind of space. Let me cite just two. In the heart of the city of Bujumbura there is an HIV/AIDS clinic. Above the main entrance of the administration building is a sign stating that the building was renovated though a gift of the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF) of the Anglican Church of Canada. That gift inspired other churches in the city to make contributions to expand the services of this clinic which serves teens and young adults who have been orphaned through AIDS. Most of them live on the street and their life is very rough. The clinic is a haven where they can learn about HIV/AIDS, get tested and if necessary receive treatment and counseling. As the Archbishop says, they can "face themselves, be themselves, and cope with the future."
Up in the hills, "in the bush" as Burundians say, in the village of Bitare, I and Cheryl Curtis (Executive Director of PWRDF) and Maureen Bailey (Youth Council, PWRDF) were invited to assist local people in laying the foundation stone for a new HIV/AIDS clinic. It was very humbling to kneel down and share in that work as hundreds of people looked on and sang and prayed for God's blessing on this project. The building is now complete and providing services to hundreds of people in Bitare and a number of surrounding villages. Individuals and families are feeling support and care. Lives are being changed and hope is rising like the glory of a new day.
This coming Sunday, the second in Advent, I ask that throughout the Church, prayers of special intent for those living with HIV/AIDS be included in the Prayers of the People. Pray for their caregivers and for their doctors and nurses and clergy. Pray especially for the work of the Mother's Union in Africa and their deep and steadfast commitment to helping those who are living with AIDS and those who have been widowed and orphaned through AIDS, and those who are caring for their grandchildren. Pray for those engaged in education about healthy sexuality and the prevention of AIDS. And as we pray for the eradication of the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, pray also for that "space" the Church is called to provide where people can be welcomed and free to face themselves and be themselves without fear of rejection; where through loving care and support they can cope with their future. This calling is after the very example of Our Lord who reached out and "touched" (Mark 1: 40-41) the sick with love and mercy.
I encourage one and all to pray, to support the continuing work with HIV/AIDS, and to stand with all those who are pressuring world leaders, in the words of one of the Millennium Development Goals, "to combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases." I issue this call in the name of him whose Advent sets us free, whose love brings healing and hope to all.
Bishop Morgan drew attention to the document "The New Covenant" stating that appeals have been received from native people that the Sunday before the First Minister's Conference be designated a Day of Prayer.
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That this House of Bishops respond to the request of Native leaders for the Churches to name a Day of Prayer to precede the final First Ministers' Conference to be held on March 26-27, by designating Sunday, March 22, as a Day of Prayer for Aboriginal Peoples:
And that we commend the document entitled "A New Covenant" prepared as a Pastoral Statement by leaders of the Christian Churches to be used as a focus for this Day of Prayer. CARRIED
"About 140 Circle members from 25 countries met in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from August 4th to August 8th 2002. This publication is one of a series of books that were generated by the research papers presented at that conference. The Conference theme was`Sex: Stigma and HIV/AIDS: African Women Challenging Religion, Culture and Social Practices'."-- Preface, p. xi.
"This book is the beginning of a series of Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians books published by Cluster Publications. The series is on HIV/AIDS and African Women". -- verso of half title-page.
Contents: Preface : Breaking the Silence on HIV/AIDS : The Lament of Women of Africa / Musimbi Kanyoro -- African Women of Faith Speak Out in an HIV/AIDS Era / Isabel Apawo Phiri -- Lessons on Healing from Naaman (2 Kings 5:1-27): An African-American Perspective / Cheryl Barbara Anderson -- "The Mother's Cow" : A Study of Old Testament References to Virginity in the Context of HIV/AIDS in South Africa / Patricia Frances Bruce -- Talitha Cum ! Calling the Girl-Child and Women to Life in the HIV/AIDS and Globalization Era / Musa Dube -- The Attitude of Jesus to the `Anointing Prostitute' : A Model for Contemporary Churches in the Face of HIV/AIDS in Africa / Dorcas Olubanke Akintunde -- Trapped Between Two `Canons' : African-South African Christian Women in the HIV/AIDS Era / Madipoane Masenya (ngwana' Mphahlele) -- Theological Challenges and Ecclesiological Responses to Women Experiencing HIV/AIDS : A South Eastern Zimbabwe Context / Elesinah Chauke -- Choosing to Remain Silent : Links Between Gender Violence, HIV/AIDS and the South African Church / Beverley Haddad -- South African Jewish Women and HIV/AIDS / Azila Talit Reisenberger -- Spiritual Care-giving to Women Affected by HIV/AIDS / Christina Landman -- HIV and AIDS Curriculum for Theological Institutions in Africa / Musa Dube -- Utilization of Distance Learning Methods on Combating HIV/AIDS among Rural Christian Women in Africa / Lucy Kasyoka Kithome -- "This is My Body Broken for You" : Liturgical Resources for Dealing with HIV/AIDS / Devarakshanam Betty Govinden.
Anglican contributors include Devarakshanam Betty Govinden and Beverley Haddad.
"Moving towards life without AIDS is possible, but there is much to do. As we seek to follow Christ, let us work together so that one day we can all rejoice that we live in a world without AIDS. Our church supports partners around the world working for life without AIDS. Let us follow the lead of all who struggle with HIV/AIDS and support partners by using this worship service to raise awareness of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in corporate prayer and worship. This worship service has been produced ecumenically by The Anglican Church of Canada, The Presbyterian Church in Canada, and The United Church of Canada." -- Intro., p. 4.
Contents: Introduction to Worship Service -- Partnership for Life Worship Service -- Prayer of Intercession -- Reflection : Towards Life Without AIDS.
"This book comprises the 2005 Massey Lectures, `Race Against Time', broadcast in November 2005 as part of CBC Radio's `Ideas' series".
Contents: Preface -- Acknowledgements -- I: Context: It Shames and Diminishes Us All -- II: Pandemic: My Country is On Its Knees -- III: Education: An Avalanche of Studies, Little Studying -- IV: Women: Half the World, Barely Represented -- V: Solutions: A Gallery of Alternatives in Good Faith -- Glossary.
Author is Canadian and the UN Secretary-General's special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, a commissioner on the World Health Organization's Commission on Social Determinants of Health, and director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation.
Includes bibliographical references (p. [183]-187).
"On the afternoon of a hot southern African summer day in the capital city of Zimbabwe, some 1000 participants at the eighth assembly of the World Council of Churches engaged in a deliberative session on `Ubuntu and the African kairos'. It was 8 December 1998, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the WCC. A local Zimbabwean theatre group enacted a powerful political drama entitled `A Journey of Hope'. This was the beginning -- or launch -- of a pilgrimage of conversion, commitment, and above all accompaniment. It was agreed that the focus on Africa would be one of wholehearted support for the churches and peoples of the continent. There would be an emphasis on transformation of Africa's social, political and economic systems in order to create a just society in which women and young people, too, would participate fully. Peace and reconciliation would be sought between people and communities. Everything within the church's power would be devoted to help contain and overcome the scourge of HIV and AIDS. Good governance, ethical values and stewardship would be emphasized. And the churches affirmed the rights of African children to hope for a bright future which, with all their strength and ability, they would help to create". -- back cover.
Contents: Dedication [to Dr. Aaron Tolen] -- Preface / Samuel Kobia -- A Letter to My Ancestors / Mercy Amba Oduyoye -- Journey of Hope to a New Africa -- The Origins of Pan-African Ecumenism -- Forgiveness and Healing of Memories -- Reconstruction of Africa -- Health and Spirituality of Africa -- The Quest for Justice and Human Dignity -- Renewing African Ecumenism -- New Ecumenical Thresholds -- The Gift of African Women -- Appendix One: African Ecumenical Covenants -- Appendix Two: Statements on Africa from WCC Central and Executive Committees -- Acknowledgements -- Abbreviations and acronyms -- Bibliography.
"Mercy Amba Oduyoye, from Ghana, founded the Circle of Concerned African Women Theologians and is the first African woman from south of the Sahara to have served as deputy general secretary of the World Council of Churches. The essays in this volume describe the key contributions she has made to African theology in our time, and then apply her insights to issues of scripture, health and poverty, and women as peacemakers". -- back cover.
Contents divided into five main parts: Celebrating Mercy Amba Ewudziwa Oduyoye -- African Women, the Bible and Health -- Women as Traditional Healers in Africa -- African Women's Experiences of Health and Healing, Endurance and Peacemaking -- Postscript.
Contents: Acknowledgements -- Preface / Elizabeth Amoah -- Introduction : "Treading Softly but Firmly": African Women, Religion and Health / Isabel Apawo Phiri and Sarojini Nadar -- Part I: Celebrating Mercy Amba Ewudziwa Oduyoye -- 1. Beads and Strands: Threading More Beads in the Story of the Circle / Musimbi R.A. Kanyoro -- 2. Mercy Amba Oduyoye: Wise Woman Bearing Gifts / Letty M. Russell -- 3. Let's Celebrate the Power of Naming / Nyambura J. Njoroge -- Part II: African Women, the Bible and Health -- 4. "Texts of Terror": The Conspiracy of Rape in the Bible, Church, and Society: The Case of Esther 2:1-8 / Sarojini Nadar -- 5. Women and Health in Ghana and the Trokosi Practice: An Issue of Women's and Children's Rights in 2 Kings 4:1-7 / Dorothy B.E.A. Akoto -- Part III: Women as Traditional Healers in Africa -- 6. Dealing with the Trauma of Sexual Abuse: A Gender-based Analysis of the Testimonies of Female Traditional Healers in KwaZulu-Natal / Isabel Apawo Phiri -- 7. Adinkra !: Four Hearts Joined Together: On Becoming Healing-Teachers of African Indigenous Religion/s in HIV and AIDS Prevention / Musa W. Dube -- 8. Women as Healers: The Nigerian (Yoruba) Example / Dorcas Olubanke Akintunde -- Part IV: African Women's Experiences of Health and Healing, Endurance and Peacemaking -- 9. Women, Poverty, and HIV in Zimbabwe: An Exploration of Inequalities in Health Care / Sophia Chirongoma -- 10. Women and Peacemaking: The Challenge of a Non-Violent Life / Susan Rakoczy -- 11. Stand Up and Walk, Daughter of My People: Consecrated Sisters of the Church / Sr. M. Bernadette Mbuy Beya -- 12. From Mere Existence to Tenacious Endurance: Stigma, HIV/AIDS and a Feminist Theology of Praxis / Denise M. Ackermann -- 13. Navigating Experiences of Healing: A Narrative Theology of Eschatological Hope as Healing / Fulata Lusungu Moyo -- Part V: Postscript -- 14. Daughters of Ethiopia: Constructing a Feminist Discourse in Ebony Strokes / Ogbu U. Kalu -- Contributors.
"This book is the first of a two-part series which deals with the African churches and HIV/AIDS. The second part, 'Acting in Hope: African Churches and HIV/AIDS 2', is also published as a Risk Book". -- Acknowledgements.
"The church in Africa is called upon to live out the positive attitude toward travellers that is found in African societies. It must express solidarity with people living with HIV. It must engage in accompaniment. It must travel with people living with HIV and be sensitive to their rights and needs. Crucially, it must break down barriers between 'us' and 'them'. A church 'with friendly feet' walks alongside those affected by HIV. It courageously proclaims that it is a church living with HIV and AIDS. It refuses to throw stones (John 8:1-11) and recognizes that the gospel compels us Christians to love without limits". -- Intro.
Contents: Acknowledgements -- Introduction -- The Church in Africa: An Overview -- A Weakened Response to HIV/AIDS -- Churches with Friendly Feet -- Churches with Anointed Hands -- Conclusion.
Author "serves as Theology Consultant for the Ecumenical HIV and AIDS Initiative in Africa (EHAIA)." -- back cover.
"Written and edited by Ed Bianchi, Maura Hanrahan, Jennifer Henry, Shannon Neufeldt, and Chuck Wright". p. iv.
"The article, 'Understanding Treaty as Covenant', was graciously provided by Stan McKay". -- p. iv.
"'In Peace and Friendship' is a response to those who faith or conscience compels them to understand more deeply the struggles of Aboriginal peoples in Canada. It provides an opportunity, particularly for non-Aboriginal people, to open themselves to a new perspective by exploring a relationship with the original inhabitants of this land that recognizes their unique nationhood. .... [It] is an educational resource for groups of youth or adults, within a congregation, a regional church body or as an open community event. There are five sessions. This resource could be used as a series of weekly workshops for a local group or linked together for a 2-day conference or retreat. The first and fifth sessions assume a Christian perspective". -- p. i.
Contents: [Prefatory Material i.e.] Purpose -- Uses -- Facilitators -- Format -- Before You Begin -- Terminology -- Table of Contents -- A New Relationship: Contextual Article -- Session 1: Renewing the Covenant -- Faithful to God's Covenant: Theological Reflection -- Session 2: Nation to Nation -- A Continent of Nations: Background Article -- Session 3: Collective Rights -- In Common: Background Article -- Session 4: A Case in Point -- Reclaiming Land in Caledonia: Background Article -- Session 5: Churches in Solidarity ? -- The Churches' Role in Recognizing Aboriginal Rights: Background Article.