“If there’s no justice in this, then why are we doing this?….You can scan and do all the research you want but there needs to be justice at the end of the day.”
( ― Charlie Thompson, member of Ditidaht First Nation and Alberni Indian residential institution survivor )
Friends in Justice,
The initial findings from Port Alberni are grim. Records of 67 children who never made it home, 17 suspected graves at minimum. These are far from simply numbers, they tell of lives erased, families, communities and cultures torn apart, painful impacts that are still felt today. They also tell of the ongoing need for the United Church of Canada, which ran the Alberni residential institution from the mid-1920s until it closed in the mid-60s, to step up in response. “If they can do what they did in running this school” said Wahmeesh (Ken Watts), the elected chief councillor of c̓išaaʔatḥ (Tseshaht) First Nation, “they need to step up and create a safe space for [survivors] to come back and heal.” Survivors have also called for the churches and agencies involved to revisit previous apologies in light of new findings. As we, the people of the United Church of Canada, struggle with remorse and strive to better live into our faith, our work is far from done. In the words of Moderator Carmen Lansdowne, we continue our commitment “to live into our Apologies, to be accountable, and to further the work of truth and reconciliation in concrete acts of justice and reparation.”
Blessings,
— Jane Dawson (she/her)
We would like to uplift the prayers of the Right Reverend Carmen Lansdowne after the Phase One findings at the Alberni residential institution, one for Indigenous Peoples, and one for the non-Indigenous Church. They can be found here.
NEWS
First United’s Lenten 2023: Truth-Telling Calendar
As we approach the Season of Lent, First United Spiritual Care Team focuses on truth-telling in our Truth & Reconciliation journey.The attached Lenten Calendar 2023 will guide you during Lent, focusing on Call to Action #60. Some days have more than one link for you to click. On some Sundays, the link encourages you to share your story with First United. Some days are more difficult than others. But all of the days help us focus on Truth & Reconciliation.
PALESTINE
Join PalNet Pacific
PalNet Pacific is a network created by individuals living in the Pacific Mountain Region of the United Church of Canada. We are a Regional Chapter of the United Network for Justice and Peace in Palestine and Israel (UNJPPI). Through our education and advocacy activities, we strive for justice and equity for all people living in Palestine and Israel. You can like us on Facebook @PalNetPacific and/or sign up for our email list at PalNetPacific@gmail.com
And check out this PalNet event:
Pacific Mountain Town HallThe first Town Hall of Lent, with Acting Executive Minister Victoria Andrews, joined by Chinook Winds Indigenous Minister Rev. Tony Snow.
Rev. Tony Snow is a member of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation. He grew up on Treaty No. 7 land at Morley, Alberta, where his father Dr. Rev. Chief John Snow Sr. attended the Morley Indian Residential School. As a Traditional Knowledge Keeper, minister and consultant, Tony has worked for decades in public engagement and government relations, bringing awareness and healing to communities of faith and Indigenous peoples, as a continuation of his father’s and grandfather’s work. Tony will be talking about the 40 Days of Reconciliation.
As always, worship, regional updates and opportunities for connection will be part of today’s Town Hall as well. We look forward to seeing you soon!Wednesday, March 8, 20231pm Pacific / 2pm MountainZoom link here.
News From Affirm United
Affirm United is looking for a new Executive Director!
The Applicant will be experienced in organizational transformation, change management, development, and implementation of five-year plan, taking in to account current structures, processes, and people along with financial capacity and what needs to change to ensure Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble continues to meet the challenge of its growing mission.
Full job posting here.
Meet (or re-meet) our western Affirming Ministries Coordinator!
“My name is Eli (EE-lye) Carter-Morgan and I use they-them pronouns. I am here to re-introduce myself as the western Affirming Ministries Co Ordinator. I have had the honour of serving in this role since 2016, but a re-introduction is needed as I am going by a new name and pronouns.
I also hope that this time can be a learning experience for those of you who have never experienced working with someone with a non-binary identity. I am happy to answer any questions or be a part of any local (Edmonton) or online panels if that is helpful.”
Check out their full message here!
We want your Pride photos!
With an eye towards updating the Affirming Ministry section of the Pacific Mountain Region’s Justice Ministry site, we’d like to encourage you to submit photos celebrating Pride and Affirmation from your Community of Faith!
Additionally, if you attended the 2022 AGM & Affirming Celebration in Prince George, we’d especially love any photos you have!
Send them to Alexandra (she/her), at abarr@united-church.ca
Rev. Barry Morris of Longhouse Ministry has lawn signs and bumper stickers available – these can be picked up from the Longhouse Ministry (604 254-4531 / 2595 Franklin St., V5K 1X5) almost any time and any day.
How Can You Help?
On these days, engage with your local politicians, members of parliament (MP), municipalities, or provincial representatives by:
- Meeting with them
- Gathering outside their offices
- Attending a town council meeting
- Inviting the politicians in for a GLI-focused service (could be a great photo op for them)
For a sample vigil format and other resources, check out the GLI Downloads.
Find out more about GLI & getting involved here.
EVENTS
“Faithful Climate Conversations” is a free, online series offered by the PMRC Justice Network, and drawing from the multi-denominational, Canada-wide “For the Love of Creation” discussion resources. You can still register for the second series!
- In four parts, it’s offered March 9, 16, 23, 30, from 7-8:30pm Pacific. Register here!
Find out more here!
For a poster you can print out and share with your congregation, click here!
Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) – First United: You Can Still Donate!
Pictured: Blair Galston (Regional Archivist) Alexandra Barr (Reception & Administrative Support for Justice Network and Indigenous Ministries) Lindsay Veenstra (First Third Ministry Animator), Marina Lecian (Office Manager & Pastoral Relations Coordinator), & Rev. Aaron Miller (Campus Minister: UBC), the Pacific Mountain Region staff who attended the Coldest Night of the Year Saturday, February 25th, in support of First United Church.
First United is 95% of the way towards its goal, and donations are still accepted until the end of the month! Click anywhere here for the link to donate.
Give it up for the Earth – Lent
As in past years, For the Love of Creation is partnering with Citizens for Public Justice on “Give it up for the Earth,” a Lenten initiative. This annual campaign runs from February 22 – April 8 (Easter), pledging personal actions and supporting FLC’s advocacy goals from COP 27. A webinar on Biodiversity and COP 15 will also be held in March. Sign up to CPJ’s newsletter for updates. Resources for Give it for the Earth 2022 are available.
PIE Day (also known as National Affirming Day) is an annual opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to upholding the values of P.I.E. — Public, Intentional, and Explicit — in our Affirming, Welcoming, or Inclusive congregations and communities.
This year, we’re challenging you to think about the meaning behind the I in PIE. How intentional are you in the welcome you extend to 2SLGBTQ+ and other marginalized folks? And more importantly, are your intentions pointing you in the direction of action?
Join our panel of experts for a rich discussion and be inspired on what actions you and your community can take for this Year of Intention!
5pm Pacific / 6pm Mountain, register here.
Water and Plastics: What We Can Do
Our climate is in crisis, the issues so overwhelming we can become paralyzed in our response. Join this more than timely workshop on March 27th, from 7 to 8:30 PM via ZOOM. The speakers are passionate workers in the field from whom we can not only learn what has and is being done to change current realities but what we can effectively do personally and collectively to make a difference.
The BC Synod (Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada) and the Climate Justice Action Group (CJAG) would like to invite the United Church to join them!
Pre-registration link here or click above image.
Earth Week 2023 – Together for the Love of Creation
During the week of April 16 – 23, engage in a climate justice activity…praying, learning, acting.
Coming together for the love of creation is a way to connect, grow, listen, inspire hope and affect change. Your activity could be visibly joining a community-wide event or creating something new. This is a chance to reach out to other faith communities and neighbours in your climate justice initiatives.Read more.
The John Albert Hall Lecture series happens May 4-6 (what a great weekend to be in Victoria!) Check out more details hereFeaturing:
- Carmen Lansdowne, Moderator of the United Church of Canada
- John G. Stackhouse, Jr., Professor of Religious Studies, Crandall Univ.
- Kathy Chan, UVic Law Professor and Acting Director of the CSRS
OPPORTUNITIES IN JUSTICE
Come and See Pilgrimage to Palestine and Israel – New October 2023 Dates
Rev. Marianna Harris and George Bartlett (former Ecumenical Accompanier) invite you to come on a pilgrimage to see for yourself what is happening in Palestine and Israel. Visit key holy places while reflecting on God’s vision of peace and shalom. The program will be facilitated by the Sabeel Center in Jerusalem, a Mission & Service partner. Details here!
Ecumenical Accompanier, World Council of Churches – Palestine and Israel, 2023
The United Church of Canada is seeking two individuals to serve as Ecumenical Accompaniers between June 2023 and March 2024, each for a period of three months. Created in 2002 in response to an appeal from local church leaders, EAPPI(opens in a new tab) is an ecumenical response to create an international presence to contribute towards the realization of a just peace in Palestine and Israel. More here.
National Muslim Christian Liaison Committee
The National Muslim Christian Liaison Committee fosters open dialogue, mutual respect and builds long-lasting friendships and cooperation between Christians and Muslims. We are currently seeking one United Church of Canada representative at this time. More here.
Minister, Social Justice/Partner Program Director-Southwest Ont. RC/Five Oaks
The Regional Councils of Southwest Ontario of The United Church of Canada and Five Oaks Centre is seeking an individual to fill the role of Minister, Social Justice/Partner Program Director on a full-time basis (35 hours per week) for a two-year term. More here.
CONTACT US
If you’re interested in the work of the Justice Ministries, we would love to hear from you.Have you come across articles and events in our community that you’d love to share? Please get your suggestions in by Thursday at noon to ensure they make it in the newsletter.
Want to subscribe? Click here, and check off the box labeled ‘JUSTICE NETWORK’.