Our Mission & Vision

Advent 2024 

For Canadians, Advent is a time of gathering darkness as our days grow shorter. The darkness is not spread evenly, as our friends in the north well know; so too the effects of the long nights vary on us as individuals and communities. But the atmosphere of dwindling daylight is something that settles on us all.

Advent begins with a Gospel reading that forecasts days of increasing shadow and gloom, but also the emergence of light. Alongside the distress of the nations, the roaring of the sea and signs in the heavens, we also glimpse “’the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory.” (Luke 21:27) Advent is a time of sharpening contrasts and the narrowing window of light in December can sometimes help to deepen our desire and appreciation for the little light that we have been given.

For Anglicans in Canada the future can often feel pretty troubled and uneasy, especially for those of us in the Communion Partner fold. But there are signs of warmth all around us: stories of people coming to faith, congregations that are witnessing renewal, friendships in the Lord that continue to be formed, and maybe even some thawing in our relationships with those with whom we disagree.

I am greatly encouraged by the vocation that has been given to the Communion Partners in Canada. We have been called to witness to the light of Christ, to pray for the renewal of the Church and to deepen our faith in the Lord, revealed to us in Scripture. I pray that God would give us grace for this task and that the bonds between us would continue to grow and grow, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Dane Neufeld, Chair, Communion Partners (Canada)