A computer image shows artist Solomon King, creator of the turtle sculpture, standing in the Spirit Garden, which is planned for Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto.
(photo thanks to The Anglican and the Toronto Council Fire)
Dear Friends,
In 2021, Diocesan Council made two significant decisions that aim to help right our relationship with our First Nations Peoples. First, we chose to donate a tithe to Indigenous Partners from funds received through the sale of surplus property over the next five years. This is a primary consideration of the diocese – to give to Indigenous Peoples first before other diocesan initiatives are considered. Second, Diocesan Council donated $300,000 to the Spirit Garden project in response to Call to Action #82 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Call to Action #82 requests the installation of Residential School Monuments in each provincial capital. The Spirit Garden at Toronto City Hall will be a place for teaching, learning, sharing, and healing. But I believe we can do more. That is why I am inviting each one of us – as parishes communities and individuals – to make a special financial gift in support of the Spirit Garden Project this year.
Included with this year’s FaithWorks materials distributed to parishes is information about the Spirit Garden project and an opportunity to give. Give what you can that is over and above what you would normally give to FaithWorks. It is my sincere hope and prayer that Anglicans across the diocese will collectively provide a comparable gift as was donated by Diocesan Council.
It will take generations to undo the pain and suffering caused by our forebears and indeed ourselves through systemic neglect of Canada’s First Nations Peoples. The Spirit Garden Project is one step in the journey of recovery, and I invite your support. I also invite parishes across the diocese to commit to promote this important cause during June - National Indigenous History Month and especially on June 19 – National Indigenous Sunday.
A deep healing is required, one that will involve painful honesty, a complete re-evaluation of our shared history, and an intense examination of how we want to be in relationship with each other going forward. We need to engage in this work with humility and an earnest desire for renewal.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are called to do nothing less.
Yours in Christ,
The Right Reverend Andrew Asbil
Bishop of Toronto
To offer your gift for the Spirit Garden please click
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