Anglican Diocese of Ontario Foundation pivots

Just as people and parishes are pivoting from one direction to another during this pandemic, the Anglican Diocese of Ontario is also pivoting in its mission. In the beginning the Foundation’s focus was on diocesan church buildings and parish ministries. In part it remains so, but with a greater emphasis on parish outreach and mission projects, less on bricks and mortar, save for accessibility projects. Then there was the development of outreach partnerships with other agencies such as the Kingston Community Foundation.

Now that the Diocese of Ontario is funding Reach and Stretch Grants for parish ministries. So then what makes the Foundation distinct from these diocesan programs? 

The distinction is that the Foundation pivots further out into the communities that make up the Diocese of Ontario. In 2022 we will build on the relationships we have established to assist at the very margins of those communities. To go, and be with agencies and programs that serve people, who may never have thought of either reaching out to a church community or would have expected help from said community. Is there a precedent? 

I reflect upon the famous parable of the Good Samaritan. Has anyone ever given thought as to how the victim of the story, a Jew, feel about his rescuer, his enemy, a Samaritan? Did he see or realize who it was who washed and bandaged his wounds? Did he resent or dismiss the innkeepers account of who had so generously provided for him as so much drivel or fanciful tale – “no Samaritan would ever have helped a Jew”. Or, just perhaps, did his heart and mind open to the possibility that what he had believed about those people all his life had been wrong? Did some, if not all, of his prejudice fall away from his heart like the scales did from Saul’s eyes.

We can be like that Samaritan, we Anglican Christians, and help others by binding their wounds, helping where least expected, and so bring God’s love where it was not experienced before. If you are excited by that possibility than prayerfully consider a monthly, or one time donation to the Anglican Foundation of Ontario and become a member of a part of our Church going out into the world to proclaim by action and word the love of God.