News and information

Today, World AIDS Day 2011, is an occasion for reflection on the reality of AIDS in our world-its impact on those who have the disease and on those who care for them, its personal and social costs and the scourge of discrimination that too often surrounds it. For the years 2011-2015, the world focus is "Getting to Zero"-zero new infections, zero discrimination, and zero AIDS-related deaths.

A new group of volunteers will help advance the historic partnership between the Anglican Church of Canada and the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. The Canadian Companions of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, whose terms of reference were recently approved by the Council of General Synod (COGS), will help connect the two regions through prayer, visits, and financial support. 

The Canadian ecumenical justice group, Kairos, is seeking support for the Attawapiskat First Nation in northern Ontario. The indigenous band, which declared a state of emergency as temperatures plunged in early November, has asked the federal government to consider a temporary evacuation of its community because of a lack of housing, heat, safe drinking water and other basic needs.

The Rev. Canon Ogé Beauvoir, dean of the Episcopal Theological Seminary in Port-au-Prince, was elected Nov. 25 to be the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti's first bishop suffragan, pending the required consents from a majority of bishops with jurisdiction and standing committees of the Episcopal Church. 

The Anglican Church of Canada is offering a free podcast series this Advent to deepen people's spiritual experience during the busy pre-Christmas season. Called "Welcoming Christ," this series of five podcasts unfolds the beautiful potential of the Advent season—its enchantment, faith and love. 

The bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada met at the Mount Carmel Retreat Centre in Niagara Falls, Ont., Nov. 20 to 24. They have released the following statement.

The third day of COGS's fall 2011 meeting began with Bible study at 9:00. At 9:45, members gathered for business.

Council of General Synod (COGS) members began the second day of their fall meeting with a Bible study at 9:00. At 9:45 they gathered for business.

The first day of COGS's fall 2011 meeting began with worship and Bible study. At this meeting, members are examining the theme of leadership in Numbers 11.

The Rev. Canon Virginia "Ginny" Doctor, a Mohawk from the Six Nations and canon to the ordinary for the Episcopal diocese of Alaska, is the new indigenous ministries coordinator for the Anglican Church of Canada.