City-Street-Church Conference to Focus on Issues in Downtown Victoria
St. John the Divine Anglican Church, located in downtown Victoria, will sponsor a conference on September 10 and 11 to explore how government, service providers and city faith communities can enhance their collaboration in the delivery of anti-poverty and homelessness programs in the city.
The conference is called “City-Street-Church” and will bring together high-profile members of government, front-line service agencies and faith community representatives in an effort to improve the quality of life in Victoria’s urban core.
“A healthier downtown is important to any community and faith communities have a key role to play,” explains Rev. Harold Munn, Rector of St. John the Divine. “There is potential in Victoria to build on existing relationships between faith communities and civic society and to build a stronger foundation for future work together.”
The conference will be held at St. John the Divine as part of its 150th anniversary celebrations being conducted this year.
City-Street-Church – Conference Agenda
Keynote speakers for the conference are:
- Andrew Hutchison, Archbishop and former Anglican Primate
- Murray Coell, B.C. Minister of Labour
- Susan Brice, Saanich Councillor and former B.C. Minister of Mental Health and Human Resources and former Mayor of Oak Bay
Friday Evening – Welcome & Keynote Address
The conference will be opened Friday, Sept. 10, by the Honorable Ted Hughes, and James Cowan the local Anglican Bishop. The first keynote address will be given by Anglican Archbishop and former Primate Andrew Hutchison, who will speak about his experiences collaborating with civic and political leaders while he was Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Montreal.
Saturday Morning – Panel Discussion: ‘Street Stories’
On Saturday morning, attendees will hear accounts from the police, business community and aid agencies that illustrate how collaboration can assist in improving the health of our city. Special attention will be paid to the current level of collaboration and co-operation among the various agencies.
Saturday Afternoon – Panel Discussion: ‘The Way Ahead’
In the afternoon, panelists representing key players will develop a plan for improving program delivery through enhanced collaboration.
Conference Close – Plenary Address
The conference will close will a plenary address by the present Anglican Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, who will present his impressions of the way forward.
Who Should Attend
Anyone involved with government policy and/or social service provision. Although the conference discussion will focus on downtown Victoria, ministers and members of faith communities from throughout the region are invited, as are other interested members of the public and the media. There is a $30 fee for registration; a working supper Friday night and working lunch on Saturday are included.
Contact Information:
The Rev. Canon Dr. Harold Munn, Rector, or
The Rev. Michael Hemmings, Assistant PriestSt. John the Divine Anglican Church
1611 Quadra St., Victoria, B.C.Phone: (250) 383-7169
Email: admin@stjohnthedivine.bc.ca
Website: http://www.stjohnthedivine.bc.ca/
