Anglican Council of Indigenous People (ACIP) Report (#012-08-01-03) : A Plan of Anglican Work in Support of a New Partnership between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Anglicans "A New Agape"
The Working Document: A Plan of Anglican Work in Support of a New Partnership between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Anglicans "A New Agape", (Appendix A) was presented by Mrs. Verna Firth, Ms. Donna Bomberry, Mrs. Grace Delaney, Dr. Susan Moxley, Dr. Eleanor Johnson and Archdeacon Jim Boyles. It was noted that ACIP, after lengthy discussion, had removed the word "reconciliation" from the title, preferring at this time "a walking in partnership". Dr. Eleanor Johnson stressed that the "New Agape" is a working (or planning) document to be changed and added to - not a final work.
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That the Council of General Synod commend to the Church the Working Document of the "Plan of Anglican Work in Support of a New Partnership between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Anglicans in Canada "A New Agape." CARRIED #19-03-01
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[Text of "A New Agape" NOT included in electronic database.]
Pointing the way toward an improved relationship with the Anglican aboriginal peoples of Canada, a looseleaf binder called "A New Agape" has been produced and about 1,000 copies distributed so far.
"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.
Ms. Cynthia Haines Turner and Dean Nicholas Parker presented the report of the Mission Coordination Group noting that `The New Agape' and anti-racism had been added to its mandate for the triennium.
Dr. Ellie Johnson and Ms. Donna Bomberry outlined the Binder Project. The concept is to collect materials, translate (if necessary) and assemble it into binders, which would be made available to dioceses and to those within networks to ensure as wide a distribution as possible. In loose-leaf form, the material could be easily updated on an ongoing basis and would be readily accessible to the many indigenous communities that do not have access to email and databases.
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That this Council of General Synod affirm the Binder Project and designate the Mission Co-ordination Group responsible for the co-ordination of the project. CARRIED #18-11-01
Because of the travel disruptions following the September 11, 2001 attacks, only two of the five Canadian indigenous network members made it to the meeting in Cairns, Australia.
That the Council of General Synod request the General Secretary to forward the Working Document - "Plan of Anglican Work in Support of a New Partnership Between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Anglicans - A New Agape" to dioceses for their study, reflection and action. CARRIED #45-03-01