"On behalf of the Wycliffe College community, I extend condolences to our Roman Catholic siblings on the news of the death of Pope Francis.
A man of deep humility, he set an example for all Christians in his championing of “the cause of the afflicted, and the right of the poor” (Psalm 140.12). His 2022 “pilgrimage of penance” to Canada, and his subsequent repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery, were meaningful gestures towards reconciliation that resonated deeply with the Anglican Church of Canada in our relationship with Indigenous communities.
May this spirit of reconciliation abide with the church wherever there is prejudice, contempt and conflict, and may it lead to transformative change.
O GOD the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all enmity and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that, as there is but one Body and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may henceforth be all of one heart and of one soul united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (1962 Book of Common Prayer, page 40)"
