TERRITORY OF THE PEOPLE proclaimed and celebrated

In the Arbour at Shulus, BC, on traditional Nlaka'pamux territory, and in the very place where months ago the Pastoral Elders and Administration Committee of what was then called the Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior named the new entity, there were broad smiles and grateful hearts in abundance.

In the presence of The Most Rev. John Privett, Archbishop of British Columbia, joined by many special guests, the Territory of the People was formally proclaimed and celebrated.

“As we gather at this table it is indeed a celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus, It’s also a celebration of the new life that has been given us in Christ, and it’s a celebration of the new creation that you know deeply in your own lives and experience something of the truth of all of those things” Archbishop Privett said.

The outdoor service of Holy Eucharist held Sunday May 28, 2017 was the culmination of a three-day bi-annual assembly titled Together . . . Into a New Creation.

The assembly included over thirty percent indigenous members with a number of special guests including Bishop Mary Irwin-Gibson from the Diocese of Montreal (our partner Diocese) who preached the sermon.

In her comments at the offertory Territory Bishop Barbara Andrews drew attention to the song:

Deep in our hearts there is a common vision;

Deep in our hearts there is a common song;

Deep in our hearts there is a common story,

telling Creation that we are one. (John Oldham)

She reminded the assembly that we were on the very land where the Territory was first named and celebrated. The actions of the assembly thus brought to a wonderful conclusion an amazing journey of healing and reconciliation. Our unity is not perfect, but as one participant noted in debate, “the circle is so much stronger now.”

The Archbishop’s comments and a video clip are posted HERE

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More images by Philomena Hughes are found here and in the carousel to the left of this text box.

The Bishop's Address and the worship booklets are linked below.