Rt. Rev. Mark MacDonald
The introduction of a National Indigenous Bishop at General Synod will be a new idea to some. But, even those who have long anticipated such an appointment should see in this moment a new place, a new perspective. The particular person, even the position itself, is not all that important to this new perspective. What really matters is what this moment could mean – if we find the courage to see, believe, and obey the dreams and visions found in the hearts of all of the People of God.
This moment is significant as a step in the unfolding of years of prayer and conversation, especially among Aboriginal elders. Over the years, this has taken shape in the specific request that the Anglican Church, repudiating the doctrine of discovery, should give full recognition to the authority and identity of Aboriginal Peoples. This recognition applies not just to content of the church’s advocacy in public life but equally in its own communal life. This includes giving voice to the Aboriginal Anglicans and a place for their ways in the protocols of the churches. It also means giving voice to the land and the creatures that have long been the care, concern, and life of the Aboriginal peoples.
The elders have asked, with great love and respect for those who have brought the Gospel, that this all be done within the canons and protocols of the Anglican Church. Further, they have said clearly that unfolding of effective aboriginal ministry, pastoral care, and community should shape the structures of Aboriginal church life, rather than the other way around.
The organizational appointment of a bishop can never be a substitute for true communion with God and each other. Ideology and politics should not be the determining factors, but the living reality of God’s love emerging from the union of God and humanity, Gospel and Aboriginal tradition. The National Indigenous Bishop must be a servant of this living reality.
This moment is but one small step on the way to making both manifest and real an ancient truth, obscured for many by the idolatries of colonialism and its consequence. The truth we speak of is the presence of God manifested in Aboriginal authority and identity. This truth, as with all nations, tribes, and peoples, must find its true fulfillment in the Good News of God’s salvation in Jesus. That the relationship of Aboriginal Peoples to this truth was marred by the actions of human beings cannot be ignored. That God’s relentless, living, and loving Word is, even now, making this truth known is a witness to the compelling and transforming power of the One who is above all and in all.
I close with a personal note. It is a great honour to be called to this ministry. It is also a great challenge. This is why I am greatly encouraged by the generous and prayerful welcome my family and I have received by the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, the Primate, and the whole church. I will never forget it. Beyond this, however, I am deeply moved by the opportunity to share in a moment so blessed by the faithfulness of the past, so full of the presence of the Word and the Spirit, so challenged by God’s horizon and future for our church.
Bishop MacDonald is National Indigenous Bishop with the Anglican Church of Canada.
Comments (8)
Your Grace,
I congratulate you on your appointment, and anticipate that your ministry will be of great comfort to the indigenous people of this country. I am, however, curious as to what your working relationship will be with the bishops of the dioceses in which your work is carried out.
God be with you.
Richard Waite
Kirkland, Québec
Posted by Richard Waite | March 16, 2007 11:06 AM
Posted on March 16, 2007 11:06
Our prayers are with you and the people with whom you will minister.
JW
Edmonton, AB
Posted by Rev Joseph Walker | March 16, 2007 12:07 PM
Posted on March 16, 2007 12:07
I find it unfortunate and saddening that it is necessary to create a position for the advocacy and recognition of the spiritual needs of one segment of our population. Having said that, I would hope that the role and function of the position of the National Indigenous Bishop would be twofold; not only to minister to and advocate for the spiritual needs of indigenous people, but equally to provide badly needed cultural education and awareness to the larger populace, so that indeed we can avoid errors and pitfalls like those that our (largely) well-intentioned predecessors fell into. The ultimate vision should be to so influence the communion at large that eventually the position becomes redundant. We are, after all, all children of God, equal in his sight.
Fred Stephens
Weyburn SK.
Posted by Fred Stephens | March 16, 2007 12:41 PM
Posted on March 16, 2007 12:41
Hello Mark: I support your office and your appointment to it. Having read your published material I think you are naive in considering that the indigenous route will benefit aboriginal people. The way forward must be one of integration with the surrounding culture,(that's not assimilation) including acceptance of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Indigenous rhetoric does nothing for native women without rights. I suggest you look at the columns of John Ibbitson in the Globe and Mail about the devastating drop-out rate of high school students on reserves. He (and I) advise(s) them: flee to the cities, where your chances of graduation are much better. As long as advocates tout nationhood and independence and "indigenous-ity" these kids will be getting nowhere. Be careful about that rhetoric: lives are at stake.
Harold Macdonald
Matlock MB
Posted by Harold Macdonald | March 16, 2007 1:36 PM
Posted on March 16, 2007 13:36
Dear Bishop Mark,
I write as a member of the Steering Group of the International Anglican Women's Network. IAWN includes all Anglican women.
The Canadian branch, International Anglian Women's Network Canada, includes indigenous women. The IAWNC core executive hopes that the reciprocal reporting/correspondence of the past will continue, and, indeed, be expanded, as Anglican women increasingly find our places in the decision-making councils of the Church.
Every blessing on you and your ministry.
Alice Medcof
Toronto ON
Posted by Alice Medcof | March 19, 2007 3:17 PM
Posted on March 19, 2007 15:17
I agree with one of the previous posters that it is a sad statement of our society and our church that we need a Bishop for one segment of our society. I hope we can use the opportunity this provides us to find ways as an overall church to minister better to indigenous people. Perhaps if we do this well enough the newly appointed Bishop will gladly find himself out of work?
Danielle Moffat, Edmonton Alberta.
Posted by Danielle Moffat | March 27, 2007 1:13 PM
Posted on March 27, 2007 13:13
Your Grace
I congratulate you on your appointment as the first Indigenous Bishop of the Anglican church of Canada. I see this as a historic moment in the history of the Church I hope it continues with more openness from the Church among other things. As a First Nations person I wish you well and I must say I'm not a Anglican. As for the Euro- centric comments made on here by some of the members stating that it is sad that that your position is needed,I say the whole history of the Church in regards to the First Nations peopl has been sad to say the least. As a First Nations person I'm not just one segment of Canada's society.
Curtis Cardinal- Bigstone Cree Nation - Student @ U of A - Edmonton, Alberta
Posted by Curtis Cardinal | March 29, 2007 9:34 PM
Posted on March 29, 2007 21:34
Bishop Mark, it is with great joy your appointment has been made official. Your comments accurately point out the place of the elders in bringing your position into being. The presence of the Holy Spirit through the Sacred Circle was felt strongly, and it was a proud moment when every single Aboriginal person at that gathering stood up and said a resounding "I agree" to the decision reached by the elders.
As an Anglican of Aboriginal heritage, I see great potential in your position, serving not as the first indigenous bishop, but the first national Indigenous Anglican bishop, who will have a pastoral role for all Aboriginal Anglicans. Our bishop, Don, is supportive of the new position and looks forward to working with the Rupert's Land Aboriginal Circle in introducing you to the Aboriginal community in Winnipeg when you are here for General Synod in June.
We see great potential in the position, especially in the support role played to the diocese. Many Aboriginal people from various churches and communities here agree and look forward to meeting you. May the Creator bless you and your family as you continue in your ministry.
The Rev. Canon Murray Still+
Aboriginal Mission Developer/Executive Director
Rupert's Land Aboriginal Circle/Rupert's Land Wechetowin Incorporated
Posted by The Rev. Canon Murray Still+ | April 2, 2007 10:55 AM
Posted on April 2, 2007 10:55