HEAL OUR CHURCH COMMUMITY FORUM HUGE SUCCESS
Saturday, February 18, 2023, saw nearly 200 people (in person and by zoom) engage in personal and sometimes passionate dialogue about the need for change in our Church. Many ideas have come from the meeting which HOC commits to working on for the future. Foremost, though, among priorities are: (1) the need to change the hierarchical, clerical structure to provide a meaningful voice for laity, especially women; and (2) full transparency regarding the files related to clergy sexual abuse through a Truth and Reconciliation Commission; (3) outreach and inclusiveness to marginalized communities based on race or sexual orientation.
The energy and commitment were strong and obvious. The challenge for all of us is to make the recommendations a reality. For those who were unable to attend, the meeting video is below.
Recording of Heal our Church Forum
click the large red arrow to play
Additional Heal Our Church Forum Materials
Ester’s Prayer
Let us bow our heads and ask for God’s blessing
May God help us focus on what
Truly matters
And give us the insight to discern
What is right
May God fill our hearts with love
And may that love determine the
course we take
And shape all our interactions
May God give us
Wisdom to make good decisions,
Courage to take the necessary risks,
Unshakable hope to maintain a
Steadfast Spirit
Good humor to keep things in
Perspective
And deep trust so that as we risk,
We remain grounded in God
May God bless us with the
Personal joy of knowing
That we have acted out of love,
That we have done our best
And that we have served God with
All out hearts
Amen
Closing Song: