Transformation and affirmation run through March issue

The March issue of the Anglican Journal explores themes of change and transition while re-affirming commitment to Christian values.

In the wake of Council of General Synod commending for trial use new liturgies to mark gender transition and affirmation for transgender Christians, the Journal takes a closer look at these blessings. We also report on the Anglican Church of Canada’s launch of a new online platform for Anglican news, allowing readers to access the Journal and diocesan newspapers from a single location.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to represent a period of great change for the Anglican Church of Canada and the world. The March issue includes a report on shipments of aid from the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund to COVID-19-stricken Northern communities. Meanwhile, our latest Anglican Voices column features a reflection by priest the Rev. Daniel Tatarnic on getting through the pandemic by drawing upon the wisdom of ancient Christians.

Archbishop Linda Nicholls, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, opens up about her struggles with uncertainty and lockdowns during the pandemic. As Christians enter the season of Lent, the primate encourages us to deepen our commitment to the larger communities that give us strength. March also sees a new instalment in our Companions in Faith series, investigating the impact on theological education of full communion between Anglicans and Lutherans. Principals of two leading seminaries see opportunities for closer ties at a time when theological education in general is facing major upheaval.

Shifting public attitudes are the focus of the latest column by National Indigenous Archbishop Mark MacDonald. Following the discovery of new potential burial sites at the site of a residential school in Williams Lake First Nation, B.C., MacDonald reflects on both our capacity to grow in our understanding of evil over time and our responsibility to live its opposite.

Perhaps the most universal transition is that between life and death. The Anglican Journal in this issue marks the recent deaths of three Anglican leaders who left a significant impact during their time with us. Ellie Johnson, the church’s longtime director of partnerships, played a key role in the settlement agreement for residential school survivors. Liturgist the Rev. Paul Gibson transformed worship as the leading creative force behind the Book of Alternative Services. Retired Indigenous bishop Tom Corston established the Moosonee School of Ministry, which left an enduring legacy by training local leaders and encouraging theological education.

Affirming different expressions of Christianity across the church, our latest issue includes a reflection on the spiritual significance of stained-glass windows by Sr. Wendy Grace Greyling of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine, an Anglican religious order based in Toronto; as well as an examination of how worship on the land has informed the lives of Arctic Christians.

Read the March issue of the Anglican Journal on anglicanjournal.com or in digital PDF.