These boots are made for walking …together See p. 4

July 7, 2013 joint assembly Daily

Water was both a symbol and the focus of a prayer service on Parliament Hill. Photo: the rev. monika wiesner

cat’s gracious lutheran eyes volunteers generosity Whose cat watches his What would we do Help for master on a webcast? without them? flood victims 2 3 11 Quote Today’s of the Day

Instagram “How wonderful it is to be able assignment to leave here together feeling like we’re coming back to Farewells wholeness.” #farewells —ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson in her closing remarks to the delegates at their 14th #jointassembly Biennial National Convention #anglicanjournal

simon chambers Yesterday’s Friday’s caption winners Instagram On the last day, we have a three-way tie for assignment the caption contest. Onthehill 1. Father, Son and Holy Spiggot Yesterday’s poll results —Sarah Chandler. Do you wish this Joint 2. The only form of resource extraction we Assembly was longer? can agree on. —Bill Clarke 3. Now at Joint Assembly—nose piercing. 38% Yes 62% No —Christine Hills

joint assembly trina gallop Daily

is a publication of the Anglican Journal supported by Canada Lutheran The Joint Assembly Daily is published daily on July 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, 2013, distributed at 8:00 am at the plenary hall door. amy hamilton An alternate delivery schedule will be observed on July 6. ‘Fred’s good!’ Extra copies, if available, at the Anglican Journal booth, #112, The primatial cat, Mr. Tim, watches a in the display area. Ashley Moore live stream of the Joint Assembly at the Editor: Hiltz family home in Scarborough. Archdeacon A. Paul Feheley The editor welcomes your comments: editor @national.anglican.ca Cell: (416) 451-8474 AJ or drop your comments off at the Anglican Journal booth On our WEBSITE On TWITTER On FACEBOOK On INSTAGRAM anglicanjournal.com @anglicanjournal /anglicanjournal @anglicanjournal

2 Joint Assembly—

Comments

from the floor

The smiling faces that make it all run smoothly. Left to right: the Rev. Rick Durrett, Dominique Boucher, Cathy Kochendorfer, Maureen Gibson and Allan Liimatainen. Photos: diana swift Volunteers extraordinaire photo: Diana swift

Shane Bengry and Sean Beahan Unsung heroes of Joint Assembly The two strikingly garbed clergy, both with hey’ve been training for weeks. making a historic convention work smooth- the department of communications in the Some are local, others from out of ly. Sister Anne Keffer, a retired Lutheran , mix and mingle during town. They are Lutherans and An- deacon from New Hamburg, Ont., recon- an evening break. “Joint Assembly is very glicans,T clergy and nected with her old friend Deaconess Aggie exciting,” says Bengry. “Even in the mundane laity, young and old. Casselman. “I hadn’t seen Aggie since dea- detail work of motions, which may seem They are the roughly coness training in the early 1960s,” she says. boring, you feel the love of the Holy Spirit 100 volunteers who Meet Dominique Boucher, an Anglican moving. There’s so much friendship and co- help run the complex from Toronto, and Allan Liimatainen, an operation. And it’s great to spend time with machine that is Joint Ottawa-based Lutheran. They sit together Lutherans.” —D.S. Assembly. at the registration desk, Dom handling Wi- And whatever Fi access, Allan handling registration. “It’s their background, “We all share been fantastic,” says Dom. “People are very Comments they work as one. the common understanding and never get angry, even “We all share the goal of having when they have struggles with Wi-Fi.” Adds from the Hill common goal of hav- every delegate Allan: “The registration has been so well ing every delegate and visitor leave planned that I’ve never had more than [a with a positive and visitor leave with few] people lining up at one time. People experience of a positive experience love the venue.” their time here.” of their time here,” For Lutheran Cathy Kochendorfer, vol- —Jamie Tomlinson, says Jamie Tomlin- co-chair of the Joint unteering as an usher was a way to add son, co-chair of the Local Arrangements another dimension to attending Joint As- Joint Local Arrange- Committee. sembly with her husband, Larry, a bishop in ments Committee. Edmonton. photo: Diana swift He and his colleagues have been planning Adds usher Maureen Gibson, a retired logistics for a year and a half. Bell Canada employee who lives in Ottawa, Steve Martin Volunteers meet and greet at the airport “It’s a good way of extending the volunteer and drive delegates to their hotels. They are work I already do for my home parish.” Hailing from the town of Mayo, Yukon, Mar- ushers, directing attendees around the vast The Rev. Rick Durrett, rector of Ot- tin added Celtic sartorial flair to Saturday Ottawa Convention Centre, and help them tawa’s Church of the Resurrection and lead morning’s event on the Hill. A member of the navigate the details of registering and get- usher, greets people as they approach the Anglican parish of St. Mary’s With St. Mark ting access to Wi-Fi. Volunteer stewards escalator in the convention centre. “I felt Mayo in the , Martin came help in the Joint Assembly Office, assist at this was a historic meeting and I wanted to to the public witness gathering because wa- sessions and help prepare for the banquet. be part of welcoming people to Ottawa,” he ter is such a contentious issue in Yukon. “A They’re also part of the set-up and take- says. lot of communities don’t have a safe water down crews. And welcomed people did feel, thanks to supply, and it’s going to get worse with all the Sometimes volunteer work pays off in the volunteers. They can be justly proud of northern mining projects and damming for ways over and above the satisfactions of their hard work. —Diana Swift electric power,” he says. —D.S.

3 General Synod— Historic joyful moment

‘We are being called to go where no church has gone before’

ishop Lydia Mamakwa wiped away tears of joy, while Arch- bishop and Archbishop Fred Hiltz swayed as a hymn was sung, minutes after General Synod on July 6 gave itsB unanimous concurrence to the creation of an indigenous diocese in northern . “This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad,” a beaming Hiltz said as members gave a standing ovation and extended applause when the resolution passed. Approval of Resolution B001 means that the will cease to operate on Dec. 31, 2014, but will continue as a legal entity until Sept. 30, 2015, at which time Ashdown will end his term as diocesan bishop and metropolitan of the of Rupert’s Land. Other remaining parts of Keewatin will be “rede- ployed” to other dioceses. The diocese of Rupert’s Land has agreed to absorb Keewatin’s southern region churches. This means “there will be no increase in the number of dioceses,” states the resolution. Prior to the vote, several representatives of the diocese offered reflections about the resolution. Walking together photo: Art Babych “This is a historic moment,” said the Rev. Amos Winter, from King- fisher Lake, Ont. “God is surely in control and he has guided this mo- as a gift. The primate promised to wear them as a sign of the church’s ment…We are being called to go where no church has gone before… commitment “to walk together” with indigenous Anglicans. He paid Let us unite as the people of God.” tribute to Mamakwa’s leadership, describing it as “so inspiring and ef- The new northern Ontario diocese—whose name will be deter- fective.” He noted her capacity to engage with both elders and youth. mined by aboriginal elders and other church and community mem- Hiltz also paid tribute to Ashdown, calling him “a courageous lead- bers in September—will cover 16 communities be- er…[who] worked so hard for this day to come.” longing to Treaty 9 around Kingfisher Lake, north of Sioux Lookout. In an interview, Ashdown noted that the resolution also passed Mamakwa, who was elected in 2010, is the current area bishop. unanimously at the diocesan and provincial levels. “That says it’s very There was a standing ovation and extended applause when the much the will of God. The spirit is moving, and the church recognizes resolution was passed. Mamakwa embraced Hiltz, primate of the An- the work of the Spirit,” he said. glican Church of Canada, and presented him with a pair of moccasins —Marites N. Sison, Anglican Journal Five recommended resolutions passed

Improvements to continuing education and long-term disability plans

ishop Phillip Poole, chairman of the and some are housekeeping details,” said ment to address the large unfunded liabil- Anglican Church of Canada’s pension Poole, of the diocese of Toronto. The plans ity in the church’s pre-2005 long-term dis- committee,B introduced resolutions on the are domiciled in Ontario. All the resolu- ability plan. It allows for the purchase of an church’s pension and continuing education tions, A180 through A184, were carried. insurance product to cover the liability, and plans. The five resolutions, recommended Resolution A180 concerns an applica- for a church administrator to work with the by the trustees, were previously presented tion to register the church’s continuing insurance carrier to manage claimants. to the pension committee and the Council education plan as a charitable organization Bishop Poole expressed gratitude to the of General Synod. to ensure that funds disbursed to recipients trustees and to Judy Robinson, director of “Most of the changes relate to compli- will have tax-free status. pensions. ance with changes in provincial pension law, Resolution A184 involves an amend- —Diana Swift, Anglican Journal

4 General Synod—

Delegates line up to express opinions on marriage canon. Photo: art babych Marriage canon controversial

Same sex vote slated for 2016

eneral Synod on July 6 approved ber of the clergy, bishop, congregation or di- We have to choose between obedience to a resolution that will bring the is- ocese should be constrained to participate the church and what we believe is obedi- sue of same-sex marriage to a vote in or authorize such marriages against the ence to God…” atG the meeting dictates of their conscience.” Bob Durham, , de- of the Anglican It also sets additional criteria contained scribed the resolution as “prematurely Church of Can- in amendments introduced by diocese of conceived,” saying that what the church ada’s governing Algoma Bishop Stephen Andrews and has debated in past General Synods was body in 2016. Peter Elliott, diocese of New Westminster. the blessing of same-sex marriage and not At its trien- The amendments, approved by a vote, state same-sex marriage itself. “One is a pastoral nial meeting that the 2016 motion should include sup- response; the other would be a sacramental here, General porting documentation that: rite,” said Durham. “Blessings are not the Synod passed • “demonstrates broad consultation in its same thing as marriage.” Resolution preparation; Leona Moses, , spoke C003, asking Algoma Bishop Stephen • explains how this motion does not con- out against the motion and said she was the Council of Andrews introduced travene the Solemn Declaration; representing the views of all six Anglican General Synod amendments to the • confirms immunity under civil law and churches on the Six Nations Reserve. She to prepare and original motion. the Human Rights Code for those bish- explained that, “Traditionally, we look to present a mo- Photo: Art Babych ops, dioceses and priests who refuse to seven generations before we make up our tion to change the church’s Canon 21 on participate in or authorize the marriage minds about what we should or should not marriage “to allow the marriage of same- of same-sex couples on the basis of con- do today.” sex couples in the same way as opposite sex science; and The resolution was voted upon twice, couples.” • provides a biblical and theological ratio- after the primate Archbishop Fred Hiltz, ac- Moved by the diocese of Nova Scotia nale for this change in teaching on the knowledged that he had made a procedural and Prince Edward Island members Mi- nature of Christian marriage.” error. chelle Bull and Jennifer Warren, the motion Several members stood up to speak for Some members pointed out that Hiltz was approved by a two-thirds majority of and against the resolution. failed to ask whether the house was ready the orders of bishop, clergy and laity. Using “Those of us who believe that same-sex to close debate on the resolution. Some clickers—a handheld electronic device—25 relationships are a normal and natural part members also intended to request a vote bishops, 72 clergy and 101 laity voted in of God’s creation, and are blessed by God, by orders, but Hiltz said he was unaware of favour of the resolution; 11 bishops, 30 are having to turn away same-sex couples it. “I own that mistake,” he said, expressing clergy and 27 laity were opposed. against the dictates of our consciences,” concern that “a number of people within the The resolution asks that this motion in- said Bull. “We’re having to say no to people family are feeling angry that due process clude “a conscience clause so that no mem- when we believe God wants us to say yes. was not followed.” —Marites N. Sison

5 Joint Assembly—

brian bukowski

brian bukowski

simon chambers brian bukowski Praying on Parliament Hill

‘We need to let the government know that we are the people of this land’

undreds of Anglicans and Tower on Parliament Hill. Volunteers Church in Canada, and Lydia Mamakwa, Lutherans in Ottawa for Joint held long ribbons of turquoise cloth that area bishop for northern Ontario region. Assembly converged on Par- sparkled in the sun and cascaded down There were prayers for the rivers, for liamentH Hill on Saturday morning for a the steps like a waterfall. The ribbons people who make their living from the prayer event intended to draw attention were later carried through the crowd af- water and for people who cross oceans. to the issue of access to clean water, par- ter the service . There were also prayers for the respon- ticularly in aboriginal communities. The prayer service was led by Arch- sible use of water in urban and rural set- Led by Lutheran and Anglican youth, bishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican tings. the event gathered people into circles Church of Canada, Susan Johnson, na- Heather Werboweski, 17, from First of 12 on the walk in front of the Peace tional bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Lutheran in Winnipeg, told the Journal

6 jesse dymond

brian bukowski art babych

simon chambers

brian bukowski simon chambers jesse dymond Praying on Parliament Hill

‘We need to let the government know that we are the people of this land’

that she thinks the event will have an im- solidarity working together for the Lu- we need to let the government know that pact. “Now more people are aware that therans and the Anglicans and for every- we are the people of this land. We didn’t it’s an issue and so I hope they will more body with the native people…We all are sell anything…We shared a lot of this land consciously think about the water that treaty people…water is an issue for all of and water is also a part of that.” they use and think about the people who us, so we should all have the same rights Bishop Susan Johnson said the event don’t have the resources that we do.” and the same access to water. was “a wonderful opportunity to be on Deb Roberts, a member from Christ Bishop Adam Halkett of the diocese the Hill and to make this really significant Lutheran Church in Regina who attended of Saskatchewan said, “The water is being gesture and statement right at the foot of with her 14-month-old daughter Rowan, damaged, so it’s going to affect our grand- our nation’s capital.” said the event was a great idea. “It shows children. It’s affecting us already today, so —Leigh Anne Williams, Anglican Journal

7 General Synod— Comments from the floor

photo: diana swift Susan Seifert National indigenous guitar player, Mark MacDonald Photo: art babych

For Seifert, a lay Lutheran delegate from Hanover, Ont., attending Joint Assembly was an easy decision. “I am very interested At last! in the wider church, and this is particularly exciting because it’s an opportunity to be part of a historic event,“ she says. Can she Walking the dream of an indigenous church tell the difference between an Anglican and a Lutheran delegate? Not without see- ith Archdeacon Sid Black at indigenous ministries co-ordinator, intro- ing the colour of their lanyard, she admits. the helm, the presentation by duced a Church House video production “They’re very similar to talk to.” —D.S. the Anglican Council of Indig- capturing the spirit of the seventh Sacred enousW Peoples Circle gathering, “Walking the Dream,” held The Ven. David Edwards kicked off with a at Pinawa, Man., in August 2012. couple of rous- Indigenous people have been seeking Hailing from the ing Gospel-style to create a sovereign, self-determining diocese of Freder- tunes sung and identity within the Anglican church. “The icton, Archdeacon played by Bishop dream begins at Sacred Circle. There it is Edwards has been Mark MacDonald, put forth, it is explained, it is nurtured and deeply affected NIGP (“national it has grown,” Doctor said, adding that the by the missional indigenous guitar 2012 circle attracted more than 200 in- words and call to player”). tergeneration people, both indigenous and The audience non-indigenous. service at the as- photo: diana swift sembly. “These joined enthusias- The presentation featured a second vid- relate to my job, “he says, adding that he tically as Bishop Archdeacon Sid eo on Sacred Circle and indigenous spiritual hopes to take the missional message home Mark, in clerical Black Photo: brian values, which was produced by indigenous to his diocese, where he is parish devel- collar and fringed bukowski youth in two short days. opment officer. “I was also greatly moved buckskin jacket, Hoping that the video sends a clear by the service for the translation of the led them in “I Have Decided to Follow Je- message, co-producer Sheba McKay said, Bible into Inuktitut,” Edwards says. —D.S. sus” and “I am Satisfied with Jesus.” “We all had the same dream. Sometimes Spirits were particularly high in view our voices may not be heard, but we have a of the synod’s vote just minutes earlier in voice.” favour of the creation of a new indigenous In his reflection on past injustices, The (booth 510) diocese in the northern part of the current Bishop MacDonald said that we should not holds a draw each day. Friday’s winner is diocese of Keewatin. “This has been a glori- forget the past, but “use the past as a step- Bill Clarke from the . ous, wonderful day, all about dreaming and ping stone to a better tomorrow, to create a Bill, please pick up your prize at our booth. a vision and ,” said Black. better way of life for the church and for the Everyone else, come enter the daily draw! The Rev. Ginny Doctor, the church’s nation.” —Diana Swift, Anglican Journal

8 General Synod— CoGS

Initial meeting held

rchdeacon Michael Thompson, the national church’s general secre- tary,A underscored the importance of the work that’s before the Council of Gen- eral Synod (CoGS) at the initial meeting of its newly elected members on July 6. Faith, worship and ministry committee member Louise Peters pours oil as she discusses CoGS—the work on new baptismal liturgies. Photo: Art Babych church’s govern- ing body in between “It is both a General Synods—is challenging and “vital to the effective adventurous Revised liturgies and resources functioning of the time” national church,” said —Michael Thompson, general Thompson. The work secretary of the Faith, worship and ministry presents three new reports is made more impor- ACC. tant by the fact that he faith, worship and ministry com- said Louise Peters, the task force has been the Anglican Church of Canada is ushering in mittee gave General Synod mem- identifying liturgical needs around baptism, a period of “change and renewal,” he said. “It bers an overview of its work in the such as the need for an appropriate rite for is both a challenging and adventurous time.” pastT triennium, and three resolutions relat- an interfaith family or when a parent is not During their meeting here, General Synod, ing to its work were passed. a Christian. the church’s governing body, approved “The role of faith, worship and ministry General Synod members approved resolutions that will bring about “structural is to help Canadian Anglicans to live out three motions from the FWM committee: changes” to the church’s governance and our faith thoughtfully, prayerfully and with • Resolution A140, which asked General ministries. commitment,” said committee chair Canon Synod to receive the Final Report of the An important piece of work facing the Andrew Asbil, who compared its work to Primate’s Commission on Theological new CoGS when it officially meets in No- connective tissue in the body. Education and Formation for Presbyteral vember is the approval of a budget for Bruce Myers, the church’s co-ordinator Ministry and adopt Competencies for 2014. for ecumenical relations, highlighted a joint Theological Education for Ordination to To give members a “head start,” four tele- Christian education project with the Roman the Priesthood in the Anglican Church of conferences will be arranged with General Catholic Church in Canada and dialogue Canada. Synod treasurer Hanna Goschy and him- with the United Church of Canada on new • Resolution A141, which asked General self, said Thompson. “We want the process models of unity to which the two churches Synod to receive the Jerusalem Report to have lots of visibility,” said Thompson, might be called. on diakonia (the ministry of service) of the adding that this process will empower new Bishop said that in this Anglican-Lutheran International Commis- members to fulfill their roles effectively. triennium the ethics sub-group of the com- sion and refer it to the Joint Anglican-Lu- At its meeting, CoGS also held elections mittee has worked toward developing poli- theran Commission to co-ordinate study for various positions. Dean , dio- cies on abuse, sexual violence and screening and response. (The report has also been cese of Niagara, was elected as the church’s for ministry. presented to churches in the Anglican representative to The Episcopal Church Canon Eric Beresford spoke about the Communion and Lutheran World Federa- in the United States’ National Executive strides that have been made in building re- tion.) Council. Cynthia Haines-Turner, diocese lationships and trust between African and • Resolution A142, which asked General of Western Newfoundland, was elected North American bishops in a series of dia- Synod to receive The Church: Toward a representative to the Evangelical Lutheran logues intended to help heal divisions in the Common Vision (produced by the Faith Church in Canada’s National Church Coun- . and Order Commission, World Council cil. Melissa Greene and Bishop Jane Alexan- A liturgical task force has been work- of Churches) and commend it for study to der were elected as officers of CoGS. ing to revise common texts and to gather the Anglican Church of Canada. —Marites N. Sison, Anglican Journal new liturgies and resources . For example, —Leigh Anne Williams, Anglican Journal

9 Joint Assembly—

Comments Comments from the Hill

photo: Diana swift Comment: Lindsay Brewster

Lindsay is a Lutheran youth delegate from Surrey, BC Synod. “Before, I didn’t know that water was such a big problem in Can- ada. But after coming to this, I realize how important it is,” says Lindsay, whose home Simon chambers parish is Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Relationship What she learned at this event will help her raise awareness of this pressing issue at Toasting each other at the closing banquet, Anglicans and Lutherans celebrate four days of home. —D.S. fellowship

General Synod 2016 to be held in Toronto

he July 6 session of General Synod “media icon” mayor, Rob Ford, he said. Izzard, assistant to General Secretary Mi- 2013 ended with an expression of Archbishop Fred Hiltz then thanked chael Thompson and the Church House’s thanksT by Archbishop Colin Johnson of To- outgoing prolocutor Robert Falby, a lawyer lead staff person in planning the complex ronto to the diocese of Ottawa for hosting and canon law expert, for his many services meetings of General Synod and Council of General Synod 2013. He also invited mem- to the church. Prolocutor since 2009 and General Synod. He said that Izzard, who will bers to attend General Synod in Toronto in chancellor of the diocese of Toronto, Falby retire next spring, had “the spirit of both three years’ time. received an honorary doctorate from Trin- Martha and Mary,” the hospitality of the for- Johnson gave five tongue-in-cheek rea- ity College in May for his devotion to the mer and the devotion to Christ’s teachings sons for holding the 2016 synod in Toronto, church. The primate praised Falby’s “wis- of the latter. the most practical being that delegates have dom, wit, insight, pragmatism and deep love The closing motion of thanks was deliv- to connect through Pearson Airport anyway, of this church.” ered in the form of a prayer led by the Ven. and not the least being that “Toronto may be The newly elected prolocutor is the Ven. Ansley Tucker and Canon Gene Packwood a place you love to hate, but the Bible says to Harry Huskins of the diocese of Algoma. of the diocese of Calgary. love your enemies.” Then there’s Toronto’s Hiltz offered special thanks to Dianne —Diana Swift, Anglican Journal

The Anglican Foundation (AFC) invites you to answer a daily question The Anglican Foundation for some nifty prizes. Get a ballot from Booth 205, fill in the answer and place in Question for july 7: the basket at the AFC display table. In which dioceses are all parishes mem- Yesterday’s question: In response to Vision 2019: “to respond to human bers of The Anglican Foundation? need by loving service”, what four projects does the Foundation’s Kids Helping (Answer in tomorrow’s JOINT ASSEMBLY Kids Fund support? Answer: homework clubs, breakfast programs, palliative care, Daily.) Prize: Dinner for 2 at The summer and choir camp. Pantheon Greek Restaurant on the Winner: Elaine Young (Pick up your prize at booth 205) Danforth in Toronto. Prize: Pair of tickets to a 2013-14 regular season of the St John’s Ice Caps in NFLD and lunch or dinner for two at Ches’s Famous Fish & Chips Restaurants

10 National Convention— Delegates suport structural change

ELCIC opens door to smaller, less frequent National Conventions

he Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) has taken the first steps toward significant structural changesT aimed at cutting costs and making the denomination more nimble. Delegates to the National Convention voted 225 to 19 in favour of repealing sev- eral sections of the ELCIC’s constitution, many of them dealing with the way the de- nomination is governed and administered, with the intention of embedding them in the church’s bylaws instead. “I think it’s a strong signal of our willing- ness to move forward,” National Bishop Su- san Johnson said in an interview following the vote. “I think it feels like a church open to change.” Constitutional amendments require Lutheran delegates applaud a motion on the floor.Photo: Simon chambers the approval of two successive National Conventions, which currently meet every needs to be ratified by the next National the National Convention meet every three two years. Bylaws can be changed after one Convention in 2015, which will take place years instead of every two. reading by that legislative body. in Edmonton. Still another proposed change would “Moving more items to the bylaws al- If the constitutional change gets a sec- see the creation of a new category of lows us as a church to be able to adapt ond nod in two years, delegates can then church membership called “synodically rec- more quickly to our changing environment consider a proposal to reduce the size and ognized ministries.” Currently the only way and landscape, since bylaws are easier to frequency of the National Convention. Cur- to be an official member of the ELCIC is to amend,” states a background document rently each of the ELCIC’s 502 parishes is formally belong to an ELCIC congregation. prepared by the ELCIC’s structural renewal entitled to send at least one lay delegate The change would allow new or declining task force. to the gathering. Regionally selected pas- Lutheran communities unable to meet the Because moving the governance rules tors, diaconal ministers and youth repre- current criteria for congregational status to from the constitution to the bylaws is itself sentatives make up another 212 possible still be full ELCIC members. a constitutional amendment, the decision delegates. A related proposal would see —Bruce Myers, Anglican Journal Generosity ‘We are the Church’

Lutherans pass the hat for flood victims ‘We’re coming back to wholeness’ spontaneous offering was taken at the n emotional ELCIC National Bishop it is to be able to leave here together feeling AEL CIC’s National Convention to assist Susan Johnson concluded Saturday’s like we’re coming back to wholeness.” victims of recent flooding in southern Al- businessA session by thanking Lutheran dele- Delegates responded with a standing berta. More than $8,200 was raised in ad- gates “for coming here and being the church.” ovation. dition to $25,000 pledged by the Evangeli- “We all know the last few conventions The ELCIC’s last two National Conven- cal Lutheran Church in America when the have been very challenging and difficult,” tions were marked by a sometimes rancor- hat was passed among the approximately Johnson told delegates, choking back tears. ous debate over the blessing of same-sex 275 delegates on Saturday afternoon. The “And many of us have walked away from marriages, which the church authorized in money will support flood victims through them feeling hurt and sad and a variety of 2011, prompting about 30 congregations Canadian Lutheran World Relief. —B.M. other things, including me. How wonderful to leave the denomination. —B.M.

11 Joint Assembly— The day in photos

Here and there at Joint Assembly on July 6th

art babych

simon chambers

brian bukowski

simon chambers simon chambers simon chambers

Together for the love of the world

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