The significance of the Transfiguration begins with Moses receiving God’s law. When Moses encountered God, his face shone with God’s glory, so that he had to veil his face in front of the Israelites. During the Transfiguration, in plain sight of his disciples, Jesus appeared alongside Moses, who received the law, and Elijah, representing the prophets. As Moses and Elijah faded, Jesus alone remained. God then affirmed Jesus’ divine mission, which is to fulfill prophecy and, more importantly, to fulfill the intent of the law, which is love.
The Role and Limitations of Law

Religious and secular laws are essential, defining right and wrong. The Transfiguration calls us to let love lead us to act beyond mere legal requirements, a lesson particularly relevant during Black Heritage Month. A significant part of Black Canadian history is rooted in the struggle for civil rights and the establishment of anti-discriminatory laws. Through their advocacy against injustice and demand for equality, Black Canadians have contributed to a robust framework of constitutional rights that benefits all Canadians.

Despite the enactment of anti-discriminatory laws, racial discrimination persists. Visible minorities continue to experience the persistent fear of racial profiling, systemic racism, and challenging encounters with law enforcement. This reality prompts us to ask why, despite these laws, our society continues to wrestle with racism—the very issue these laws aim to resolve.

The Power of Love Over Law

There are two key reasons for this ongoing struggle. First, love cannot be legislated or mandated. Second, individuals may follow the letter of the law while hiding behind veils of political correctness and indifference toward the impacts of racism on minorities.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus grounded his teachings in love, which motivates us to act for the greatest good, for ourselves and others. There is no law against love. The Transfiguration vividly depicts love, embodied in Jesus, rising above the constraints of the law and removing the veil that distorts our relationship with God and our interactions with others. The Transfiguration invites us to examine our motives and intentionally go beyond the limitations of anti-discriminatory laws in Canada.

Transformation and Our Shared Identity

Going beyond the limits of the law is possible through our personal and collective transformation into the image and likeness of God, who, in Jesus Christ, is love personified. In his letter to the diverse church in Corinth, Paul explains the importance of removing the veil of legalism to embrace our shared identity in Christ. He writes, “… when (we turn) … to the Lord, the veil is removed. … And all of us, with unveiled faces, … are being transformed into the same image, …for this comes from the Lord, the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:12-18.)

As God’s children, love is our common identity and heritage. Jesus says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 3:35.)

Black Heritage Month: Learning, Honouring, and Transforming

Black Heritage Month presents an opportunity for us to discern the steps that God is calling us to build a better world where love surpasses the rule of law.
Established in 1926, Black Heritage Month aims to share the history of people of Black African slave descent in North America and the Caribbean. Their stories of survival and their outstanding contributions in all areas of society remain largely absent from mainstream history books—a reality that explains the persistent negative stereotyping of Black people and underscores the continued need for Black Heritage Month.

The Church’s Role in Black Heritage Month

The Church needs Black Heritage Month. In times past, the Anglican Church in Canada perpetuated racist beliefs, relegating Black Anglicans to segregated, veiled worship behind curtains, denying them sacraments and leadership opportunities, ultimately forcing them to form ethnic enclave congregations.

Today, ethnic enclave congregations are a lingering legacy of past practices of segregation and marginalization. However, there is hope in the work being done in the Diocese of Montreal to address these issues. In 2020, a diverse group of clergy and laypeople met to discuss ways to address the legacy of racism in the Church. Their efforts led to a motion at the 161st Synod for the adoption of the Anti-Black Racism Action Plan.

The Action Plan calls for the acknowledgment of racism within the Diocese and the active engagement of congregations in ongoing dialogue, redress, and atonement. The Plan aims to provide clergy and parishioners with the awareness and skills needed to foster vibrant, multicultural, and multi-ethnic parishes that support the spiritual growth of all God’s people.

Next Steps and Recommendations

Beyond the Action Plan, congregations in the Diocese should consider the following actions:

• Advocate for a day in the Anglican Calendar to honour the pioneering work and ministry of Black Anglicans in Nova Scotia who persevered in faith despite racism, paving the way for the Anglican Church in Canada to “acknowledge that God is calling us to greater diversity of membership, wider participation in ministry and leadership… and a stronger resolve in challenging attitudes and structures that cause injustice” in its Mission statement. It is time to honour these Black Anglican pioneers.
• Foster multi-ethnic collaboration to prevent the formation of ethnic enclave congregations and special interest groups that operate on the margins of the Church. There will always be occasions for groups to gather by shared identity. However, members of these groups should be heard, feel safe, and be embraced at the heart of a diverse and flourishing Church, not on its margins.
• Above all, create safe spaces for bridge-building, where the status quo can be questioned and challenged. This requires courage and commitment. Bible studies and book studies should help us confront difficult truths, leading us to acknowledge and release ourselves from stereotypes and self-deception. Our prayer and meditation guide us to embrace the peace that comes from following Jesus’s guiding principle of love.

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My ability to move forward on this path was abruptly halted when, in the early fall, I fell on a brand new hip replacement and broke not only the appliance which was freshly put in but also my femur bone. I was instructed to not put more than 50% weight on my right leg. The best solution for healing was to stay in the Rehab hospital for 3 months. After that time, my Doctor gave me the go ahead to return home.

All this to say, my plans for visiting the parishes in the diocese were put on hold. But, with the New Year, I feel it is time to visit the parishes, to meet and to get to know how their support for Alongside Hope is going or beginning.

I became more aware during my time of being with people who were in the process of healing, that our Lord is present to support us through hard times and good times. Christ is found in those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, the merciful, the peacemakers and the persecuted. As we read the Beatitudes, we realize that that is where we find our Lord working and being present.
Alongside Hope gives hope and support around the world where there is crisis, food security support, climate resilience, needed relief and health issues. This organization listens and does not impose. The design for needed projects are local. The response to issues is shaped by cultural, social, and economic realities for long-lasting community-driven change.

Since 1958, Alongside Hope has worked with partners in the world to support communities facing injustice, poverty, and crisis. Our wish is that you would join us and follow our Lord, at work. To learn more, visit www.alongsidehope.org.

The post Alongside Hope Review appeared first on Montreal Anglican.

In addition to monetary donations, we received gifts of warm socks, hand warmers, gloves, gift cards, and lovingly hand-knitted hats and scarves from Mepec in Beloeil, along with other thoughtful contributions too numerous to mention. We are especially grateful to Familiprix Chambly for their generous donation of personal hygiene products. Used winter coats and hats were brought regularly to Randell Hall, each one a tangible sign of care for our neighbours in need.

Because of your generosity, we were able to fill 26 stockings for Mile End Mission’s unhoused community. The clothing collected was shared with two organizations that work directly with people experiencing homelessness in Montreal and on the South Shore. Your donations made it possible for us to donate to the food bank Aux Sources du Bassin du Chambly and Posa Source des Monts, who offer services to young adults in Chambly.

On behalf of the parish of St. Stephen’s, we wish you a New Year filled with peace, hope, and God’s abundant grace.

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Pour la toute première fois, les sons du saxophone, du piano, des percussions et de la guitare ont résonné dans la salle des visites du CSI. Action Réfugiés Montréal en collaboration avec le groupe Zo’s Band, a offert une prestation chaleureuse mêlant jazz et blues, créant un moment de répit et de connexion humaine.

Près de 40 personnes détenues, femmes et hommes répartis en cinq groupes, ont pu assister à ce concert d’environ une heure et demie. Dans un contexte souvent marqué par l’isolement, l’incertitude et l’attente, cette parenthèse musicale a permis une véritable évasion émotionnelle.

Sur une scène improvisée pour l’occasion, les musiciens et les chanteurs ont interprété un medley de pièces, suscitant enthousiasme, danse et applaudissements.
« Ça nous a changé », a confié l’une des personnes détenues, soulignant l’impact positif de l’événement sur le moral et le bien-être des participant.e.s.

Pour Zoheir Ferdjioui, chef du groupe Zo’s Band, cette prestation allait bien au-delà de la musique : « C’était avant tout un geste de solidarité et de partage des valeurs humaines, particulièrement significatif en cette période de l’année. »

Au-delà de son caractère festif, cette initiative rappelle l’importance des activités culturelles et bien-être en milieu de détention. La musique constitue un levier puissant pour apaiser le mal-être, briser l’isolement et contrer les effets désocialisant de l’enfermement.

À l’issue du concert, artistes et personnes détenues se sont salués chaleureusement, laissant place à des sourires et à une atmosphère empreinte de dignité, de reconnaissance et d’humanité.

Àpropos d’Action Réfugiés Montréal
Par l’entremise de son programme de détention, Action Réfugiés Montréal effectue des visites hebdomadaires au Centre de surveillance de l’immigration de Laval afin d’offrir écoute, soutien, information et accompagnement aux personnes détenues. Cette activité culturelle s’inscrit dans une approche humaine et respectueuse des droits, visant à préserver la dignité et le bien-être des personnes en détention administrative.

À compter du 1er février, Action Réfugiés Montréal accueillera la communauté à sa nouvelle adresse

1857, boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Bureau 400
Montréal (Québec) H3H 1J9

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Learning About Local Initiatives

The projects we saw varied but mainly focused on implementing resilient agricultural practices to support livelihoods.

Our trip started along the Indian Ocean. In Kilifi, the Kenyan Evangelical Lutheran Church, using funding from Alongside Hope through the ACT Alliance, supports local “self-help groups” implementing new agricultural practices and partnered with local government officials to support agricultural resilience.

Here, the assistant county commissioner let us know of her appreciation for the support we had provided to help with local efforts that contribute to the nation-wide initiative to plant 15 billion trees. We planted trees in support of the initiative and visited three local growing projects for seedlings that support small-scale farming initiatives.

Further up the coast, in the Tana River Delta, we visited communities affected by drought and floods. We heard how more extreme weather has caused challenges for the community. The previous year, flooding within the river delta displaced local communities and caused conflict between pastoralists and herders. Church World Service (CWS), an Alongside Hope partner, provided emergency food assistance to displaced communities, and then, as the situation improved, supported small-scale farming initiatives with chickens and honeybees. Community members told us how the support from CWS helped members of different backgrounds and religions in their community support each other.

Collaborating with ecumenical partners and local, well-established NGOs ensures that the work responds to community priorities and has a durable impact. Alongside Hope runs a lean operation and does not have its own staff overseas. Rather, they support local partners to accomplish a shared mission.

Moving inland, in Embu County, we learned about a project Alongside Hope supports through local partner Eclof Kenya, a microfinance institution supported by Protestant churches, when we met members of the Kawanjara Dairy Cooperative. Here, small-scale local farmers receive training and can observe a model farm that implements climate-smart agriculture initiatives for inclusive and resilient dairy farming.

I was deeply impressed by the training that was provided to local farmers on improving milk production through innovations like biogas production, manure management, fodder management, newly incorporated plants and technology to efficiently produce silage. Eclof also supports the local cooperative through a local milk clearing house.

The next day, in neighbouring Kitui County, we learned about projects operated by the Anglican Church of Kenya’s development agency, Anglican Development Services, with support from Alongside Hope. Our host was the Anglican Development Services – Eastern (ADS-Eastern). We met Bishop Gedion Muneni Nzoka, Bishop of Kitui, who accompanied us for the day as we visited ADS-Eastern projects.

Here, in local communities that often did not have an Anglican presence, we again met small-scale agricultural collectives supported by ADS-Eastern staff. Like some other projects we saw earlier in the week, the focus was on training and developing local knowledge to pool funds and improve agricultural practices in raising livestock and vegetables. Local initiatives varied by community needs and included training on Gender Based Violence, support for people with disabilities, and a community managed tree nursery with a solar powered well and cistern.

The Kenyans we met were delighted with Alongside Hope’s new name. They recalled the challenges of the complicated five-consonant acronym: PWDR… RD… PWRF… PWRDF! Alongside Hope is much easier to remember, though adjusting to the new name takes some time.

I was impressed with the organization of local committees who support each other with new agricultural innovations. Many local groups were proud to present their work to us and show us the crops they had grown or animals they were raising. For me, the clear delineation of responsibilities within their groups was remarkable. The chair, vice-chair, secretary, and treasurer would identify themselves and often there would be deputies for some positions as knowledge was shared and mentorship was provided to younger group members. The importance of clearly identifying how each person contributes to the goal of an organization is a lesson I take back with me.

Good governance is needed not just in local communities where projects are implemented, but also in ensuring responsible management of organizations. In Nairobi, we had a roundtable conversation with leaders of the organizations whose projects we visited and some other ecumenical partners, including the National Council of Churches of Kenya. During the meeting, John Mutua, the Executive Director of Kenya’s Anglican Development Services – Eastern, reminded us all that “good governance and policy don’t guarantee success but their absence almost guarantees failure”.

Grappling with challenges

During the trip, we heard from CWS and other agencies that the abrupt decrease in funding from the US government has left organizations eager to find new partners to support their work. Many aid organizations in Kenya have had to significantly cut back programming and staffing given drastic decreases in support for their work from American and other funding agencies.
While in Nairobi, we met with Canada’s High Commissioner, Chris Thornley. He reminded us to focus on the needs not just in Kenya, but also in Burundi, Somalia, and other countries which face severe humanitarian challenges.

It is not possible for one organization to respond to every need, and we cannot completely fill the gap left by the sudden shift from the Trump administration. However, I have seen the value that development assistance provides. I feel compelled to advocate for continued support for international development and humanitarian work from our government and to continue giving as I am able in support of, as the Alongside Hope vision statement declares, working towards a truly just, healthy and peaceful world.

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We’re delighted to announce the installation of a York HH8 series cold-climate heat pump, replacing our aging gas-powered HVAC system.

This new green-energy solution will keep our Mission warm in the winter and cool in the summer and significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. By lowering NOx and particulate emissions, it will also improve the overall air quality for everyone who walks through our doors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mark for his guidance and expertise throughout this process.

For several years, the Mission has also been committed to recycling the used clothing we cannot sell in our Friperie. These items are shipped to communities in need around the world, ensuring they find a second life while reducing textile waste.

As we continue our work in the Mile End community, we are mindful that every action contributes to a healthier planet. Together, we are making a difference one step at a time.

ABOUT US
Mile End Community Mission is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organization and community centre working with members of the community who have been marginalized by society for a variety of reasons. Our services are used by people of all ages, many of whom struggle with addiction, are in poverty and/or are homeless. We strive not only to help these people, but to empower them to help themselves.

HOW TO HELP
In this season of giving we are always happy to accept financial contributions. Go to www.mileendmission.org/donate/
In addition, the mission is pleased to accept:

FOOD DONATIONS
Unopened non-perishable food, including canned food, rice, and pasta, dropped off to us Tuesday to Friday from 10am to 3pm.
We also welcome fresh produce and fruits, in larger quantities, to be used for our lunch and breakfast programs.

CLOTHING DONATIONS
In-season, clean and undamaged clothing for our small thrift store: “Clothes that you would be proud to wear yourself.” We also accept gently used winter coats and boots.
Drop in our bin at the corner of Bernard and St. Urbain.

OTHER DONATIONS
Other items on our wishlist include: personal care supplies (including toothpaste, tooth brushes, deodorant), warm sleeping bags and gently used or new art supplies.
Drop off to us Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 3pm.

Our Address:
99 Bernard Street West
Montreal, Quebec
H2T 2J9

From all of us at the Mission we would like to thank everyone at the Diocese who has contributed to our program over the years. We wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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The Intercultural Learning Experience (ILE), directed by Marc Potvin, Director of Field Education, aims to provide students with an encounter that goes beyond academic study and moves toward personal engagement. “Informative, insightful, eye-opening,” he says. “My aim for the ILE is to provide first steps for students to begin an intentional reconciliation journey with First Nations.”

Encounter and Discovery

The week included a visit to Kahnawake where they met with leaders of the Kahnawake United Church and a visit to the Abenaki Museum in Odanak, outside of Sorel.

In Odanak, students encountered centuries of Indigenous history and living heritage. Among the museum’s exhibits was a display of artifacts unearthed in the village, some more than three thousand years old, offering tangible evidence of the Abenaki Nation’s long relationship with the land.

For some, this visit was more than educational, it was transformative. Nathaniel McMaster reflected, “There were many memorable moments. Our guide in Kahnawake spoke about the impact of the building of the St. Lawrence Seaway on the community. It made me realize all the possible ways that what we, white North Americans, might never think of as challenges or obstacles—or even simply important—can pose great challenges for Indigenous people or have negative consequences on their communities.”

The same student was struck by a small framed document in Odanak, listing family names present in the community since the early 19th century.“It was fascinating to see how some Indigenous names had become more French over time, how some French names had been adapted into Indigenous language, and how some names had remained the same. It was indicative of the nature of the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, exchange, adaptation, and resistance.”

Confronting Ignorance

Another student, Danny Fontaine, noted that the experience revealed how much mutual understanding still needs to grow.“I was struck by how two groups of people can live in such close proximity to each other and yet know very little about each other. Actually, Indigenous people know a lot more about us than we about them. One of the initial barriers to reconciliation is simply ignorance.”

Referencing The Invisible Nation, a film narrated by Richard Desjardins, Nathaniel added, “We tend to assume that other people live lives comparable to ours, or that their lives are so different that there can be no exchange. In either case, we remain ignorant of their reality.”

“Everyone training for ministry in North America should learn more about the Indigenous peoples in their area. History always shapes context, context shapes ministry, therefore history shapes ministry. The history of Indigenous peoples plays an important role in the history of our culture and country at large, often in ways we do not realize.”

Listening and Relationship

Students were particularly moved by stories of resilience and healing.

At the heart of the experience was the opportunity to meet and listen. “Meeting the people, hearing their stories of creation, and realizing that we are not that different,” said Danny.
“Being informed of their side of the story, what they’ve been through, and how they are trying to rebuild themselves on top of these traumas, listening to them, connecting with them, and recognizing their part in our story… these are people that were instrumental in building major infrastructure across North America”

Another student, Juyoung Lee, shared, “As an international theology student in Montreal, this was my first time journeying to hear the stories of Indigenous peoples, on their land and through their voices. The stories I had heard before were from a distance. But this time was different. I was on their land, walking, feeling the breeze, hearing the sounds of animals, and listening to their stories. A kinship was built between us, and through that relationship, our stories came together in the light of the Creator. ‘Now our minds are one.’ As the Haudenosaunee Thanksgiving Prayer says, when we gather and build relationships, the fear of the unknown, disguised as cultural differences, loses its power, and we become one in God.”

Toward Reconciliation

For many, the trip deepened awareness of the Church’s historic role in causing harm and the ongoing need for humility and repair.
Danny Fontaine reflected: “Reconciliation comes slowly but surely by listening to their stories, supporting their projects, and walking together in the rehabilitation of their rights.”

A Continuing Journey

For these students, reconciliation is not a theory but a practice, a journey of listening, learning, and walking alongside. As Marc Potvin reminds them, “The ILE is not an end, but a beginning.”
Their steps toward understanding, taken together on the lands of Kahnawake, mark a shared commitment to healing and to a future where the Church’s ministry is rooted not in words alone, but in relationship.

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The hour is serious, and it would be shameful to do nothing. But it is a source of pride and hope when we choose to act together. As we come to the close of this meaningful seminar, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this day of reflection, prayer, and solidarity for Haiti.
First, heartfelt thanks to Bishop Mary, whose term is coming to an end, for her steadfast presence and unwavering support for this cause. Your presence has been a gift throughout this journey. We are also grateful to our venerable Archdeacon and Bishop Coadjutor-elect, Victor-David who always shows sensitivity and encouragement toward the Alongside Hope cause.
A special thank-you to Reverend Roslyn, for her patience, her contagious motivation, and all the time and energy she devotes, despite the vulnerability of her health. You are an inspiring example of dedicated service.
My sincere appreciation goes to Suzanne and Kim, who came from Toronto to provide vital logistical support for this seminar. Thank you for your generosity and efficiency behind the scenes.
Thank you to my wife Immacula for all your support and thank you to the warden Jocelyne of Nativité Parish. Thank you to all the ladies and men’s group who made this workshop a priority.
I also warmly thank the members and young people of my local parish for their active participation and their prayers. I am convinced that a diocese without youth is like a landscape without sunshine. Thank you for being that light in our Church.
To all the participants, thank you for the richness of your contributions, the depth of your reflections, and the spirit of listening and collaboration you brought to this space.
A heartfelt tribute to the tireless volunteers of St. Lawrence Parish for your hospitality, your humility, and your service offered with such generosity of spirit. You turned this place into a true space of brotherhood and welcome.
And finally, a word of deep encouragement and gratitude to Rev. Father Jean Fils-Chéry for his warm hospitality, his enlightening insights, and his pastoral and human sensitivity. Your words helped us better understand the urgent realities of Haiti and invited us to seek, with conscience and compassion, pathways of hope and action.
May this seminar not be an end, but a beginning – a renewed call to walk ‘alongside hope’, together.
In times when everything seems to collapse, hope becomes an act of resistance and a path toward rebuilding. Walking alongside a suffering people is choosing to be a quiet but faithful light amid darkness. Haiti will not rise through the strength of one, but through the patient, determined, and faith-filled solidarity of those who refuse to give up.
Love for our neighbor knows no borders, and even a silent prayer is a powerful balm for broken hearts. In the unity of our parishes lies a spiritual strength capable of crossing through crisis and planting life where fear reigns. Reaching out to Haiti is honoring the dignity of a people, believing in their inner strength, and walking with them in respect and hope. Today’s workshop is not an end, but a beginning a renewed commitment to be, together, bearers of concrete hope.
These are the kinds of real-world challenges that should confront theology students — not internships placed in settings of ease and comfort that neither sharpen their sensitivity nor deepen their empathy.
The Alongside Hope certificate, given to the young people of Nativity, is not a decoration for the bulletin board but a glimpse that reminds us of Jesus’ vision for the most vulnerable and makes us sensitive to the needs of the world.
We are called to be the salt of the earth, to bring flavor to a world that is steadily losing its own.

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