Comments on: Anglican Journal editor resigns

By: Alice Medcof

Alice Medcof — Fri, 05 Jul 2019 08:33:17 +0000

Thank you, Tess, for sharing your wisdom, vision and integrity with the readers of The Journal.

By: Rev. Michelle Bull

Rev. Michelle Bull — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 11:05:32 +0000

I am very sorry to see Marites Sison leave the Journal. She has done an excellent job of maintaining the Journal’s journalistic integrity and independence, both of which are, I believe, crucial. As is the case of government, the church requires an independent body of journalists to keep us honest. The people who are elected to councils, synods and committees need to have an independent analysis of what is going on not just approved “news.” I don’t want to know only what the authorities would like me to know about the church. I want an independent view. I am not saying this because I think our leadership would deliberately lie, but they are likely to present things from their own viewpoint and with their own agenda. An independent newspaper which is sympathetic with our goals as a church (unlike the secular media which is neither sympathetic nor interested) is essential to maintain our democratic structures and the integrity of the church. I sincerely hope that General Synod will not permit the Anglican Journal to become a newsletter only but will have the courage to maintain its journalistic independence.

Incidentally, I don’t see why we shouldn’t charge a subscription. I would gladly pay one to maintain the independent print media I have come to love.

By: The Rev. Canon Dr. Murray Still

The Rev. Canon Dr. Murray Still — Sat, 07 Jul 2018 02:23:24 +0000

Thank you Tess for upholding the integrity of journalism in the writing and reporting of stories. As an indigenous priest, I have appreciated the generous coverage on issues that have affected our community especially where Truth and Reconciliation and self determination are concerned. I shall miss your leadership and pray your gifts will continue to be used in the years ahead,

By: Rev. Bob Bettson

Rev. Bob Bettson — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 23:26:14 +0000

I would echo what Canon Gillis said. Having edited two Diocesan newspapers and having worked as a journalist for two decades before beginning ordained ministry, I can appreciates the challenges Tess has faced as a writer and editor for The Journal during a time of change in journalism. I hope the Journal and Diocesan papers can continue their partnership to provide important insight into the mission and ministry of the church. It would be short sighted indeed to move to only a web presence, or have the journal become a mouthpiece for the general synod. There is a proud tradition of editorial independence which has been upheld by many editors over the years. Thanks Tess for your excellent work. All the best.

By: Rev. Canon Rod Gillis

Rev. Canon Rod Gillis — Thu, 05 Jul 2018 13:15:17 +0000

Marites Sison has done an outstanding job as editor of the Journal. The benefits for the Journal, and consequently for readers, are well identified in the article. Anglican Journal has been the only place that Canadian Anglicans can get hard news about our Church together with news about the wider Anglican Communion from a Canadian perspective.

New younger writers are among the Journal’s contributors thanks to Ms. Sison’s leadership. As a reader, I have appreciated the editor’s indefatigable support for The Journal’s editorial independence. One suspects this to have been very challenging at a church newspaper where national hierarchy such as the The Primate and The National Aboriginal Bishop are standing opinion contributors. Imagine, if you will, being editor of a national secular paper where the prime minister or Governor- General have their views published in every edition.

One fears that the vacancy at the editor’s desk will make it easier to advance the agenda of converting The Journal from a newspaper into a public relations newsletter for General Synod communications spin.

Best wishes to Ms. Sison going forward. I’m sure many other readers are grateful for the quality journalism that has been characteristic on her watch.

By: Ginny Doctor

Ginny Doctor — Wed, 04 Jul 2018 20:16:36 +0000

Thank you Tess, the Office of the National Indigenous Anglican Bishop will miss you. May new opportunities arise for you and may you continue to write the truth! Skennen and blessings as you journey on!