Comments on: ‘We have to help one another to survive’: A conversation with Jonas Allooloo

By: Gord Hayden

Gord Hayden — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 04:55:22 +0000

I would like to echo all the remarks of those who kindly responded to Matts interview with Jonas Allooloo.
I had the privilege of knowing Jonas and his wife Mena from Arctic Bay at the time, when I was flying commercially in the High Arctic and must say I have great admiration for this man and his kindness. My daughter was getting married at the time and although he had not known her, he made a wonderful tape recording as a clergyman to the nuptials with a prayer and ladies singing a hymn in English and Inuktitut.
Now that my friends is true, true kindness.

By: Judy Hunter

Judy Hunter — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:12:17 +0000

I was very upset to read about retired Anglican priest, Rev. Jonas Allooloo, and his wife who are essentially homeless. This is a man who was a key translator of the English Bible into Inuktitut, an Anglican priest and Dean of the Cathedral in Iqaluit, and who has now been forced, along with is wife, to live temporarily with their daughter in staff housing. Where is the southern church in all this? Should we not be assisting our Christian brothers and sisters in the North? We must ask ourselves – what would Christ expect us to do? I realize that the North is separate diocese but, in my view, that is no excuse for inaction; we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. At the very least, we should all be keeping Rev. Allooloo and his wife in our prayers. I hope the Anglican Journal continues to update us on this story. Thank you Matt, for the excellent articles.

By: Larry N. Beck, AHC

Larry N. Beck, AHC — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 19:50:14 +0000

It seems to me, after reading this interview, that something would be done, not only for Fr. Jonas and his wife, but for all clergy of the North and for the Inuit peoples who do not deserve second or third class citizen status due to an influx of outsiders seeking work. We must take good care, especially of our clergy, who take such good care of our needs without or with little regard for their end needs. Nudge us all, Dear Lord.

By: Geraldine Alletson

Geraldine Alletson — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 19:24:21 +0000

How very sad to hear this worthy, honourable man and his wife are struggling to afford a place of their own to live in! It is awful to hear that there is no or inadequate provision made for retired priests in the Arctic. Clergy who have given their lives in the service of God and of mankind.

By: Ellie MacNeil

Ellie MacNeil — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 15:12:36 +0000

What can we as individuals do to help in this situation? This is not right that Jonas Allooloo cannot find a home in his own community. He is such a valuable resource for his fellow Inuit, yet not given any assistance. How would we feel if we were treated like second-class citizens in our own community?

By: Carol Ann Trabert, ODT

Carol Ann Trabert, ODT — Tue, 26 Jan 2021 14:09:38 +0000

I am shocked to my core to learn that the Anglican community does not look after its own, let alone loving neighbours as ourselves. Why could the church not purchase a house for the use of Rev. Allooloo and charge a nominal rent (if they must) . Is there not a fund for the specific purpose of helping clergy who are struggling for whatever reason?

Thank you, Matt, for this excellent article. December was a busy month, with Food Bank and Christmas outreach in our community, and I totally missed the first article.