Clergy Notes — Aboriginal Prayer Sunday, June 23, 2024

As many of you know, I have just recently returned from study leave in Rome. It was an incredibly enriching journey – one I have wanted to make for a long time.

A large part of my purpose for this trip was a pilgrimage course at the Anglican Centre in Rome; a place I have followed with great interest for some years. The ACR has been at the heart of Anglican-Roman Catholic dialogue since 1966, hosting scholars, art exhibitions, specialized courses, and was – most recently – the host for the 2024 Primate’s Meeting.

Quite apart from major events like these, however, the ACR is also a regular space for hospitality and encounter. Attendees of the Tuesday Mass (and indeed, participants in the courses) are a mixture of Roman Catholic and Anglican; Lutheran and non-denominational; ordained and lay; students and teachers; visitors and residents.

The partnerships and friendships forged through the ACR have become the basis for a growing and strengthening ecumenical partnership, and a source of hope and joy and love for everyone whom they touch – myself included. I was certainly very moved and heartened to be a small part of it – and encouraged that perhaps there is hope for the Christian family after all, even in the midst of many ongoing challenges.

As we celebrate National Indigenous Day of Prayer here in our part of the world, I wonder what these kinds of friendships across divides might teach us about our own situation. Certainly, I can see clear parallels in our own life at St. James’ in our ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, of course, but – more importantly – in friendships and partnerships that have been nurtured and nourished over time.

I am grateful for those before me who have laid these foundations; for the Elders who have taught me so very much; and for all who continue to be committed to healing and walking together on this journey. Our differences are important, but so is what we share: one Creator, one faith, one baptism.

Mother Amanda

Download the Liturgy at Home booklet for Sunday, June 23, 2024.

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Clergy Notes — Pentecost 4, June 16, 2024

This week the church celebrates St. Alban, Britain’s first martyr. His story is a remarkable one. He was a soldier in one of the Roman legions that guarded the Province of Britannia early in the third century. This legion’s camp was at a place called Verulamium, some twenty miles north of London. Alban was a pagan, but he was moved with compassion when he encountered a Christian priest who was fleeing persecution. He offered him refuge in his own dwelling, at great risk to his personal safety. When Alban witnessed the priest saying his prayers, he was impressed by the man’s obvious sincerity and deep devotion. A discussion followed, during which Alban declared himself ready to become a Christian.

Meanwhile, the Roman authorities received reports that the priest was hiding with Alban and soldiers were dispatched to seize him. When the detail arrived at his house, Alban was at the doorway. He was wearing the priest’s cloak (the customary garb of a priest in those days) and presented himself to the soldiers as the person they were looking for. He was taken before the military governor, who quickly discovered the ruse and asked him to save himself by offering the ritual sacrifices to the Emperor. Alban refused point blank and declared, “I am Alban and serve the only true and living God, who created all things”. He was condemned to death and beheaded that same day. Alban’s martyrdom is considered to have been his baptism.

Since that time, the site of his execution has been the site of Christian pilgrimage. Today, there is a magnificent cathedral that bears his name, which I strongly encourage you to visit if ever you are in that part of the world. It has one of the best visitors’ centres that I have encountered, a fine liturgy that combines the best of traditional and contemporary resources and an impressive record of outreach into the local community.

Fr Neil Gray

Download the Liturgy at Home booklet for Sunday, June 16, 2024.

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