St. Andrew’s, King Street, Toronto, was about as close as one could get to the G20 meeting in June. But despite being in the midst of the frenzied security and violent protests, the church opened its doors for Sunday morning service — without any problems.
Rev. Will Ingram thanked the 40 or so worshippers who navigated the security barriers, reporting that no damage was done to the building. From the pulpit, Ingram used the global leaders’ meeting and the violence that had erupted around it to demonstrate the need for a God-led community in the midst of injustice.
“On both sides of the fence are dedicated people who are aware that we are confronted with profound challenges,” Ingram said in his sermon. “Regardless of these differences, it is only fair to acknowledge that people on both sides of the fence — and those who are looking on — know that the present state of the world is not as it should be.”
The witness of St. Andrew’s did not go unnoticed, and was reported on by the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail, and a local community newspaper chain.
Several organizations supported by the PCC also responded. Kairos led a cross-Canada tour featuring international speakers, who discussed how climate change is impacting daily life in their countries.
Kairos’ official statement called on the media to give attention to the stories of people whose lives are affected by the G20’s actions — stories “that may help our country make decisions of hope that build a more just and peaceful global community.”
The Canadian Council of Churches hosted the World Religions Summit, where interfaith leaders from the G8 nations gathered to discuss their concerns. “At the summits in 2010, we expect leaders to put first the needs and values of the majority of the world’s population, of future generations and of Earth itself,” notes the interfaith leaders’ statement. “From our shared values we call on leaders to take courageous and concrete actions.” — A.M.
