Over the last several months, our associates’ community has repeatedly been touching on the theme of “the church outside the walls,” having inaugurated a year of events last May with a visit from theologian and priest Sam Wells. A sub-theme, taken from one of Wells’ recent books, is “humbler church, bigger God.”
Both of those themes were evident at the February 6th online webinar featuring Archbishops Linda Nicholls and Anne Germond, and Bishop Victoria Matthews. Dean Chris Brittain facilitated the conversation as the three episcopal leaders reflected on the Anglican Church of Canada and their ministries within it, in changing and often challenging times. The planning committee rejoiced at seeing a strong response to the event, with over 200 participants logging in from across the country.
A frequent concept that was revisited throughout the webinar was “disruption” — those surprises that can be unsettling and even disturbing — such as incidences of arson, the 2011 New Zealand earthquake, the COVID-19 pandemic, or tensions that play into human pain and polarization. While not denying the reality of challenges and tragedies, the panel gave several examples of grace in the midst of difficulty and loss, and unexpected opportunities to follow God’s will, and live out our faith in new ways, often connecting with those beyond our walls. The ‘Cardboard Cathedral’ that was erected following the Christchurch earthquake is one such example, where its uniqueness and ability to reflect and radiate light made it something of a pilgrimage destination.
Ecumenism featured prominently in several recollections as examples of God’s Spirit calling us beyond our well-worn ways. Archbishop Nicholls’ 2016 seating as Bishop of Huron — in a United Church, due to safety issues at the Anglican cathedral — was one such example. Archbishop Germond shared about eucharistic hospitality extended by the Roman Catholic Church toward Anglicans in remote areas in northern Ontario, where the challenge of closed roads in the snowy months opened up previously-unknown openness and affirmation.
The panelists also reflected upon instances of being called to occupy situations of sensitivity and uncertainty. Examples included humbly entering into relationship and dialogue with Indigenous communities, engaging with political leaders (which, depending on the situation, might be pastoral, or prophetic), and responding to profound tragedy. The episcopal leaders counselled the audience to ground such actions in prayer and thoughtfulness, to expect opposition, to be aware of one’s own ego, and to communicate with intentionality and wisdom. Bishop Matthews noted that there appears to be an increasing curiosity about the Church in the world. We may not have the same power and influence, but there is something intriguing about the Christian community that can lead to unexpected interactions with the wider world. The Spirit of God is indeed active, both within, and beyond, the walls of our buildings. Thanks be to God!
By the Rev’d Matthew Kieswetter
Watch the recording of this fascinating panel on the Trinity College YouTube Channel