Life is Sharing
Hello to the friends of St. Andrew’s College and the communities of our partners in the Saskatoon Theological Union,
I have been reflecting a great deal on this auspicious moment for us. Three and a half years ago, I assumed the role of Principal of St. Andrew’s. What this means is that I have been here just long enough to get a sense of what was normal just prior to the world changing. To say it has, I believe, is clearly evident to all of us.
We live in a world in which a pandemic has forced us to reengage in fundamental conversation about the social good. As well, we continue to be gripped by a national fentanyl crisis that clearly reminds us of our shared call to have our assumptions and stereotypes challenged in order for us to be Christ’s healing presence.
As I consider this Covenant, which we have gathered to mark with this celebration, another thing has become clear over the course of the last few years. Whether in rural contexts or urban, on the prairies or mountains and seas, our three communities have a long history of collaboration. This moment allows us to take that shared history and to commit to something new.
In many ways, this new “thing” as captured in this Covenant as a Living Document meant to adapt and change is, in fact, old. In fact, it is as old as that original Covenant that Creator promised to Noah.
In this Covenant, we do not choose to compromise our identities in order to stay afloat or seek financial efficiencies for the sake of staying open. Rather, we have made it clear in these promises to one another that it is our distinct diversity–as three pathways of knowing and hearing God–that we recognise, and we are collectively more vibrant when we share our particularity, in order to live out our call of generality.
Saskatoon Theological Union
In this present time, amidst a pandemic and crisis at home and globally, we, representing our three traditions, are committed to asking ourselves challenging questions. This preference to see where we have erred and caused harm highlights our connexion to the colonial enterprise that confused the Gospel with culture. This is just one reality that this day marks.
Why focus on the challenge? On choices some might want to avoid? It is because of those very questions, and many others, that we must rise to this moment that this Covenant captures.
In the hurting world outside of these walls, simple answers, filled with half-truths, a semblance of possibility, the whiff of plausibility, are untenable with the Gospel we bear with Light. We are each committed to preparing people to walk into shadowed places, to care for those amidst loss and hurt, and to advocate for those unable to do so for themselves.
Most of my time in this role has been occupied in a world changed. This Covenant allows St. Andrew’s and the partner members of the Saskatoon Theological Union to collectively respond to this change, which is likely our new normal. In this moment, we commit to nurturing scholarship and people to be bold with justice, daring with compassion, and humble in faith’s confidence. It is an honour to mark this day with each you. Thank you.
“In the hurting world outside of these walls, simple answers, filled with half-truths, a semblance of possibility, the whiff of plausibility, are untenable with the Gospel we bear with Light. We are each committed to preparing people to walk into shadowed places, to care for those amidst loss and hurt, and to advocate for those unable to do so for themselves.”
thanks buddy, gifts to love by. I’m lifting them for Sunday’s reflection…with attribution, of course.
Brother Keith,
Use joyfully and gratefully!
Love & Light