Through MAP we recommit ourselves to inspired, able leadership; healthy, sustainable parishes and community ministries; effective communications; and transparent governance and management.
We reaffirm our value for diversity and we continue to develop ministry that speaks to the realities of Quebec society and its peoples: its cultures, languages, ages, ethnicities.
Motivated by ministry rather than maintenance, we embrace the courage we need to reach out, to take risks and to make difficult decisions for the sake of God’s mission.
Jesus answered them, ‘… Very truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Those who love their life lose it, and those who hate their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there will my servant be also. Whoever serves me, the Father will honour. [John 12.23-26]
Rooting our MAP in Mission
In partnership with other Anglicans around the world, our MAP is guided by the Marks of Mission. Rooted in our Anglican identity and heritage, these are core activities of the church yesterday, today and tomorrow.
To proclaim the Good News of the kingdom
To teach, baptize, and nurture new believers
To respond to human need by loving service
To seek to transform the unjust structures of society
To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth
In 2007, the Anglican Church of Canada proposed a sixth Mark of Mission, one relating to peace, conflict transformation, and reconciliation. The recommendation was accepted by the Anglican Consultative Council at its meeting in 2009, though the exact wording has yet to be proposed.
Our Guiding Values
In following our MAP, we will be guided by values borne of our commitments to the Gospel and to our experience of ministry in the Diocese of Montreal and its unique mission fields. We will be open-minded and open-hearted to the promises and risks these values invite.
Spirit: The Holy Spirit is at work within and among us. Led by the Spirit and deeply rooted in prayer and scripture, we yearn to participate in the unfolding of God’s loving promise for the world.
Diversity: We appreciate and celebrate diversity beyond the familiar and comfortable. We embrace the opportunities and accept the challenges that diversity brings.
Relationship: Relationships are at the heart of community. As embodied in the person and life of Jesus, we will encourage and protect healthy, life-giving relationships within and among the people of our churches, communities of faith, the diocesan office and committees, and with our neighbours.
Anglicanism: We celebrate the richness and diversity of our Anglican heritage, theology, liturgies and traditions. We look to these as our source of inspiration for new, missional expressions of faith.
Courage: We risk change courageously and show respect for those among us who advocate for caution.
Focus and Mutual Accountability
The hope is that the directions and initiatives identified in MAP become the template for planning and mutual accountability throughout the diocese: for the Diocesan office and its activities; for Synod, Diocesan Council, the standing committees and working groups; for parishes and community ministries.
MAP 2015 Prayer
Lord, teach us what we should care about in our area and the wider world. Inspire us with new ideas. Turn our ideas into decisions and our decisions into actions.
Lord, teach us to learn from others and to work with others. Inspire us with a new openness and humility. Turn our learning into action.
Lord, teach us what really matters. Inspire us to think more of others than ourselves. Turn our selfishness into compassion and care.
Lord, teach us to value the things we take for granted in the provision of services. Inspire us to find new ways of improving them. Turn us away from blame into actions that make a difference.
Lord, we give thanks for the dedicated work of all who serve in the synod office and on diocesan committees, task forces and working groups, our clergy and those who serve in our parishes and community ministries. Give us a new energy and integrity. Help us to nourish new confidence and trust in our decision making, our policies and our actions. AMEN
(Adapted from the Diocese of Llandaff Spirituality Group)
Source: Anglican Diocese of Montreal
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