Editor’s note: In the January issue of the Anglican Journal, we suggested six New Year’s resolutions for the Anglican Church of Canada and we asked readers for their resolutions for 2008 as Canadian Anglicans.
Dear editor,
I resolve to be proactive in inviting those outside of the church inside – whether it is through an invitation to the Alpha course, having a conversation about my faith or opening our home. I will be intentional about speaking with young people to encourage dialogue about Christianity.
Elaine Young
St. John’s, Nfld.
Dear editor,
May I add a few words to what you have said about goal #5: “…the number of people we help outside our church doors.”My wife and I are old people but relatively new Anglicans. We love the worship and fellowship in our church. But the strength of this small church lies in the caring for one another and the outreach to those in our community and beyond. They outweigh by far our attitudes to sexuality issues. The words in Jesus’ injunction (John 21:16) are pretty clear: “Take care of my sheep.” If we make it a priority to help the homeless on our streets and the African grandmother caring for a bunch of HIV-orphaned grandchildren, we will be faithful to our calling and united in spite of diversity.
Gerald Hankins
Canmore, Alta.
Dear editor,
I take the stand that the church is drifting away from the basic principles that has held it together for a great number of years and has allowed itself to become embroiled in matters that are in some respect repugnant to a great many parishioners. My resolution: to find an Anglican church that maintains the traditional service (Book of Common Prayer), one that does not endorse matters that are not consistent with the long-standing positions of the church and one that provides a thought-provoking sermon every Sunday.
Clyde H. Elford
Calgary
Dear editor,
My resolution for 2008 is to relate intentionally with other Anglicans in the spirit of John 15:12-17, and to encourage others to explore what it would mean if we took friendship as a benchmark. When it comes to relationships and civility, we Anglicans are in danger of conforming to the standards of the world rather than the teachings of Jesus.
Sandy Cotton
Kingston, Ont.