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Gatherings - England 2007

 

International Anglican Youth Network Meeting Notes High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon, Herts, England 2-7 September 2007

 

Present:
Sally Sue Hernandez (Mexico);
Evans Gogonya (Sudan);
Steven Schwarzrock (Australia);
Newton Ekoda (Papua New Guinea);
Andrew Russell (Tanzania);
Adel Shakralla (Jerusalem and the Middle East);
Richard Whitmill (Young Adult/England);
David Brown (Ireland);
Insar Gohar (Pakistan);
Dessordi Leite (Brazil);
John Hebenton (Aotearoa/New Zealand);
KK Chan (Hong Kong);
Maki Nakamura (Young Adult/Japan);
Michael Tamihere (Aotearoa/New Zealand & ACC Youth Rep);
Kei Izekumi (Japan);
Sarah Tomlinson (Scotland & ACC Youth Rep);
Peter Ball (England & IAYN Co-Administrator);
Douglas Fenton (United States & IAYN Co-Administrator.

Apologies and regrets:
Kasta Dip (North India);
Yong Dem Bul (Young Adult/Sudan); Jefferson Lizardo (Philippines);
David Mdabuko (Tanzania);
Judy Acheson (Congo).

Monday, Sept 2

Welcome and greeting was followed by a review of the International Anglican Youth Network since it’s inception, reflecting on the various gatherings through to the development of the current regionally represented steering group. A fuller history is on the new IAYN website at
http://www.iayn.anglicancommunion.org

Opening Eucharist followed using a New Zealand prayer written by young people.

A review was undertaken of the three steering group meetings which have occurred since the last IAYN meeting in Connecticut 2004. The meetings were held in Jerusalem 2005, Porto Alegre 2006 and London (2007). The Co-Opted ACC Youth Representatives (Michael Tamihere and Sarah Tomlinson) outlined their participation at ACC-13 in Nottingham. Michael attended with Candace Payne (West Indies) who has now retired as the Co-opted ACC Youth rep, and she will be replaced by Sarah Tomlinson. Persons for the positions of the Co-opted ACC Youth reps were nominated by Provincial Youth Officers to the Steering Group. Consideration was given to regional reps, gender balance, and provincial participation. (Recent youth reps have come from West Indies, Philippines, Southern Africa, Southern Cone, Ireland).

A call was issued to consider what seminal areas of focus could be identified over the week for the Network to focus its ministry with resource development and give attention both globally and regionally.

The day was closed with Night Prayer. (David)

Tuesday, 3 September

The day began with Morning Prayer. (Sabelo and Sarah)

Provincial Youth Officers provided ten minute overviews of the work of youth ministry in their provinces. Areas of concern identified were: suicide, death in car crashes, AIDS/HIV, Biblical literacy, drug/alcohol abuse, communication, resources, violence, mental health, reproductive health, racism/xenophobia, inter-faith dialogue, networking, gangs and crime, cohesive communities.

Michael and Sarah gave a presentation on the work of the Lambeth conference in preparing the Network for its participation at Lambeth 2008. Michael first offered an outline of the Communion’s “Instruments of Unity”:

  • Primate’s Meeting
  • Lambeth Conference
  • The Anglican Consultative Council

Small groups were convened to brainstorm ideas for our time at Lambeth.

Lambeth Plenary

Marketplace: (which has a cost) and/or Foyer: (which would be ‘free’ to Networks)

  1. explain what the Network is focused on
  2. raise profile of youth around the Communion and invigorate the church through interviews compiled on DVD
  3. ‘comfy’ chairs, tea and coffee, young people around, general information, high-profile for the web page
  4. who will be there? Steering committee of IAYN, representatives from each Province, the size of the group
  5. what is the purpose of being at the Marketplace? Empower young people from around the Anglican communion or just to create a network for youth, youth to share with bishops from the Communion. Add youth work for the bishop’s agenda where youth are the answer to the questions: leadership? congregational life?, etc. Both challenge the bishops and market ourselves.
  6. sell things: mugs, t-shirts, dvd’s, key chains, etc
  7. take pictures of bishops and photo-shop them to a younger bishop
  8. IAYN magazine
  9. who does all the work?
  10. can the voice of young people be heard when there are only a few young people?
  11. brochure with a paragraph from each Province: with a question like “What do you want the bishops to know or learn? Need to have a clear context for a brochures purpose?
  12. bookmark, t-shirt, dvd/cd with sound bytes and resources, pens and pins

Fringe:

  1. how are young people enriching the church?—bring some young people in and using a celebrity talk show have issues that we discussed like suicide, sexual ethics, drugs, church involvement
  2. interactive labyrinth available each day
  3. themes for young people: drugs/sex/alcohol/confirmation/youth evangelism/getting young people engaged in church
  4. ‘young adult festival’ for young people at/around Lambeth
  5. young people lead Bible study/attend and/or young people lead worship
  6. informal meeting with ++Rowan and young people
  7. dance party with music meeting or drama
  8. visit to Lambeth palace
  9. young people to participate on liturgy commission for Lambeth
  10. video recording of bishops and their work with youth
  11. forum with bishops on how they engage young people/may add on young people
  12. what is happening with stewards programme?

Force field produced the following:

Marketplace/Foyer:

  • 2 Bishops’ view—DVD
  • 1 Lounge, young people, stories, highlight web
  • 6 What is the purpose?
  • a. Empower youth
  • b. Create network
  • 2 Magazine
  • 1 Who does the work?
  • 1 How can the voice of young people be heard?
  • 1 Brochure
  • 1 Bookmark—challenge

Fringe:

  • 1 Interview process
  • 8 labyrinth—interactive
  • 1 panel discussion – young people lead
  • 3 young adult program
  • 3 include youth network in worship preparation
  • 1 interview bishops—video/dvd
  • 4 invite bishops to have a conversation on youth engagement

An Anglican Covenant

Copies of the draft Anglican Covenant were distributed and John Hebenton introduced the document. The Network moved into small group sessions to determine if they wished to make a response, and if they did what it would contain.

One group found sections 3 and 6 to be the critical items.

3. interpretation of Scripture varies from one place to another and depth of theological reflection

6.2 ‘agree to spend time with openness and patience in matters of theological debate’

6.5 concern of giving power to a group that already wields too much power

6.6 what equanimity exists if primates are final arbiters?

Questions posed:

  1. Who, how and when does someone get access to the contents of this document? It’s well removed from young people, and most people in the church. It seems to be ‘a big document talking to big people.
  2. What’s the process of restitution and renewal required?
  3. Will this Covenant be the thing that will used to bash people?

Observations:

  1. This has a large context around it. It did not come out of a vacuum. It has real consequences and immediately.
  2. The three-legged stool of Scripture, Tradition and Reason are missing as is the concept of via media.
  3. Direct effect on young Anglicans but little access or input to the document. Each Province could go home and create a response from young people.
  4. Scottish Episcopal Church’s suggestion that each Province develop its own Covenant with the Archbishop.
  5. Good if we could have had a response from young people from across the Communion.
  6. It’s a document that may not be relevant to young people because it’s a way of defining a relationship between Provinces/Senior Leadership, but may have implications.
  7. The undertones of this document are very scary. Some churches have done things in one age unforgivable and later found to be quite acceptable.
  8. There is potential for using the document to teach ways of reconciliation (Sections 3 and 4) where it shows how we live together in difference.

The conversation then moved to ‘Why should we respond?’

  • We’re a Network, we can and should respond
  • We should reflect the elements of this conversation
  • Express our concerns, our questions, our fears
  • We must say something because of the effect it will have on young people (6.2), cf ‘God’s revelation to us’—remind bishops of the purpose of the Church, why do we exist?
  • Primates should find a way to reconcile ourselves to each other, not be divisive
    How do we share in the mutual life of the Church in finding a way to be reconciled if we cast a member out?
  • The role of ACC would be reduce in the current Covenant
  • Spirit of God reflects the following:
    • Honesty
    • Inclusive
    • Plurality
    • Integrity of every human being
    • Respectful
    • Patient

Sabelo, Steven and Sarah will summarize the conversation.

International Anglican Youth Day

The Network had previously set aside Christ the King Sunday as the Anglican Youth Sunday, however, many Provinces already have a designated Sunday. The Network encourages each Province to set aside a Sunday dedicated to Young People. If an offering is received for the work of ministry with young people in the Province, could a percentage of the offering be designated for the work of the Network?

Webpage

With thanks to the Anglican Communion Office Communications (with creative and technical expertise of Mr Michael Ade, and the aide and support of Canon Jim Rosenthal) the IAYN website went ‘live’ last week as a feature of the Anglican Communion website (www.anglicancommunion.org) It has the historical documents, minutes, newsletters and links to provincial office web-pages. Send documents, news, provincial web pages to Douglas who will forward it to the Communion Office.

Newsletter

Three editions have now been published. Only the first has been translated into Spanish.
Dessordi has been the Editor-in-Chief.

The schedule of the newsletter is:
September 30, 2007
February 1, 2008

Each successive newsletter will have the deadlines printed.

Send articles and pictures in high resolution to Dessordi. The intention is to print when possible, and to post to the website and the iayn@yahoogroups.com listserv

Brochure

Need to develop a brochure to aid in interpretation of IAYN to Lambeth and the Communion.

Meeting split into two groups to assess the both newsletter and to design the brochure.

The Covenant response group continued its work.

Report back:

Newsletter

  • each Province could have a newsletter and the editor
  • perhaps add an extra page especially if we have more articles and it’s electronic
  • more pictures
  • more content, and not details of event but content of event being reported
  • with Acrobat Writer you can change the text
  • maintain the ‘masthead’
  • who is it for? Youth or Youth leaders
  • big news heading or font for each region, perhaps colour coded by region
  • prayer requests
  • add website address

Brochure

  • use A4 size with a glossy paper using the same as the Anglican Communion
  • use the logo with the blue and gold
  • colourful and eye-catching
  • pull things off website with pictures including mission, aims, steering group photo, names, contact information
  • Andrew, Sally Sue and Richard will compile the document

Wednesday, 5 September

David Brown and Sabelo Mashwama left the meeting Wednesday morning.

Wednesday the group journeyed by coach to The Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk. The group attended the Pilgrim’s mass, had an introductory lecture from Fr Philip North before lunch, then attended the Sprinkling Service before returning to High Leigh.

The evening was spent teaching each other songs in the languages from the various Provinces.

Thursday, 6 September

Insar Gohar left the meeting Thursday morning.

Peter Hammil, Ireland, joined the meeting.

Finance are managed and maintained by Mr Andrew Franklin at the ACC office:

Those who have contributed, to date, to the IAY Network:

£2,850 – Japan
£270 Ireland (David Brown indicated that a further contribution may be possible)
£1000 Scotland
£3900 England
£7650 USA
£1750 Australia
£3000 Aotearoa/NZ

£250 Agreed on contribution at the Connecticut 2004 meeting.

Peter Ball suggested a proportional contribution by each Province.

Forecasted budgets were requested for Provincial officers.

Contact not only Provincial Secretary (cc: Primate), Provincial Youth Officer, Youth committee (Japan).

EU Youth work and conferencing is a possibility for funding. Peter Ball and Peter Hammill will follow-up.

Comments to the first draft IAYN response to the Draft Anglican Covenant:

  • missing comment on the Covenant of its desire to bring about reconciliation
  • ACC is a place for young people is present, when removed to only Primate’s then it silences their voice
  • young Anglicans in the pew
  • some clauses may inhibit mission
  • legacy of young people…addressing a current crisis but may become a mill-stone
  • what happens to Provinces who chose not to ‘sign on’ to Covenant
  • grammatical edits were noted
  • if it’s wrong to give the Primates all the power, why is it wrong? Alternatives? Acknowledge Primates but not all power to them
  • tone may need to be a bit more formal
  • first sentence to indicate that the Covenant was considered in the context of the Network meeting and not only for the sake of considering the document
  • question posed: “how far will we go to stay in Communion with one another?’ may be one we respond to and not pose, again.

Sarah and Steven will consider responses and re-work the document.

Welcomed Deirdre Martin, Executive Assistant to the General Secretary of the ACC and Sue Parks, Lambeth Conference Manager.

Deirdre reviewed the work and history of Networks.

There are 12 Networks recognized by the ACC:

  1. Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion: only those schools
  2. Environment: email
  3. Family: staff, large mailing list, three digests a year
  4. Francophone: where French is used
  5. Indigenous: churches on the Pacific rim
  6. Inter-Faith Concerns (NIFCON): staff, major grants, Jewish and Muslim dialogue
  7. Legal: chancellors of Provinces
  8. Peace and Justice: regular network meetings, visit places where
  9. Refugee and Migrant: least active, few staff
  10. Urban: active only after last Lambeth
  11. Women: does a major fundraising
  12. Youth: Network funded

Continuity and enthusiasm are key to a Network’s longevity

All have problems with finances

Examples of effective Networks are those who receive grants such as Inter-Faith and Family Networks.

Lambeth Conference

Sue outlined her work and the work of Lambeth.

Program will be resourced by peers: bishop to bishop

Bishops are asked to turn their minds to God’s mission and the work of educating God’s people for God’s mission. Additionally the themes will focus on Marks of Mission and UN-MDG’s and the work of the TEAM conference.

Formal part of Conference:

First several days will be retreat.

Bishops will begin in Bible study then eight small groups move to make a larger group to discuss themes.

Choose, in the afternoon, program events to attend.

How will this experience empower the bishop in his/her mission/education for mission?

It could be repeated. It could also be offered in sequence, so bishops would sign up for more than two to three sessions. A proposal would need to be received by Sue within the 6-8 weeks.

Marketplace:

Mission agencies, publishers, liturgical artists, etc will be invited and charged commercial rates. Marketplace stalls could be held for both one and two weeks. Commercial marketplace is run by a commercial planning firm and the stall size cost is appropriate.

Foyer: Officially recognized Networks can have space in large foyers without charge, but won’t have easy access. Only table available and no power, etc.

Fringe:

Entertainment events and such will be in the evenings.

Events management company is coordinating spaces for these offerings.

Stewards:

Local volunteers from Canterbury. They are of any age who are from Canterbury and provide local Canterbury knowledge.

Student stewards conscripted through chaplains at the University of Kent and Christchurch College, Canterbury.

International volunteers: Each Province invited to send a person and all would have to be bilingual in a language other than English and which the conference will function in (Portuguese, French, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Swahili. Abp Rowan would be willing to meet with International stewards following Lambeth Conference. Letters of invitation will be sent to Primates, Provincial Secretaries, Provincial Youth Officers. Bishop Ralph Spence and Mrs Spence will be chaplains to the stewards. A Coordinator will be used to facilitate the various stewards. Possible to have international volunteers to participate in both Fringe and Marketplace.

Expressed need for applicants to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to their own Provinces. Sue welcomed advice as to what criteria would be helpful to ensure a wider representation. Sue asked for a list of criteria including consultation with Provincial youth officer. Recommendation was for 18-30 age group.

The Lambeth conference web site is: http://www.lambethconference.org

Liturgies are now fairly well-defined with each Province responsible for morning Eucharist. Evening worship is to focus on one of the five marks of mission.

List of Criteria for International Volunteers:

In making your nomination please consider the following:

  • Ages 18-30
  • Gender balanced
  • Currently involved in youth or young adult ministry in the Diocese or Province.
  • Preference is given to those who speak both English and another working language of the Lambeth Conference. {Clarification of the language requirement.]
  • Selection must be done in consultation with Provincial youth officer and, where it exists, the provincial youth council/network.
  • State to make a commitment to bring the experience back to the Province.
  • Questions on the applications to include:
    • Please give examples of how you sustain yourself spiritually.
    • How are you currently involved in youth/young adult work in the life of the Diocese or Province?
    • Give examples of how you have worked as a member of a team.
    • What gifts do you bring to this role? What strengths and limitations do you have in fulfilling this role?
    • Please provide two letters of reference: one from a peer, one from a youth officer or youth advisor.
    • An endorsement must be received from both the Primate and the Provincial Youth Officer/Advisor where this position exists.
    • Bishops, family members should not be the first consideration.

Marketplace working group:

  • Communicate to bishops how youth enrich the life of the church
  • “Youth empower the church”
  • Themes: youth and evangelism/worship/ecumenism/community work/justice & peace/HIV-AIDS
  • Themes: Youth Mission: Worship/Leadership/Discipleship
  • IAYN logo on table front with panels and pictures on back
  • Laptop and speakers with video/dvd running in background with clips of youth from provinces (10 min each) on each themes (Ireland will replicate)
  • Brochure to be created to introduce IAYN
  • Newsletter
  • Leaflet: educational purpose, enriching the church
  • Handicrafts made by youth (Evans—Sudan)
  • Stall needs three f/t people, incorporate international volunteers as possible
  • Printing the brochures, leaflets, newsletter and the panels for backdrop
  • Panel and display boards (£40-50)
  • Laptop and battery option
  • DVD with an internal battery
  • DVD’s to give away to all comers
  • Eco-friendly paper bag with IAYN logo

(Clarification from Sue anticipated: battery power, dimensions of the space for panel boards)

Self-selected Seminar proposal

  • Construct a video representing the world alongside a panel of bishops, young people, and youth worker/officer.
  • A different panel for each subject: worship/leadership/discipleship
  • Commitment from each person who attends to go home and respond to the subject.
  • Panel members who have really been connected through project/event.
  • Use question format for video, i.e. “What do young people think of worship in the church today?’
  • Intended outcome is to measure commitment and make a re-commitment
  • Suggested three bishops form the panel with a young person moderating:
    • +Justin Badi, Maridi, Sudan (Chair, Provincial Youth Commission) - worship
    • +Antony Powgo, Kajokeji, Sudan - leadership
    • ++Rowan - Church’s support for young people on their spiritual journey
  • Develop a marketing strategy with a catchy slogan
  • Produce a video
  • Data projector
  • Speakers

Labyrinth

  • Interactive website
  • Going in: letting go of preconceived notions of young people
  • God: renewal
  • Going out: recommitment
  • Visitor’s book
  • MP-3 player (C of E diocesan youth)
  • Recording young voices
  • Natural supplies

Co-Administrators
(Peter Ball & Douglas Fenton) were affirmed in their roles and asked to continue for another term of three years.

 

Steering Committee structure

Affirmed two members will be members of the Steering Group from each region where one member will attend the annual meeting and both will participate in conference calls.

Steering Group Members
Oceania: John Hebenton (1); Steven Schwarzrock (2)
Asia: Kei Ikezumi (1); Insar Gohar (2)
Eur/ME: Samuel Barhoum (1); David Brown (2)
África: Odwa Gonya (1); Evans Gogonya (2)
Américas: Dessordi Leite (1); Sally Sue Hernandez (2) confirm by Sept 30

Portfolios:
Newsletter editor (Dessordi)
Listserv—distribution (Steven)
Lambeth conference (John & Kei)
Finances (Peter & Douglas)

Anglican Peace and Justice Network (APJN):
Neven Abu Rahmoon, nominated by Samuel Barhoum, was confirmed as the IAYN rep to APJN.

She has a Bachelor's degree in Communication and Political Science and a Master's in Political Science. She is currently working towards her doctorate in Political Science as well as studying for her second Master's degree in Human Rights which she will finish in May 2008.

Network on Inter-Faith Concerns (NIFCON):
Helen Andrews was nominated by Peter Ball
Ailed Villanova was nominated by Dessordi Leite
Peter and Dessordi will enquire as to the interest and availability of their nominees and advise the Steering group for affirmation of one nominee.

Friday, September 7

Evangelism Questionnaire: Provincial responses to John Kawfanka, ACC office
Covenant response: Sarah to Douglas who will send it to Canon Kenneth Kearon, ACC office
Brochure/leaflet: Dessordi
Richard will edit the history and side-bar by October 30th
Dessordi will compile and forward to Peter for printing by December 30, 2007

Marketplace: Andrew
Task list and time line to John by September 30.
Report back to John by October 30 with reference to task assignment and timeline schedule.

Self-selection seminar: Peter Hamill
Task list and timeline to John by September 30.
Peter will solicit input from Network on possible moderators/bishops and report to John by October 30th.
Proposal to Sue Parks is due by October 15th.

Fringe: John, Peter, Sarah

John to report to Steering group by October 1st on progress of three work groups.

‘Sound bytes’ for web site to Douglas
Collected paragraphs will be submitted to Michael for web site.
Query will be made regarding website abbreviation.

Evaluation: Peter

  1. What have you found most helpful?
  2. What have you enjoyed?
  3. What has been most challenging?
  4. How will you take this experience back to your Province?
  5. What commitment do you make to strengthen the Network?
  6. Other reflections or comments.

 

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