Almost 1,000 youth from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) and the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) came together in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island for the 2016 Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY), Gathering, August 17-21.

During the gathering, youth from across the country participated in fellowship, worship, Large Group Gatherings, morning "mash-ups" with Lutheran and Anglican Bishops, time for reflection, and aservant events that took them out into the community.

Throughout CLAY, speakers, a drama team, music, and ministry project built on the theme, "Not for Sale." This theme picks up the focus The Lutheran World Federation is using to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Liberated by God’s Grace: Salvation – Not for Sale, Creation – Not for Sale, Human Beings – Not for Sale. By gathering around this theme, CLAY joined in this historical commemoration and took up the challenge of living out faith in the world today.

View highlights, photos, and videos of CLAY via the following social media platforms:

Facebook: Canadian Lutheran, CLAY Gathering
Twitter: @ELCICinfo, @CLAYgathering
Instagram: CanadianLutherans, CLAYgathering
Snapchat: ELCICinfo

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 114,592 baptized members in 525 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop Blank, Director of Communications
600-177 Lombard Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 0W5
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

In the continuing spirit of full communion, the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2016 Companion of the Worship Arts (CWA).

The CWA is awarded every two years in recognition of significant contributions to the worship life of both churches. Since 2014, one Anglican and one Lutheran recipient receive the honour, recognizing ongoing inspiration and encouragement to others, and service to God, through worship, spirituality and the arts.

This year’s Anglican recipient is the Reverend Dr. Paul Gibson. As the leading force behind the development of the Book of Alternative Services, from its inception through its completion, distribution, and use, the Rev. Gibson is widely recognized as one of the most influential figures in transforming the worship life of the Anglican Church of Canada—influencing generations of Anglican leaders, preachers, musicians, and worshippers from coast to coast to coast through his commitment to liturgical renewal and reform. As a member of the Hymn Book Task Force, the Rev. Gibson helped develop Common Praise for the Anglican Church of Canada, channelling his passion and energy into a dynamic tool for engaging worshippers in their experience of God through poetry, hymnody, music, and art.

Through his work as a teacher, scholar, university chaplain, chief liturgical officer for the Anglican Church of Canada, and liturgical coordinator for the Anglican Consultative Council, the Rev. Gibson has left an indelible impact on the worship patterns of Canadian and international Anglicans and Christians. By coordinating the best talent and scholarship in the Anglican Church of Canada and drawing upon the ecumenical work of the liturgical movement, the Rev. Gibson produced foundational texts that have shaped the belief of Anglicans for more than 30 years, offering new ways of worship and prayer that nevertheless remain consistent with the church’s heritage. His work and dedication embody and have equipped many to experience and fulfill the Anglican ethos of lex orandi, lex credendi—as we pray, so we believe.

This year’s Lutheran recipient is Reverend André Lavergne. Rev. Lavergne’s contributions to worship and the arts in the ELCIC, from local parishes to the international worship community, are extensive, influential, and continuing. His involvement began early, providing leadership and vision to the beginning of worship discussions and activities in the newly formed ELCIC. That work included establishing biennial National Worship Conferences; discussions on communion of the baptized and its adoption by the ELCIC in the Statement on Sacramental Practices; serving as ELCIC representative on the Consultation on Common Texts and development of the Revised Common Lectionary (RCL) and resources; supporting implementation of the RCL in the ELCIC by developing the comprehensive resource Gathered for Worship that provided musical and liturgical resources for each Sunday and festival of the three-year lectionary; before most others, heralding computers and email for worship communication and establishing the “Lift Up Your Hearts” website at worship.ca; and establishing the Companion of the Worship Arts as a national honour.

Rev. Lavergne has served in various capacities on National and Synodical worship working groups, including National Staff for worship, and on many ecumenical worship committees. He was an ELCIC representative throughout the Renewing Worship process toward the development of Evangelical Lutheran Worship and its introduction in the ELCIC. He has written and facilitated the creation of numerous articles and essays on concerns, issues and continuing renewal of worship in the church. Rev. Lavergne now serves the ELCIC as Assistant to the National Bishop—Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, and resides in Kitchener-Waterloo.  

The CWA awards will be presented by ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson and ACC Archbishop Fred Hiltz at the 2016 National Worship Conference “FORMATION & REFORMATION: Worship, Justice and God’s Mission,” which will take place from July 24-27, 2016 at Wilfrid Laurier University in Kitchener-Waterloo. For more details, visit www.nationalworshipconference.org.

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 114,592 baptized members in 525 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop Blank, Director of Communications
600-177 Lombard Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 0W5
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada National Bishop Susan C. Johnson and Anglican Church of Canada Archbishop Fred Hiltz share 10 important (and fun!) reasons why you should attend the Anglican–Lutheran National Worship Conference being held on July 24-27 in Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont.

Check out their Top 10 video here: https://youtu.be/7KOREN3GIlU

For more information and to register for the 2016 National Worship Conference, visit http://www.nationalworshipconference.org/

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), through its partnership with Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR), issues an appeal for prayers and financial support for all those suffering loss due to the wildfires striking northern Alberta and the city of Fort McMurray in particular.

Fort McMurray firefighters are trying to save the city from a massive wildfire that has destroyed homes and businesses, and forced the largest wildfire evacuation in Alberta’s history. Tens of thousands of people have fled.

Fort McMurray will require a great deal of aid to assist individuals to rebuild their lives. Donations to the appeal will assist in the rebuilding efforts. Emergency funds received will be channeled through the city’s Lutheran churches.

Please remember the people who live in Ft. McMurray in your prayers and donations.

Donations may also be made by:

1. Making a designated offering donation through any ELCIC congregation.

2. Calling CLWR at 1.800.661.2597 (locally at 204.694.5602) to donate by credit card.

3. Sending a cheque made payable to CLWR and mailed to CLWR, 600-177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5. Please indicate that you wish to contribute to “Fort McMurray Wildfire Relief.”

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 114,592 baptized members in 525 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop Blank, Director of Communications
600-177 Lombard Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 0W5
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message

The 2015 annual report for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) is now available.

Read stories about our work as a church and how we respond together to the call to be a church In Mission for Others.

Copies of the publication are available at all Synod Convention and National events across the church this year. Individuals and congregations wishing to recieve a hard copy can request one from the National Office (orders@elcic.ca).

A PDF version is available online: https://elcic.ca/About-the-ELCIC/Overview.cfm

Members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) are invited to pray for peace for Jerusalem and the Holy Land on Sunday, May 8, 2016.

The ELCIC lifts up the 7th Sunday in Easter for this day of prayer and joins with full communion partner, the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC), who also designates the 7th Sunday in Easter to pray for peace for Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

ELCIC congregations and ministries are encouraged to use the following prayer resources from the ELCIC and ACC: https://www.elcic.ca/Calendar-of-Events/documents/JerusalemHolyLandprayers-2016.pdf

When Anglican and Lutheran youth come together for their national gathering later this summer in Charlottetown, P.E.I., they will be doing so with a sold-out crowd.

The National Planning Committee for the Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth (CLAY) gathering recently announced that the venue had reached its maximum capacity for the 2016 event and no new registrations will be accepted.

More than 950 people will attend the 2016 CLAY gathering, August 17-24, on the campus of the University of Prince Edward Island, which is the largest conference facility available for the location.

Organizers say this year’s registration is a 33% increase over the 2012 gathering in Saskatoon, Sask., and a 55% increase over final registration numbers for the 2014 CLAY gathering which took place in Kamloops, B.C.

All Home Teams who have submitted their registration have received an email confirmation. Home Team Leaders who have questions about their registration should contact the gathering registrar at CLAYregistrar2016@gmail.com. Local volunteers, gathering guests and presenters who still need to register for the event will be able to do so.

CLAY is held every two years and brings together youth from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and the Anglican Church of Canada for worship, fellowship, learning together,  engaging in issues important to youth, and a servant event that will involve the local community.

Visit claygathering.ca for more information on the event.

—————————————————————–
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 114,592 baptized members in 525 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop Blank, Director of Communications
600-177 Lombard Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 0W5
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

In an Earth Day message from Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada National Bishop Susan C. Johnson, Anglican Church of Canada Primate Fred Hiltz and Anglican Church of Canada National Indigenous Bishop Mark MacDonald, the three leaders commend to the churches and pray, for the humility and discipline to use the earth’s resources wisely and responsibly; to take action with care for those who will come after us; and to continue to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

The Rev. Mark MacDonald
National Anglican Indigenous Bishop, Anglican Church of Canada

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 114,592 baptized members in 525 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.

Seven churches and religious organizations jointly commited to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Call to Action 48 in a press conference in the Charles Lynch Room on Parliament Hill on March 30. This call urges the faith community to implement the principles, norms and standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation.

TRC Commissioner Marie Wilson responded the statement, which came a day before the deadline set by the TRC. It is the only deadline issued by the TRC in its 94 Calls to Action and it involves churches, faith groups and interfaith social justice groups.

Speaking at the press conference on behalf of the churches and religious organizations that have signed the ecumenical statement were the Right Reverend Mark MacDonald, National Indigenous Anglican Bishop. The following faith leaders were also in attendance: The Right Reverend Jordan Cantwell, Moderator, United Church of Canada, The Rev. Karen Horst, Moderator, Presbyterian Church in Canada, National Bishop Susan Johnson, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, Manuela Popovici, Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and Major Shari Russell, representing the Salvation Army.

Released in June 2015, the TRC’s Calls to Action challenge Canadians to address and overcome more than a century of systemic discrimination and abuse in the residential school system, and to create a transformed relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

The UN Declaration affirms Indigenous peoples’ human rights and emphasizes that these rights set a minimum standard for the survival, dignity and well-being of Indigenous peoples. By asserting that the Declaration is the framework for reconciliation, the TRC calls on the faith community to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation.

Read the Ecumenical Statement on the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples here: http://www.kairoscanada.org/what-we-do/indigenous-rights/churches-response-call-action-48

The ELCIC issued its statement on March 22. View the ELCIC’s statement here: https://www.elcic.ca/news.cfm?article=436

Responses from individual churches can be viewed here: http://www.kairoscanada.org/what-we-do/indigenous-rights/churches-response-call-action-48

Photos and a video of the press conference can be viewed here: http://www.kairoscanada.org/photos-video-churches-respond-call-action-48-un-declaration-rights-indigenous-peoples

In a statement issued by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), the church lifts up its commitment to implementing the values and principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and recognizes the importance of the declaration as the "framework for reconciliation."

The statement responds to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) final report issued in June 2015, which included within it 94 Calls to Action.

Call to Action #48 calls all religious denominations and faith groups to issue a statement no later than March 31, 2016 "as to how they will implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

"Our church is committed to participating in the ongoing process of reconciliation," says ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson. "This is a journey, one that we recognize requires a long-term commitment. It is my prayer that we will have the courage to use the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation."

The ELCIC’s National Church Council adopted the ELCIC Statement on Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at its March 2016 meeting.

View a pdf version of the statement here: https://www.elcic.ca/Documents/StatementonCalltoAction48.pdf

A full version of the statement follows.

ELCIC Statement on Implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
National Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, March, 2016

In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Call to Action #48, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) issues the following statement:

“We are grateful to the survivors, whose courageous witness has touched the heart of the life of our churches.”¹ We acknowledge that it is the survivors’ insistence on speaking truth that has brought us to this moment in history, and that has pointed the way to the hopeful and difficult work of reconciliation.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) recognizes the importance of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the 94 Calls to Action in the TRC Final Report.

The ELCIC recognizes the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as the framework for reconciliation. “The ELCIC endorses the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted by the UN General Assembly on 13 September 2007; and adopt the declaration as a standard for our own practice. We commit to implementing the values and principles of the declaration within the work and structures of this church.”²

As a church In Mission for Others, the ELCIC seeks to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in the following ways:

1.    As Treaty People
The ELCIC affirms that we are all treaty people. We recognize treaties as sacred covenants involving respect, commitments, and responsibilities by all parties. We affirm that recognizing and implementing Indigenous rights is essential to being the kind of society Canada strives to be. We affirm that the ELCIC’s endorsement of the declaration is a call to grow, learn, change and be transformed. “We now give you our word that our church is committed to an ongoing process of finding truth and reconciliation together. It is our hope that the sincerity of our covenant will be demonstrated in our actions and in our attitudes. We understand this to be both an urgent and a long-term commitment.”³

2.    As an Institution
The ELCIC has made the following statements:

• 2011 Convention Resolution on Encouraging Right Relationships with Indigenous Peoples
  This includes an endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
  

• 2013 Joint Assembly Declaration
  This includes an expressed commitment to free, prior and informed consent for Indigenous Peoples and to addressing issues of responsible extraction.

• 2014 Expression of Reconciliation
  This includes a commitment to a long term journey of reconciliation.

• 2015 National Convention Resolution Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery

The above statements express both a desire and a commitment to live in healthy relationships, to work for reconciliation and to transform practices.

Over the next two years, the ELCIC will review its policies, programs, and practices in order to ensure they comply with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This will include a review of investment policy to ensure compliance with the principles of free, prior and informed consent.

3.    As Learner and Educator
The ELCIC believes we have much to learn about right relations, reconciliation and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.

As a learner, the ELCIC will seek and accept invitations to be part of discussions that help us to understand more deeply how to respect Indigenous rights.

At least once a year for the next three years, the National Church Council will learn more about reconciliation and Indigenous rights through an education session at one of its meetings. We encourage synod councils, congregations and their councils to do the same locally and contextually.

As an educator, the ELCIC will raise awareness of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples among its congregations and members. We will encourage all members to participate in discussions that help deepen understanding, and we will post a list of resources to support the educational process.

We will do this ecumenically whenever possible and will use the resources of our partners in learning and educating.

The ELCIC will work with our schools and seminaries to determine how an understanding of Indigenous rights and history will help in the education and formation of leaders.

4.    As an Advocate
The ELCIC will advocate for the implementation of all the TRC Calls to Action.

“Above all, we welcome the Commissioners’ Calls to Action as providing the basis for a wide and transformative conversation among Canadians about the better future we intend to foster, not just for Indigenous Peoples, but for all of us who long to live in a society grounded in right relationships and equity.

“We will continue to share in the work of healing and reconciliation, respectfully following the leadership of Indigenous communities and leaders, and to offer leadership among non-Indigenous Canadians where that is appropriate.”⁴

5.    As Pastoral and Spiritual Care Provider
Spiritual care is part of life in community as church. The ELCIC feels called to be in prayerful and supportive solidarity with those who are making healing journeys. Recognizing that we have benefitted from our colonial history and identity, the ELCIC commits to offering care in appropriate ways and at appropriate times. We believe that prayer, worship, scriptures, listening, empathy, spiritual care and theological reflection can support healing journeys. We affirm that giving up colonial domination and attitudes is one type of healing journey.

“May the Creator guide us as we continue in the work of healing, justice, and right relations for the generations it will take to address that harm ‘and guide this country on a new and different path.’ (Remembering the Children prayer, 2008)”⁵

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¹ Response of the Churches to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, June 2, 2015.
http://www.anglican.ca/tr/response-of-the-churches-to-the-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada/
² 2011 ELCIC National Convention (NC-2011-22).
³ 2014 Bishop Susan Johnson, presentation of the ELCIC’s Expression of Reconciliation at the Edmonton Truth and Reconciliation National Event.
⁴ Response of the Churches to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, June 2, 2015.
http://www.anglican.ca/tr/response-of-the-churches-to-the-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada/
⁵ Response of the Churches to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, June 2, 2015.
http://www.anglican.ca/tr/response-of-the-churches-to-the-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-of-canada/

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The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada is Canada’s largest Lutheran denomination with 114,592 baptized members in 525 congregations. It is a member of the Lutheran World Federation, the Canadian Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches.

Material provided through ELCIC Information is intended for reproduction and redistribution by recipients in whatever manner they may find useful.

For more information, please contact:
Trina Gallop Blank, Director of Communications
600-177 Lombard Ave. Winnipeg MB R3B 0W5
204.984.9172
tgallop@elcic.ca

Subscribe or unsubscribe to ELCIC Information by emailing info@elcic.ca with a short message.