We are Anglicans whose heritage is either African or Caribbean and who desire to
minister in our diocese by serving God and all God's people. We desire to serve the needs
of our community and to help the diocese in its work among us. How we function in the
church or society is, to a large extent, fashioned and nurtured by the experiences of our
heritage.
Black History Ecumenical Choir
We believe that the model developed by the Early Church in Acts 6 is a useful way of
fulfilling this ministry, serving the needs of a particular people within the context of
the whole.
Black History Celebrations
Since 1996 our committee has been organizing events as
part of our Black History Month celebrations. These celebrations are organized in
collaboration with The No Longer Strangers Project of the Diocese (the
multicultural project of the Diocese of Toronto). The highlight of these events has been a
Eucharistic Celebration on the last Sunday in the month.
The first celebration was held in St. James'
Cathedral. On that occasion, it is reported that about 300 persons were unable to get into
the church. The attendance was estimated at 1100. A decision was made to move the service
to St. Paul's Church, Bloor Street. This church can accommodate 2000 persons. At
every celebration since 1997, the church was packed to capacity.
In the first year the theme was "Celebrating Our
Black Heritage". In subsequent years, the main theme has been "Celebrating The
Black Heritage of Our Church. The preachers were invited to reflect on a sub-theme.
The liturgy is a journey into the creative minds of the
planning committee. It is characterize not only by spirit-filled, dynamic preaching but
also by music, dance, story telling and prayers which reflect the core of Black
spirituality and faith.
Though an Anglican celebration, persons of every ethnic
background and christian denomination make the last Sunday in February a "red
letter" day on their calendar.
Year
Theme
Preacher
1996
Celebrating Our Black Heritage
The Rev'd. Dr. Kortright Davis (Howard Divinity
School)
1997
Building On Past Faith & Courage
The. Rt. Rev'd. E. Don Taylor (Vicar Bishop of New
York)
1998
The Strength, Faith & Commitment of The Black Woman
The Rev'd. Dr. Kelly Brown-Douglas (Howard Divinity
School)
1999
Our Youth: The Silence, The Noise, The Praise, The Hope
The Rev'd. Michael Curry (St.
James, Baltimore)
2000
Jubilee: Restoration! Affirmation! Hope!
Pastor Cecil Fletcher (Grant A.M.E. Church, Toronto).
2001
Ministry In the Black Community, Ministry By the Black
Community
Fr. Stephen Fields (The Church of St. Stephen, Downsview)
2002
Looking to the Future: Embracing Our Diversity Under the
Banner of Christ
The Most Rev'd Terence Finlay (Archbishop of Toronto)
Video Tapes of the 2002
celebration are available.
