This synod will be the last of the three years we focus on the theme of Racism: Listening Naming Reconciling. As the Anti-Racism Task Force has opened our eyes to the ways in which equity and inclusion matter in all aspects of our lives, we now have a visual outcome of their influence.
Over the last few years, several people have pointed out the portraits of bishops (all, of whom, with the exception of Bishop Mary, are white men) that adorn the walls of our synod offices no longer represent who we have become as a diocese and a church.
To answer this concern, we considered taking the portraits of the former bishops down, or moving them to a less prominent spot in the office.
But the Task Force had a better idea. Instead of removing the portraits – which do represent our history – why not add to them? So, the idea of the Diversity Wall was born.
Over the last few months, we have gone through the process of selecting photos that better reflect who we are as a diocese. Thankfully, we have a fairly extensive library of high quality photos from which to choose, thanks to both Janet Best, our official Diocesan Photographer, and the very talented Tim Smart.
So, here (at right and on page 3) is the result; a photo montage that displays our various colours, ethnicities and ages engaged in some of the activities that comprise our diocesan experience. These photos include our first female priest, first black bishop, long-time volunteers…and a chicken.
Although the installation itself is intended to be permanent, we do plan to update it periodically to keep it fresh and allow for more faces to be included.
Please come see for yourself! The walls flank the entrance to Fulford Hall on the 2nd floor of the Synod Offices.
And thanks to our Anti-Racism Task Force: Dion Lewis, Edward Yankie, Chris Belle, Deborah Meister and Deborah Noonan and Jim Pratt – for leading the way.
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