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Remember: God Loves the World  
Part 2

This is ‘Part-2' of a three-part series from the ‘Faith & Leadership’ article by Peter Storey, on the topic of ‘Reconciliation, Justice, Missions & Community’.

Today, in summary, Peter Storey responds to this question (from Faith & Leadership):

'What’s your advice about sustaining justice movements when oppression feels overwhelming and insurmountable.'

To rephrase Peter Storey, and bring things into our context in Canada, we could ask,

‘What does it mean to obey Jesus in this time of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada?’

Storey would respond, he (discovered) became aware of the following four principles:

  • Be a truth-teller without fear.
    At the beginning the Truth and Reconciliation journey, Bishop Logan encouraged us, the clergy and laity of the Diocese of British Columbia, to engage in the whole process.

    For me, this would be to attend the local, regional, and provincial locations to hear the story. What was important, as I listened, was for those telling their story that they could feel safe, without fear.

Storey says:

“If they/ we want to save their/ our soul. It’s for their/ our sake that they/ we need to do the journey into the places of pain.”

  • Bind up the broken.
    Part of our baptismal covenant is to bind up the broken; those who are suffering the most.

  • Live the alternative.
    We need to ensure our churches reflect the ‘theology of God’ in inclusiveness of race, creed, and colour. Our places of worship must be welcoming, and places to which people can come without fear of rejection.

  • Join Jesus in the energy for change in your/ our country.
    To quote Peter Storey, “We should very humbly seek a place among other people of faith, of other faiths, of no faith, of different approaches, if you like, who seek justice.”

Join in ecumenical and community programs for justice and reconciliation.

Next week, I will conclude with ‘Our Next Moves’.

Blessings for this week,
Archdeacon Brian+