Redlands’ Trinity Episcopal Church to hold annual Native American worship service

From Los Angeles-

Trinity Episcopal Church in Redlands will hold its 11th annual Native American worship service, celebrating Native American Heritage Month, at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 17.

The liturgy for the service is based on the Red Lake Mass set by Monte Mason, a nationally known composer and arranger of sacred music, according to a press release from the church.

Mason created this musical setting in 1996 based on tunes compiled by Frances Densmore, an early ethnomusicologist who noted and recorded music from various Northern American tribes. The service uses spoken text from the Creek, Dakota, Chippewa and Choctaw nations.

At the beginning of the service, Native American guests will gather in the church’s garden for prayers and smudging, led by Theresa Paine, Cherokee, and drummer Rudolph Medina, Apache, aka Singing Bird.

More here-

https://www.redlandsdailyfacts.com/2019/11/14/redlands-trinity-episcopal-church-to-hold-annual-native-american-worship-service/

‘Wai’ now Bishop Quayle

From New Zealand-

A moving powhiri on a dazzling spring day, a haka and the ordination of the first Maori Woman to the bishopric of the New Zealand Anglican Church happened at Rathkeale College on Thursday.

Waitohiariki Quayle will be known as Bishop Quayle of Upoko o Te Ika [lower North Island] and serve the Maori Anglican bishopric of the lower North Island.

Hundreds of people from around the North Island came to witness this historic event.
Bishop Quayle said she felt the “wairua [spirit]” present and felt, “very emotional as a servant of God”.

Quayle did need to dry her eyes during the ordination.

“It’s very personal,” she said, saying it was a significant day for New Zealand women.

More here-

https://times-age.co.nz/wai-now-bishop-quayle/

First Māori King's 160-year-old flag handed back to 'rightful owners' in Auckland ceremony

From New Zealand-

The first Māori King's flag has been returned to its "rightful owners", after being owned by the Anglican Church for around 160 years.

Bishop Ross Bay, from the Anglican Diocese, officially signed over ownership to the Kīngitanga in a ceremony hosted by Parnell's Holy Trinity Cathedral on Thursday. 

"There was no doubt that [the flag] belongs in Ngaruawahia from whence it came, 160 years ago. They are the rightful owners," Bay said. 

Pōtatau Te Wherowhero was the first Māori King and founder of the Te Wherowhero royal dynasty. He became king in 1858 and reigned until his death in June 1860. 

More here-

https://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/114861069/first-mori-kings-160yearold-flag-handed-back-to-rightful-owners-in-auckland-ceremony

Abuse survivors await apology from Anglican Church for physical harm: Bennett

From Canada-

The Anglican Church’s recent apology for doing “spiritual harm” to Indigenous Peoples is a beginning, Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett said Wednesday, but victims of sexual abuse at the hands of one priest in the 1970s and ’80s continue to wait for an apology for physical harm they endured from a “man of the cloth.”

In an interview, Bennett said several survivors have been clear they want an apology from the church for the legacy of Ralph Rowe, a former priest and Boy Scout leader who abused children during the two decades he spent travelling among remote First Nations communities in northern Ontario.

Bennett and her husband Peter O’Brian –himself a victim of childhood sexual abuse — have spent years trying to raise awareness about the impacts of Rowe’s abuse, its long-lived impacts and in some cases, deadly consequences.

More here-

https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/abuse-survivors-await-apology-from-anglican-church-for-physical-harm-bennett

Metro Vancouver Anglicans to direct millions to Indigenous efforts

From Canada-

The dwindling Anglican church in Metro Vancouver plans to direct 10 per cent of revenue from sales of church property to Indigenous groups and projects.

Vancouver-area Anglicans voted at their weekend synod to give one-tenth of the money made from sales of Anglican church properties in high-priced Metro Vancouver retroactively to January 1, 2018 and in the future. The money involved will amount to millions of dollars.

“I have a great deal of faith in the wisdom of synod and the whole process that this is going to set loose,” Melissa Skelton, bishop of the Anglican diocese of New Westminster, said in a note to fellow Anglicans. Her diocese encompasses Metro Vancouver and out to Powell River and Hope.

Diocesan spokesman Randy Murray said the Anglican resolution “calling for restitution to Indigenous people sourced from funds of some past and all future properties was passed by a strong majority after a robust but cordial discussion on the synod floor.”

The synod vote still requires the assent of the bishop and consultation with diocesan council, which meets June 12.

More here-

https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/metro-vancouver-anglicans-to-direct-millions-to-indigenous-efforts

The Māori King has met with Pope Francis in Rome

From New Zealand-

They talked about current issues facing all New Zealanders, particularly Māori and indigenous communities when it comes to employment, youth issues, housing, health, and education.

The Anglican Church was pivotal in securing the audience with the Pope and the royal party for the papal audience was supported by a delegation that included the Anglican Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon and Archdeacon Ngira Simmonds. 

The King is of Pai Mārire faith, while his daughter was baptised Catholic by the people of Whanganui.

The King and his delegation then went on to Monte Cassino, where he paid his respects at the Cemetery of Cassino to the 457 New Zealand soldiers that died there, including the 60 from the 28th Māori Battalion. 

More here-

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/113027915/the-mori-king-has-met-with-pope-francis-in-rome

also here-

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/papal-audience-m-ori-king-invites-pope-francis-new-zealand

First ordained Native woman receives honorary doctorate after decades of public service

From Alaska-

When asked what it felt like to receive an Honorary Doctorate of Laws last week from the University of Alaska Fairbanks at age 79, the Rev. Anna Frank said the experience was incredible and emotional, quite similar to the journey of trials and triumphs that got her there. 

“It was so awesome and overwhelming and emotional,” Frank said. “Because it’s like your life just flashed in front of you, of how you got to that moment. It’s hard to describe, but just amazing.”

Frank was born in Old Minto in 1939 and was raised around five siblings. For the first years of her life, she traveled with her family from the village to her family’s spring camp to summer fish camp and then back to the village. 

More here-

http://www.newsminer.com/news/local_news/first-ordained-native-woman-receives-honorary-doctorate-after-decades-of/article_a63b0078-7545-11e9-9125-cf8cb0290bcf.html

World's first Māori woman bishop elected

From New Zealand-

The Archbishops of the Anglican Church in New Zealand have elected the world's first Māori woman Bishop.

Archdeacon Waitohiariki Quayle has been appointed Bishop of Te Ūpoko o Te Ika.

She was ordained deacon in 2013 and priest in 2014 by Bishop Muru Walters at the Church of Te Hepara Pai in Masterton.

Archbishop Don Tamihere admitted the Church waited far too long to elect a Māori woman as Bishop.

"Archdeacon Wai's election is a very significant moment for our Church, and I believe for Māoridom as a whole," he said.

"She becomes not only the first Māori woman to be elected bishop, but the first Aotearoa New Zealand-born woman to be chosen to serve as bishop in any Tikanga.

More here-

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/worlds-first-m-ori-woman-bishop-elected

Anglican church welcomes Indigenous teacher who once renounced Christianity

From Canada-


More than 50 years after Albert Dumont renounced Christianity, the dean of Ottawa's Anglican diocese has welcomed him back — not as a believer, but as an Indigenous spiritual teacher-in-residence.

Dean Shane Parker, who is also the rector of Christ Church Cathedral, met Dumont in 2015 during an event connected with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.    

"Someone came to see me to say, 'There's a fellow here who wants to smudge. Is that OK?'" said Parker. "I just had this strong sense of wanting to stay in the room."

Since then, the two men have bonded over a shared belief in the importance of compassion and interfaith dialogue. 

More here-

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/indigenous-spiritual-advisor-christ-church-cathedral-1.4956326 

Anglican Church to apologise for takeover of Māori land in Bay of Plenty

From New Zealand-

Tauranga was built atop a broken promise from Anglican Church missionaries and iwi when they sold 540-hectares of land they did not own.  

Now, 152 years later, the Archbishop Emeritus Sir David Moxon will issue a formal apology to Ngati Tapu and Ngaitamarawaho of Tauranga Moana for the actions of the missionaries when they gifted the Te Papa peninsula to the Crown.

The 540 hectare piece of land encompasses modern-day Tauranga's CBD and was purchased in 1838 by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) and had to be used for the "benefit of the native race and the church".

This included building schools and other shared facilities. 

More here-

https://www.stuff.co.nz/bay-of-plenty/108993545/anglican-church-to-apologise-for-takeover-of-mori-land-in-bay-of-plenty

Chris Harper ordained as first Indigenous bishop of the Anglican Diocese in Saskatoon

From Canada-

As Chris Harper walked into St. John’s Anglican Cathedral on Saturday afternoon, the soon-to-be-ordained bishop-elect paused at the door to take part in a smudging ceremony.

As the first ever Indigenous bishop of the Anglican Diocese in Saskatoon, Harper — originally from the Onion Lake Cree Nation in Saskatchewan — said before the ceremony that he considered himself to be a “bridge” between the church and the Indigenous peoples in the city and the province.

“I’ve always said I’ve walked in two worlds all my life,” he said. “If we can find peace first, maybe we can walk together as human beings and to recognize each other … that we’re in this together.

More here-

https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/1119-news-bishop-installation?utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwAR0lTO3FgBY9c-U8n5wbrpuT26Epx2OZ29OT2tO3hpttHvIJngZWgXKOHeo#Echobox=1542495502

Indigenous bishop a first for Saskatoon Anglicans

From Canada-

In a year marked by deep hurt and division between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people in Saskatchewan, much hope is focused on Saskatoon’s new Anglican bishop.

On Saturday, Rev. Chris Harper will become the first Indigenous person to lead the Diocese of Saskatoon, a geographic band stretching across central Saskatchewan from Manitoba to Alberta.
“I am hoping and I am praying that I might be able to offer myself as a mediator, as a bridge builder,” Harper said in a recent interview.

Leaders and dignitaries attending the service will include the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, the mayor of Saskatoon and the treaty commissioner.

For Harper, his new role is a virtual homecoming. He was born in Paradise Hill and raised in Onion Lake Cree Nation, two communities just over the northern boundary of the diocese he will lead.

More here-

https://thestarphoenix.com/news/local-news/indigenous-bishop-a-first-for-saskatoon-anglicans

Sydney Anglicans back down on proposal to ban Indigenous smoking ceremonies

From Australia-

The Sydney Anglican Diocese has backed down on a controversial policy banning smoking ceremonies on any property owned by the church following outrage from Indigenous leaders, school principals and priests who work closely with First Nations communities. 

ABC reports of the proposal, due to be debated on Monday night at the annual gathering of the Diocesan synod in Sydney's CBD, were greeted with anger by Indigenous leaders who likened the decision to assimilation. 

The reports have also shocked principals who have regularly held smoking ceremonies on school grounds and infuriated local ministers who told ABC News that there had been no consultation and that it would be deeply embarrassing and offensive to Indigenous friends and parishioners.

More here-

 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-22/sydney-anglican-church-property-smoking-backdown/10403548

Indigenous bishop groundbreaking for Sask.

From Canada-

Harper has been elected bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Saskatoon. His appointment is groundbreaking because Harper is the first Treaty Six member to become an Anglican Diocesan bishop.

Harper was born in Paradise Hill and spent half his younger life on the Onion Lake First Nation, the other half living off reserve in a number of locations in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
A hard work ethic has always been part of his life, and during the nearly two decades he worked as an EMT/EMT-A, he was also involved in lay ministry in his church.

“At one point, our parish was without a priest,” Harper says, “and the bishop of Saskatchewan approached me about conducting lay ministry services. I wanted to do it right, and I believed that required some education.”

To that end, Harper enrolled in James Settee College which provides theological education for Indigenous clergy and laity.

More here-

Anglican bishop of Indigenous people tells of long, challenging journey

From Canada-



Mark MacDonald's journey through the Anglican church has followed a long, and sometimes challenging path.

The Anglican bishop was awarded an honorary doctorate from Thorneloe University in Sudbury Wednesday night for his role within the church, and his efforts at incorporating spiritual elements into the reconciliation movement in Canada.


MacDonald, the Anglican Church of Canada's first National Indigenous Bishop, spoke with CBC's Up North about the challenges facing Indigenous people not only in the structure of the church, but society as a whole. 

"We have tried to become an Indigenous church with an Indigenous identity within the larger church," MacDonald said. "That's been difficult for most Anglicans…[where some say] there's only one way to be Anglican, the way I do it."

"The idea that you could go with Jesus into the sweat lodge, so to speak, is a strange idea to many, but welcome to Indigenous people."

More here-

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/sudbury/mark-macdonald-anglican-church-1.4851967

Cree priest made first suffragan bishop for northern Manitoba

From Anglican Journal-

Archdeacon Larry Beardy, a Cree priest, educator and former executive archdeacon of the diocese of Keewatin, was consecrated first Indigenous suffragan bishop of the Northern Manitoba Area Mission—a new grouping of parishes within the Indigenous Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh—at a ceremony at Sagkeeng First Nation, Man., September 23.

Beardy’s is one of two new Indigenous suffragan (assistant) bishop positions created by the synod of the ecclesiastical province of Rupert’s Land this May, meant to help in providing pastoral care and spiritual leadership to Indigenous people from northern Ontario to Saskatchewan. His area mission will span that part of Manitoba that lies within the Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh, but he will also assist the bishops of the dioceses of Brandon and Missinippi in the diocese of Saskatchewan, in providing ministry to Indigenous people in these areas.

More here-

https://www.anglicanjournal.com/cree-priest-made-first-suffragan-bishop-for-northern-manitoba/

Episcopal Church Donates $45K for Prayer Book Translation in Native American Heart Language

From South Dakota-

The Episcopal Church has approved a project to translate the Book of Common Prayer into the Native American language of Lakota.

The Episcopal Diocese of South Dakota recently received a United Thank Offering grant of $45,000 to translate the BCP into contemporary Lakota.

Archdeacon Paul Sneve of the South Dakota Diocese told The Christian Post in an interview on Tuesday that they were in the beginning stages of the translation project.

"Episcopal Congregants from our nine reservations are submitting names of fluent speakers [and] writers who are also familiar with the English BCP. We have decisions to make especially in regard to how best to accommodate the three dialects spoken here, as well as what to include in book," explained Sneve.

"It has become evident early on that the finished book will be different than the English BCP in that we have liturgies that we use that aren't included in the 1979 book."

More here-

https://www.christianpost.com/news/episcopal-church-gives-45k-fund-translation-book-of-common-prayer-lakota-language-227314/

Vancouver-area church uses Christian, indigenous traditions

From San Francisco-

The Rev. Joe Scheeler thinks Christian and Native American spiritual journeys aren't so different from one another, nor are they incompatible.

"The closer you look, the more alike we are," he said.

God. The creator.

 Hymnals. Native songs with drums and flutes.

Holy communion. Sacred pipe ceremonies.

Confession. Sweat lodges.

Scheeler, 67, is the vicar at All Saints Episcopal Church, a west Hazel Dell church that blends Christian and Native American traditions in its services. Scheeler belongs to the Lenape tribe. His family's "ancestral stew" also inlucdes Ojibwe, Cree, Northern Cheyenne and Assiniboine tribes, in addition to being Irish, French and German. All Saints has families that are Mohawk, Yakama and Nez Pearce.

More here-

https://www.sfchronicle.com/news/article/Vancouver-area-church-uses-Christian-indigenous-12980600.php 

Māori Anglicans Welcome Young Archbishop

From The Living Church-

Māori Anglicans welcomed the Most Rev. Don Tamihere as a new archbishop April 28 during a lively ceremony in the North Island coastal town of Gisbourne.

Archbishop Tamihere, 45, becomes the sixth Māori leader under the 1992 constitution of the Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and Polynesia. He succeeds Archbishop Brown Turei, who died in January 2017.

The main ethnic groups within this Anglican province operate within a tricameral system. The senior bishops of each tikanga have equal standing as primates within the church.

Archbishop Tamihere shaped the ceremony to reflect Māori culture. He chose to be installed not by fellow bishops but by three students from Māori schools. The Rev. Wiremu Anania, 24, who was ordained to the priesthood three months ago, celebrated the Eucharist.

More here-

https://livingchurch.org/2018/04/30/maori-anglicans-welcome-young-archbishop/

Episcopal Church in Navajoland welcomes return of chapel

From New Mexico-

 As the scent of burning cedar filled Hozho Chapel, members and friends of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland gathered on Wednesday to welcome the space's reopening.

The chapel is located inside an old hospital built by the church in 1922. It served as one of the first hospitals for the area.

The Episcopal Church in Navajoland was organized as an area mission for the entire Navajo reservation by the Episcopal Church in 1976, according to the church's website.

Navajoland has been working to restore the two-story building and transform it into a women's wellness center.

The downstairs area will house Cheii's Web Development, an entity under Navajoland that focuses on website development. After its new home is complete, Cheii's will offer courses to teach Navajos how to develop and implement business ideas, as well as teach website design.

More here-

https://www.daily-times.com/story/news/local/navajo-nation/2018/04/30/episcopal-church-navajoland-welcomes-return-chapel/558703002/