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[Worldwide Faith News <wfn@wfn.org>]

Church representatives to meet with deputy PM
First meeting since bishops' letter complaining of government stalling

Leanne Larmondin
Web Manager
Anglican Church of Canada

Ottawa
Canadian government and Anglican Church of Canada representatives are
scheduled to meet here this week to discuss litigation both face over
residential schools.

For the first time, the Primate, Archbishop Michael Peers will represent
the church in the discussions. Archdeacon Jim Boyles, the church's General
Secretary who has been the key representative in all discussions to date,
will join him, as will Esther Wesley, the national church's healing
co-ordinator and two bishops:  Terry Finlay (Toronto) and Don Phillips
(Rupert's Land). The delegation will meet with Deputy Prime Minister Herb
Gray.

The meeting is the first since the House of Bishops sent a letter in early
May to Prime Minister Jean Chretien asking him to intervene in stalled
negotiations aimed at compensating litigants in lawsuits involving
residential schools.

In that letter, the bishops noted their dismay at the lack of progress in
the negotiations and warned that the finances - not to mention the healing
work - of the church were in peril.

"Those who were abused still wait for justice and the litigation is rapidly
draining [our] resources," the letter stated. "We assure you of our ongoing
commitment to our ministry of healing among the indigenous peoples of
Canada. We will continue this work as long as we are able, but it is now in
jeopardy."

The Anglican Fellowship of Prayer is circulating an e-mail request for
parishes and dioceses to hold prayer vigils.
- 30 -

Links:

Healing ministry 'in jeopardy' -- Bishops urge Prime Minister to press for
settlement of claims Anglican News Service press release
<http://www.anglican.ca/news/ans/ans.html?ansItem=2001-05-04_d.ans>

Residential Schools: Legacy and Response
Anglican Church of Canada website
<http://anglican.ca/ministry/rs/>

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Leanne Larmondin
Web Manager
Anglican Church of Canada
600 Jarvis St.
Toronto ON  L5E 2G1
(416) 924 9199 ext. 307
ll@anglican.ca
http://www.anglican.ca
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