A book that was commissioned as a tribute to Archbishop Michael Peers, former primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, has just been published. More Than I Can Say: Michael Peers: A Memoir is a collection of memories, stories and reflections from more than 70 contributors.
The project was initiated by Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, as “a tribute to Michael from a grateful church,” writes Bishop Michael Ingham, who edited the collection. Contributors include the former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson, Saskatchewan MP Ralph Goodale and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
In a foreword, Hiltz writes that collectively the contributions form “a profound testament to that sharpness of mind, generosity of spirit, and grace of demeanour for which Michael is held with such deep respect and genuine affection.”
He added that there were “many amazing moments in his primacy, but for me there are two that remain indelibly printed on the very soul of our church.” Hiltz describes one moment of great joy when Peers and National Bishop Telmor Sartison of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada signed the Declaration of Full Communion in 2001.
The second, Hiltz said, was one of “incredible humility” on Aug. 6, 1993 when Peers offered his apology for the church’s “part in the sad legacy of the Indian residential schools…Each utterance of the words ‘I am sorry’ was accompanied by ‘more than I can say.’ How appropriate it is that these words were chosen as the title for this book,” Hiltz writes.
Speaking to the Anglican Journal about the book, Peers said, “Initially, I wasn’t very enthusiastic about the project. It was the primate’s idea. He wondered whether I wanted to write an autobiography, and I certainly didn’t want to do that.” But Ingham’s suggestion to make the book a collection of personal essays was “a kind of painless way to get history collected,” he said.
With typical self-deprecating humour, Peers added, “I’m sure they could have found some people who would have had more negative views of my time and my work, but that’s ok, I don’t mind.”
He conceded that he is looking forward to the book launch, which will be held on Jan. 22 at the Toronto offices of the Anglican Church of Canada with a noon eucharist service and reception to follow.
The Anglican Foundation provided funds for the printing costs, according to its executive director, Judy Rois.
More Than I Can Say, ISBN 978-1-55126-575-9, is available from Augsburg Fortress Canada: www.afcanada.com.
