February’s Anglican Journal article, ‘Rethinking darkness and light; Leaders in the Lutheran and United churches on language and anti-Blackness’, describes the damaging impact of language and its power to perpetuate systemic racism.

I couldn’t help noticing in March’s Crosstalk the name of this Diocesan document: WEBMAIL-OUTLOOK-SPAM-WHITELIST-BLACKLIST-filters.pdf …exploring further, I discovered white represents ‘trusted’ information and black represents spam.

According to the article ‘Whitelist,’ ‘Blacklist’: The New Debate Over Security Terminology  (dice.com) industry leaders are working towards change. Although still used by some, these terms are no longer used by others, such as the British Intelligence Agency and Cisco’s cybersecurity. In fact, as the article explains, the terms are unclear and must be explained to new employees. I imagine people of colour are harmed listening to such explanations and using these terms, while white people continue to hear the message, ‘white is best’.

I ask the Diocese to change the document and republish the link in Crosstalk.

Karen Luyendyk
(she/her)
St. Paul’s in Almonte

Editor’s note:
Thank you for bringing this instance to our attention. The document has been edited to rely on the terms Trusted Sender and Spam Sender. The new link for instructions on how to increase email security is :  https://www.ottawa.anglican.ca/images/Notices/trusted-sender_spam-sender.docx

The post Letter to the editor appeared first on Perspective.

May I begin by wishing you all a very Merry Christmas.  At time of reading, I expect that we are in the middle of the Christmas and Epiphany season marking in our spiritual journey the presence of the living God in our lives. Advent, Christmas and Epiphany were and are, without doubt, my most favourite times to preach; seasons of deep challenge, comfort, hopefulness and promise. The seasons in which we hear The Story of God.  From the caustic, challenging, confrontational and yet hopeful call of the Baptist; to the gentle intimacy of the Christ-Child coming to us, then and now, in the midst of violence, instability and fear; yet who by His very presence, as prophesied by the prophets, offers us peace and purity of Spirit.  In Epiphany, this Word is shared with the world.  We are all called to the river – the river of justice, compassion, love and forbearance.  

May I thank you for the time you listened to my preaching and teaching. For sharing with me some of my dreams for the Church. For being patient with me as I tried my very best to hear and respond to your dreams for our Church and our Diocese.  For our struggle to be faithful to the ministry God called us to exercise together.

May I thank you for your prayers for me and for Catherine, in sickness and in health.  Sunday after Sunday, I would hear from the person leading the prayers of the people, “… and for our bishop, John.”  It always moved me and humbled me.  I often thought that that was more attention than what any person deserved so, thank you.

May I thank you for your warm welcome that you extended to Catherine and to me after a lengthy 30-plus-year absence from the diocese.  Catherine and I are so grateful for your welcome and your warm hospitality throughout my thirteen-year episcopacy.

While I did my very best, and I pray that I made you proud, we are all human and I know very well my mistakes and blunders.  Thank you for your patience and your understanding and forgiveness.

Finally, may I thank you for your most generous farewell gift – more than anyone deserves.

Catherine and I cannot wait for the day when community life resumes in a more intimate way, so that we may see you all again.  But in the meantime, please know that the people of the diocese, clergy, diocesan staff and Bishop Shane and Katherine remain in our prayers daily! 

God speed, Merry Christmas and may God bless you.

Yours in Christ

? John

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