Social Justice Steering Team

Social Justice Commitment for ELAM

The Call

This Social Justice Commitment is a response to the Gospel call to bear witness to God's healing love in a broken world. Inspired by a vision of a spirit-filled community of hope, ELAM seeks to share in the creation of a more just and peaceful world.  ELAM strives to make a positive impact in a world of suffering through a theology of  action in response to God’s call.

We believe in the importance of cultivating hope and joy as an integral part of faith-based action. Through our work, we strive to act as a leaven in the world, to lift up and promote something new and holy. ELAM seeks to affirm the glory of God's creation and to share God's abundant love with others both materially and spiritually.

We believe that God's love, and the peace that flows from it, can be found only in right relationships.  Be it at the local, regional or global level, we seek to build community by supporting and aligning with the poor and the oppressed in their struggle for justice, seeking to uphold God's inclusive call to promote the dignity of all human beings.

In the preparation of this Social Justice Commitment, we acknowledge the guiding principles laid out by the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, an agency of the Anglican Church of Canada.

The Commitment goes on to outline specific actions in the following areas: Politics, Environment, Equity, and International Aid and Development

Some Projects on the Go

HIV/AIDS Pandemic: We have encouraged members of the congregation to fill up old jars, which we call "Granny Jars", with loose change that is then donated to the Stephen Lewis Foundation. The foundation uses the money to assist grandmothers in Africa who are raising grandchildren orphaned by the AIDS epidemic. At least $200 in change is collected every three months. Watch News & Notes for the next collection date.

Water: We were concerned about the use of bottled water at the church and how that contributes to the privatization of an essential, life-giving resource and to pollution through the production and sometimes inappropriate disposal of plastic bottles. We have convinced Parish Council to ban the sale of bottled water at the church and are pleased that pitchers of city tap water are now offered at most church events.

Blessing of same-sex unions: The worldwide Anglican Communion is wrestling with the place of gay and lesbian Christians within our churches, an issue that has led to much tension and strong politicking. In Canada, where same-sex marriage has been legal since 2004, the debate within the Anglican church revolves around whether it is right to bless same-sex civil unions. We have worked within our congregation to open discussion in a thoughtful, respectful and caring environment. You might consider reading this pdf of Mel White's What the Bible Says -- and Doesn't Say -- About Homosexuality. Links to the Anglican Church of Canada's many years of reports and resolutions on this issue can be found here.

Upcoming Speakers and Special Worship Services
at ELAM and around the city

Muted and Maligned Voices: Public Justice and the Canadian Churches

The Centre for Social Concern at King's University College Is pleased to present special guest speaker Joe Gunn, Executive Director, Citizens for Public Justice at the Somerville Lecture in Christianity and Communications on “Muted and Maligned Voices: Public Justice and the Canadian Churches" on Thursday, March 18, at 1 p,m. in the Wemple Student Lounge. King's is at 266 Epworth Ave. London, Ont. Joe’s extensive work experience stretches over the continent. Born in Toronto, he earned a Master’s Degree from a prairie university. In Latin America, Joe worked in refugee camps and served as a Country Director for Canadian Save the Children. At the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops for over ten years, Joe developed policy and coordinated work in areas of social justice, missions, and Aboriginal peoples. He served as the founding vice-chair of KAIROS - Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, and has been active in the Canadian Council of Churches’ Commission for Justice and Peace as well as the churches’ ecumenical health care initiative. Joe has coordinated the Make Poverty History campaign and engaged in research, public speaking and advocacy on national and international issues. All are welcome.  Admission is free and accessible. Refreshments and discussion will follow the talk.

Chili Dinner & Movie Night
with London-Fanshawe Member of Parliament Irene Mathyssen

Irene has again organized a movie night at East London Anglican Ministries, open to public. Chili Dinner & Movie Night presents Poor No More, a film hosted by TV actor-comedian Mary Walsh (This Hour Has 22 Minutes) offering solutions for Canada's working poor. For more information on the film, see www.poornomore.ca. Besides chili, the dinner includes salad, dinner roll, and beverage. The cost is $10. For more information, see www.ndplondonarea.ca or call Margot Laird at 519-451-0099.

Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream

This symposium will explore a new global vision built on sustainability, spiritual fulfillment and social justice. Participants will come together with people who care about what's happening in the world, our community and with our families. We'll look at our biggest challenges and opportunities today: the state of our industrial world and the thinking that got us where we are today, a new dream -- new ideas about what really matters -- leading to deep connections and surprising solutions, and how you can be part of what's emerging because you are already there. Saturday, April 10, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m., First-St. Andrew's United Church, London, Ont., Proudfoot Hall, 350 Queens Ave. at Waterloo St. $20 until March 30; $25 after; students $5 (no one will be turned away for lack of funds). For more details or to register, contact Mike Bancroft, gmbancro@uwo.ca or register online at www.AwakeningTheDreamer.org/.

Fair Trade Sunday