Augustine United Church
Sunday,
March 10, 2013
Submitted by Karla W.
The meeting
commenced in Bob’s office where Gareth gave a brief tutorial on the basic
format and workings of our Blog. After some discussion regarding the challenges
relating to navigating through the “stuff of Blogs”, Gareth kindly offered to
post information for members that did not yet feel comfortable doing so.
Members can send Gareth information via email.
We
reconvened in the Guild Hall and began our meeting proper with Bob saying a
prayer. Forming a circle, the members were each, in turn, given a chance to
speak…a “checking in” of sorts.
BILL 18
Bill 18 was the first item of discussion. Bob related some of his experience with
regards the unfolding of events surrounding his interview and the resulting
article in the Winnipeg Sun. Kathleen shared about her discussions with Gareth
and Patrick from the Rainbow Resource Ministry about how they and perhaps other
representatives from Augustine and the Rainbow Resource Ministry may make a
joint-presentation to the government about the Bill when it “goes to committee”
in the spring. Kathleen emphasized her concern that the focus and original
intent of the Bill (i.e. the protection of all children) not be lost in all of
the hype and anxiety about “homosexual lifestyles” that some conservative
churches and schools are focusing on. Gareth noted that some faith-based
schools have established GSAs (e.g. West Gate Mennonite).
There was
some discussion about the portrayal and playing out of these events in the
media, particularly when religious institutions are at odds…somehow the
intended message is lost in all the hype. Mike expressed concern that
Augustine, standing on its own may lose ground and /or credibility and stressed
the importance of “being prepared” for fallout or backlash against Augustine’s
controversial stand by seeking out allies, particularly among other faith
groups. In this way we could stand as a united front and not just be viewed as
a predictable (“that affirming United Church in the village”) voice. This would
demonstrate that there are many other churches and Christians (and we know
there are) who stand in favor of Bill 18.
He went on
to say how he felt that the bulk of Christendom is not yet at the progressed
state of sanctioning the GLBT lifestyle. Bob agreed, remarking that he had some
ideas as to avenues to pursue in order to gain support for Augustine’s stand on
the matter. Discussion ensued on potential allies, and what would be the best
strategy to make connections. Gareth noted some recent welcoming community
ministries (i.e. Hope Mennonite). There was some discussion around the
affirming nature of Rady Center and some of the cities synagogues. Maureen
stated she had heard that Faith Lutheran Church also identifies as
welcoming/affirming.
We agreed
that the time passed too quickly and regretted not being able to share more
reviews and experiences of the various events of the past week. Mike offered to
submit a review/summary of the Providence Series Lecture that a number of
Augustinians attended on the Saturday evening presentation entitled Living
To Consume Or Consuming To Live.
Karla mentioned she had made some connections during a
bridging workshop at the Idle No More symposium at the U of M this past Friday and shared our
Blog address with others interested in issues of justice (more to follow on
this symposium at a later date).
The group closed with a prayer poem led by Kathleen.
*Reminder, the next JL meeting will be held Tuesday, March 26th
at Christine’s home. Please see group email for details.
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