Bishop urges Anglicans to speak out on housing
crisis
Anglican
Church of Canada
November 08, 2004
By Murray MacAdam
Anglicans across the diocese are being encouraged to lobby their MP and MPP to take action against the housing crisis in a bulletin insert sent by Bishop Colin Johnson for use in churches on Sunday, Nov.21.
The bulletin insert notes how the Gospel calls people to respond to homelessness, citing Isaiah 58: “Is not this the sort of fast that pleases me…to share your bread with the hungry, and shelter the homeless poor?”
While the bulletin applauds Anglicans for providing emergency shelter through Out of the Cold programs in at least 34 parishes, it notes that homeless people need real homes. That’s why Anglicans should contact their MPP and MP, and encourage them to follow through on promises made by both provincial and federal governments to provide the affordable housing so badly needed.
“We all have a role to play in responding to this critical need,” notes Bishop Johnson. The bishop will take part in a press conference at Queen’s Park at noon on Nov.22, National Housing Day. The event is sponsored by the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee, a housing advocacy group. Holy Trinity, Trinity Square in Toronto will host a dinner to launch National Housing Day events at 6:30 p.m. on Nov.21. All are welcome.
The bulletin insert and the bishop’s involvement are examples of how the diocese is stepping up its advocacy efforts to promote affordable housing and end homelessness. Diocesan Council last month approved a strategy document from the Social Justice and Advocacy Board (SJAB) called Combating Homelessness and Promoting Affordable Housing.
“It’s wonderful that Bishop Johnson is showing the leadership needed on an issue that literally means the difference between life and death for some people,” says SJAB member Judith Kidd. “ However, we’re well aware that politicians need to know that large numbers of people want them to take action, not just church leaders. That’s why we’re appealing to church members to contact their elected representatives. We also hope that Anglicans who can do so will take part in the dinner at Holy Trinity and the Queen’s Park rally.”
Further information is available here.
For more information contact Social Justice and Advocacy Consultant Murray MacAdam, mmacadam@toronto.anglican.ca.