The Bishop of Montreal invites applications for the position of Incumbent of Grace Church in Arundel and Trinity Church in Ste-Agathe. This is a full time position that consists of two half-time charges in each of the churches. Applications should be received by the Bishop’s Office no later than noon on Friday, December 16, 2022.
My Tea With Dion
Edward Yankie interviews Dion Lewis (Co-chairs of Anti Racism Task Force)
Edward: What was going through your mind while you were listening to the Venerable Jim Bennet at synod?
Dion: Do you really want me to answer that question?
Edward: Yes.
Dion: You're not going to ease me into this.
Edward: Maybe I should have started with a softball question. But hey, this is hard-hitting journalism.
Dion: (chuckles) Well, I'm just glad that he actually spoke. He spoke a lot about our history that was not spoken out loud before. But everyone knew. Everyone in the Black community knew. So that was really important. I was proud. I guess I was like, “OK, good on you.” I wish he went further though. And went for blood more, metaphorically speaking. But that's just me. Thinking about how minorities have been treated in the diocese. It's good to let people deal with what they heard and see if they can figure out anything else they could have done.
Edward: Anything shock you?
Dion: No.
Edward: Nothing surprised you?
Dion: Of course not. I was fascinated that other people were shocked and surprised.
Edward: White people.
Dion: Right.
Edward: So we've had some months to digest Synod. Overall, what are your thoughts looking back?
Dion: Well, I'm on the Planning Committee, so I look at things more tactically than emotionally. I wish we could have more discussions on motions. It's not conducive to having real discussions. But overall, it was good.
Edward: And it was a sort of milestone in support of the work of the Anti-Racism Task Force. So far, how are we doing with our mission?
Dion: We are doing well. I feel the committee is doing the best they can. But I don't think we have enough time and energy, the two resources we need the most to do effective change. Much of what we need to do also requires a lot of money. The diocese may not be ready. So we're trying to push, and we're going to have to ask for what we need. We'll see how it goes. The work needs to get done, and we're doing the small steps. I really hope that we get further along the road. But I don't think everyone really wants to change the way they're doing things. As Myrna Lashley said, people still need to do their own work. All we can really do is to make sure the resources are there to help people along the way.
Edward: When you say resources, what are you thinking of?
Dion: People to help us. A lot more hands. A good project planner. Cash. There's a lot we want to have. Continuing workshops, and check-ins, and groups for people to keep discussing and learning. That would be ideal. A continuing education element. I'm dreaming big now, right? But just getting these things set up and putting them into the calendar and hoping people turn up without begging them to. When you have to make it mandatory or beg people to show, that's what drags it down. And I have a demanding job that takes a lot of my time, and so do you, and we have to make time for family, and then we give what we have left for this work. It needs to be taken in hand by someone who can devote themselves completely to it. We need full-time people in full-time church jobs doing this work.
Edward: Other churches have that, right? Like the United Church. We need an Anglican Adele Halliday.
Dion: That's right!
Edward: Then we'd be cooking with gas!
Dion: Exactly right. That's the part that causes me the most consternation. If I had time to do this, I would actually get it done.
Edward: Speaking of getting things done, we have a big event coming up on Saturday, November 12th.
Dion: Yes. The point is to see if we can get more people talking to each other. There's a lot of work being done individually that's not being shared with the rest of us. So this is a good opportunity for people to come together and talk about what they're doing. Get more heads together. To share ideas. Brainstorm. And help and support each other to get things done. Delegate. We all have to listen to each other and figure out a way to go forward into action. Let's make it easier for that to happen. More advocacy. For example, we had a comment in one of our meetings about the possibility of offering support for a Haitian family at risk of cruel deportation. I was like, “How can we be more supportive of refugees in these situations?” We have to ask people to think outside the box. So that's what this event is supposed to do. We're at that stage where we have to think outside the box and work together to get more things done in the church and in the broader society, and explore how the diocese can support in those efforts. We want to get more people involved.
Edward: Are you following the news of what's happening south of the border in the US? Of course it's going on to some extent here too. I'm thinking in particular of the rise of fascism, racist political rhetoric, and anti-immigrant sentiment and cruelty. I'm wondering if you think Canadians should speak out more about what happens down there?
Dion: Yes, but more importantly, I think Canadians and Quebecers need to pay attention to what's happening locally here, and watch out for the similar things that might be happening here.
Edward: In the immortal words of the comedian Sarah Silverman, racism is so gay. (*see footnote below)
Dion: (bursts out laughing) What does that even mean?
Edward: I don't know. But it brings me to Lambeth. What is your reaction to how that all went down?
Dion: Ah. Well. I've always been an advocate-minded sort of person. I recently learned that my grandfather on my mom's side was a politician. He played a part in getting the queen out of Barbados. Maybe that's where I get it from. So, when I was younger, and I was elected to go to General Synod, all the members of Synod received this book. And a part of this book, the part that spoke on marriage, was actually saying that gay people are no good at all. A fully published book being circulated by the church! It caused me so much grief and rancour. I actually had to go to Bishop Andrew and say, “If this is what people in the church are like, and this is what they believe, then there's no point for me to be here.” He reassured me, “This is not what we think. This is all the more reason why you should stay involved. ”
Edward: When was this?
Dion: In '98.
Edward: Lord have mercy. I have a transgendered person in my family. So this means something to me too.
Dion: It's hard to be a part of something knowing that people don't want you to be there. If you don't want to be hurt by things, it's so much easier to remove yourself. There's a lot of people stepping away from our church. But if we look at basic, day-to-day pastoral care, people want this. People want the church there to help them through the landmarks of life. Birth, marriage, sickness, death. But if those landmarks are not being accorded to every person...? What we really need to focus on is basic: Love God and each other. Feed the hungry. Hold up the widow. Take care of the downtrodden. And if we can't actually do that for ourselves...?
Edward: I recently heard an Anglican argue that people come from different cultures, and if a particular culture is against LGBTQ rights, then we need to respect that culture. And be patient.
Dion: Bullsh*t
Edward: Thanks for saying that. The struggle for racial equality and marriage equality can't be separated. Nobody said of Germany during the rise of fascism in the 30's, this is just their culture. “We affirm that there are different attitudes towards Jews.” The implication that there are reasonable Christians on both sides strikes me as kind of unintentionally Trumpy. And while it's almost never a good idea to make analogies to Nazi Germany—usually the first person to make that analogy loses-- in certain situations, that historical moment of things turning sideways can provide a moral litmus test. Many LGBTQ folk were murdered in that culture. I just wonder how many queer teenagers have to be psychologically harmed in the name of Anglican unity.
Dion: A lot more. Unfortunately. Until awareness spreads. We hear stories of families disowning their kids. There are even people who will still shun you if you are divorced. And who still think that women shouldn't be ordained. It's the same thing. Everyone needs to have someone close to them, in their own circle, whom they really know, to realize that they're not sinning. But we are moving forward. In Canada, we're still doing work for reconciliation with First Nations, and rightly so. But that can't mean we stop working on everything else.
Edward: We have to walk and chew gum at the same time.
Dion: Exactly. And yet, you know, when we focus on one element, and go through everything having to do with that one element, everything else can benefit from that work. Which is why we are calling ourselves the Anti-Black Racism Task Force. We take a close look at something, and this can be relevant and helpful to many other justice issues. We really need to show love and support for everyone. And if we really want to be honest, then we are not doing everything we can right now. What was your question?
Edward: No, this is good. I need you to riff like this.
Dion: Hahahaha!
Edward: OK, one more question. A rather personal one. What supports you while you do this justice work? And that God-like laugh of yours: where does it come from?
Dion: (laughs again) I love to laugh! You know? (thinks) And I would not be involved in the church if it weren't for my music ministry. I love how everyone from all different backgrounds comes together and sings something together. That is the thing in my life that proves we can all do something beautiful together. That's my anchor. When I was in the hospital and I wasn't able to do choir for a bit, the first question I asked the doctor was, “Will I be able to sing? When will I be able to sing?” That's what keeps me involved. When I'm doing that, and I see the looks on people's faces. They're being taken up to the next realm. Into a different space that's full of light and promise. Seeing that, being a part of that, and encouraging that in other people, gives me the energy to go and poke at other areas that might need a little bit of life. A little bit of support to make things better. And it is possible to make things better. In order for a choir to work, everyone needs to do their part. Everyone has to learn the song. Everyone has to produce it. Everyone has to breathe.
Edward: Everyone has to do the work.
Dion: Everyone has to do the work. Everyone together. The whole is the whole.
Edward: To me, music is proof of God. That music exists, shows that there's some kind of design in the universe.
Dion: Yeah. That makes me feel calm and cool.
Contact the Anti Racism Task Force
Learn more about All Hands: Organizing for Racial Justice
I would never joke in a way that is harmful to gay people. Dion understands this, and so does everyone who knows me. The point of the joke is the absurdity of the statement itself. But it's a joke that perfect illustrates the absurd way many non-allies are trying to separate the issues of racial equality and marriage equality. Which is very relevant in the context of Lambeth. And that is a very important point that cannot be made in any other way than by pointing out the absolute nuttiness of fighting for racial justice while ignoring LGBTQ rights.
The Anti-Racism Task Force of the Diocese of Montreal invites you to be a part of an important morning of fellowship, inquiry and collaboration that leads to action.
Join us in person to support of anti-racism.
We need ALL HANDS to achieve our ambitious goals.
email antiracism@montreal.anglican.ca to learn more
Join the Facebook Event HERE
A word from the co-chair about the event:
"The point is to see if we can get more people talking to each other. There's a lot of good work being done individually that's not being shared with the rest of us. So this is an opportunity for people to network, collaborate and encourage others to get involved! We need to get more heads together, share ideas and brainstorm. The goal is to help one another, offer support and get things done.
We all have to listen to each other and figure out a way to go forward into action. The Task Force wants to make it easier for that to happen.
We're at that stage where we have to think outside the box to get more things done in the church and the broader society and explore how the diocese can support those efforts. We want to get more people involved.
We know that anti Racism work matters, we have heard this sentiment from so many Anglicans in Montreal. This event is a tangible opportunity for you to take action.
Thank you for your support "
-Dion Lewis (co-chair of Diocesan Anti Racism Task Force)
What Next for the Church? Congregational Ministry in a Pandemic-Shaped World.
An Invitation / reminder from Jesse Zink
What Next for the Church? Taking place on Saturday, October 29 at the Church of St. Mark and St. Peter in St. Laurent (metro: du Collège) with the Rev. Dr. Tim Dickau. We’ve got a great keynote speaker/facilitator joining us for an interactive and engaging event in this moment of ongoing change for the church.
Lunch included, childcare available and more details/registration at www.montrealdio.ca/whatnext
-The Rev. Canon Jesse Zink, PhD
Principal
Dear friend,
Your participation in the Bishop’s Action Appeal is such a blessing to me and to our recipients!
Thanks to your generous response to last year’s appeal, the Rev Linus Buriani is now attending the Montreal Diocesan Theological College to obtain his Bachelor’s degree in Theology. Following his studies, Rev Buriani will return to Masasi to teach at the local Theological College. We were also able to support our local missions, in turn helping hundreds of people in our area during an increased time of need.
This year we are again asking you to help us fulfill our commitment to these three much-loved missions, each of whom provided a brief update on how they are helping their communities:
The Mile End Community Mission: With members having returned to the Mission for snacks, BBQ’s and fun at our new outdoor café (pictured at left), we are optimistically planning a gradual reopening of indoor services for the fall and winter. Without missing a beat during the pandemic, we are now offering both indoor and take-out hot meals four times per week, a weekly food bank and grocery delivery service for 20 of our most vulnerable members.
Tyndale-St Georges Community Centre: Our Centre has been in full swing with services offered in person since the start of September 2021. Our teams have been working hard to deliver programs that provide educational, social and emotional support to our participants and the residents of Little Burgundy. We are all looking forward to the future and what the upcoming year has in store for the Centre.
Action Réfugiés Montréal: The strength and vitality of our programs, led by our dedicated employees, has carried us through the changes we have faced and continue to face. Our impact is best described by Ahmed, a member of our Men’s Group. "If I could picture the group, I would draw it as intertwined fingers where the fingers of the first hand represent the long-time members and those of the other, the newcomers… Action Réfugiés acts as a tool for inclusion and adaptation." The Men's Group is like a microcosm of the role we each play in the wider society of Quebec. Information on these ministries can be found at www.montreal.anglican.ca; click on the Social Justice button.
Unless you specify otherwise, half of your donation will go to Giving with Grace which funds projects at the national church level, including The Healing Fund, military chaplaincies, indigenous ministries and more. For more information on Giving with Grace visit www.anglican.ca/giving/.
With my thanks and every blessing,
The Rt. Rev. Mary Irwin-Gibson
P.S. Gifts of $25 or more are eligible for a tax receipt, which will be issued in February 2023.
Cher Ami,
Votre participation à l'appel à l'action des évêques est une telle bénédiction pour moi et pour nos bénéficiaires !
Grâce à votre généreuse réponse à l'appel de l'année dernière, le révérend Linus Buriani est maintenant inscrit au Collège théologique diocésain de Montréal pour obtenir son baccalauréat en théologie. Après ses études, le révérend Buriani retournera à Masasi pour enseigner au collège théologique local. Nous avons également été en mesure de soutenir nos missions locales, aidant ainsi des centaines de personnes dans notre région pendant une période de besoin accru.
Cette année, nous vous demandons à nouveau de nous aider à respecter notre engagement envers ces trois missions très appréciées, qui ont chacune présenté une brève mise à jour sur la façon dont elles aident leurs communautés :
La Mission communautaire du Mile End : Les membres étant revenus à la Mission pour des collations, des barbecues et des divertissements à notre nouveau café extérieur (photo de gauche), nous prévoyons avec optimisme une réouverture progressive des services intérieurs pour l'automne et l'hiver. Sans perdre un instant pendant la pandémie, nous offrons maintenant des repas chauds à l'intérieur et à emporter quatre fois par semaine, une banque alimentaire hebdomadaire et un service de livraison d'épicerie pour 20 de nos membres les plus vulnérables.
Centre communautaire Tyndale-St Georges : Notre Centre est en pleine activité avec des services offerts en personne depuis la rentrée de septembre 2021. Nos équipes ont travaillé dur pour offrir des programmes qui fournissent un soutien éducatif, social et émotionnel à nos participants et aux résidents de la Petite Bourgogne. Nous nous réjouissons tous de l'avenir et de ce que l'année à venir réserve au Centre.
Action Réfugiés Montréal : La force et la vitalité de nos programmes, dirigés par nos employés dévoués, nous ont permis de traverser les changements auxquels nous avons été et sommes toujours confrontés. C'est Ahmed, membre de notre groupe d'hommes, qui décrit le mieux notre impact. "Si je pouvais me représenter le groupe, je le dessinerais comme des doigts entrelacés où les doigts de la première main représentent les membres de longue date et ceux de l'autre, les nouveaux arrivants... Action Réfugiés agit comme un outil d'inclusion et d'adaptation." Le groupe des hommes est comme un microcosme du rôle que nous jouons chacun dans la société québécoise au sens large.
Vous trouverez des renseignements sur ces ministères à l'adresse www.montreal.anglican.ca ; cliquez sur le bouton Justice sociale.
Sauf indication contraire de votre part, la moitié de votre don sera versée à Giving with Grace, qui finance des projets au niveau de l'Église nationale, notamment le Fonds de guérison, les aumôneries militaires, les ministères autochtones, etc. Pour plus d'informations sur Giving with Grace, visitez le site www.anglican.ca/giving/.
Avec mes remerciements et toutes mes bénédictions,
La Très Révérende Mary Irwin-Gibson
P.S. Les dons de 25 dollars ou plus donnent droit à un reçu fiscal, qui sera émis en février 2023.
photos by Janet Best
On my seventh anniversary of being your bishop, I am filled with gratitude and love. It is such an honour and a joy to be on this incredible journey with you. To share wonderful celebrations together - confirmations, baptisms, ordinations, Synods, anniversaries, inductions, events like the Family Day, and Bishop's Confirmation Day, times of learning and repenting, endings and beginnings - as we seek to serve Christ where we are and look to follow where Christ leads.
Together we are walking in faith and hope and working hard. Thank you for your passion for social justice, your commitment to reaching out to the poor, your desire to learn and grow as disciples, your hospitality, and your prayers. Thank you for your courage and perseverance as we have weathered the pandemic and as we continue to find our way in the kingdom of God.
This fall, I will be on sabbatical, using the time for prayer, reflection, and rest. I want to spend some time thinking about the work that was begun at Lambeth, the work we have done together in these 7 years, the way faithful ministry in Québec and Canada has evolved, and what I have observed in my over 60 years praying and growing and serving in the Diocese of Montreal.
Please pray for me, pray for your congregations and clergy and leaders, pray for yourselves, as I take time to prepare my heart for the next years of ministry together. God is calling us, continues to call us, and God is faithful to his call. He can and will use us, even us, to further his purposes of love and transformation.
While I am on sabbatical, the diocese will be in capable hands.
The vicar general, archdeacon Robert Camara and the territorial archdeacons will be there, along with the wonderful team of staff at Synod office which continues to work for you and the good of our diocese.
You will be in my prayers, with love.
À l'occasion de mon septième anniversaire en tant que votre évêque, je suis rempli de reconnaissance et d'amour. C'est un grand honneur et une telle joie de faire ce voyage incroyable avec vous.
Nous partageons ensemble de merveilleuses célébrations - confirmations, baptêmes, ordinations, synodes, anniversaires, intronisations, événements tels que la Journée de la famille et la Journée de confirmation de l'évêque, moments d'apprentissage et de repentir, fins et commencements - alors que nous cherchons à servir le Christ là où nous sommes et à suivre là où le Christ nous conduit.
Ensemble, nous marchons dans la foi et l'espoir et nous travaillons fort. Merci pour votre passion pour la justice sociale, votre engagement à tendre la main aux pauvres, votre désir d'apprendre et de grandir en tant que disciples, votre fidelité, votre hospitalité, votre générosité, et vos prières. Merci pour votre courage et votre persévérance alors que nous avons surmonté la pandémie et que nous continuons à trouver notre chemin dans le royaume de Dieu.
Cet automne, je serai en congé sabbatique et je profiterai de ce temps pour prier, réfléchir et me reposer. Je veux prendre le temps de réfléchir au travail qui a été entrepris à Conference d’Évêques à Lambeth, au travail que nous avons fait ensemble au cours de ces 7 années, à la façon dont le ministère fidèle au Québec et au Canada a évolué,
et à ce que j'ai observé au cours de mes plus que 60 années de prière, de croissance et de service dans le diocèse de Montréal.
Veuillez prier pour moi, prier pour vos communautés chretiennes, votre clergé et vos dirigeants, prier pour vous-mêmes, alors que je prends le temps de préparer mon cœur pour les prochaines années de ministère ensemble. Dieu nous appelle, continue de nous appeler, et Dieu est fidèle à son appel. Il peut et veut nous utiliser, même nous, pour faire avancer ses objectifs d'amour et de transformation.
Pendant mon congé sabbatique, le diocèse sera entre de bonnes mains.
Le vicaire général, l'archidiacre Robert Camara et les archidiacres territoriaux seront là, ainsi que la merveilleuse équipe du bureau du Synode qui continue à travailler pour vous et pour le bien de notre diocèse.
Vous serez dans mes prières, avec amour.
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The Synod Office is located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Kanien’keha:ka (Mohawk), at a place called Tio’tia:ke (Montreal), a meeting place for many First Nations, including the Haudenosaunee (Six Nation Confederacy), Anishinabeg and Algonquin peoples.
We recognize and respect the Kanien’keha:ka as the traditional stewards of the land and waters of Tio’tia:ke.
Our acknowledgement stands as a promise to continue the ongoing work of recognition and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
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©2024 Synod of the Diocese of Montreal & Lord Bishop of Montreal
