After taking a break in July and August, the Post is back. In this issue, we hear from some of our churches about what they’ve been doing over the summer, including two churches working towards healing and reconciliation with their Indigenous neighbours. In July, St. John the Divine, Courtenay, held a ceremony to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. And over the summer, Christ Church, Alert Bay, took down its white picket fence and replaced it with raised beds to grow fruits and vegetables for the community. This issue also features a remembrance of Mavis Gillie, a tireless activist on behalf of Indigenous rights and founding member of Aboriginal Neighbours, who passed away in March. Over the summer, in a similar spirit of strengthening relationships with our neighbours, Bishop Anna visited Victoria’s Emanu-El synagogue and went on a walking tour through Victoria’s Jewish history — which is long and rich, the synagogue having been established in 1863.
As well as our regular features — in this month’s “Reflections” from Herb O’Driscoll, we travel to an Irish farm of the 1940s, and “My Journey” features Eric Stephanson, priest in charge at St. Christopher and St. Aidan, Lake Cowichan — we also meet two new columnists who will be making a regular contribution to the Post. As “diocesan theologian,” John Thatamanil will be reflecting on a range of issues, including climate and racial justice. Meanwhile, diocesan archivist Chance Dixon will be offering us a glimpse into the archives.
This issue also looks ahead to the coming months. Find out more about the upcoming 130th anniversary celebrations that will be taking place at St. Peter, Comox, in September. Diocesan vision animator, Brendon Neilson, also provides an update on a number of initiatives within the diocese, including a season of creation book study group.
I hope you enjoy this latest issue of the Post, and I look forward to bringing you more updates and opinions from across the diocese.
