Alongside Hope
Alongside Hope is the Anglican Church of Canada’s agency for sustainable development and relief. Alongside Hope works hand-in-hand with trusted partners in Canada and around the world on a journey of positive change. Together, they are improving health, food security, and livelihoods where needs are greatest. Our Diocese has supported Alongside Hope since it began in 1958 and even has an Alongside Hope Ottawa group that helps to promote their initiatives and events.
How to support Alongside Hope:
Many parishes and individuals regularly donate to Alongside Hope and host fundraisers for specific projects. The “World of Gifts” Christmas Catalogue is a popular way to support Alongside Hope and their partners across the world; the gifts can include bicycles for community educators, Indigenous midwifery programs, and mushroom farming!
Anglican Foundation
For more than 65 years, the Anglican Foundation of Canada has been a trusted guardian of the generous legacies of hundreds of Canadian Anglicans. The Foundation’s endowment, faithfully stewarded by clergy and lay leaders from across Canada, provides grants for innovative and vibrant projects in five funding impact zones: Diverse Infrastructure, Community Ministries, Leadership and Education, Indigenous Ministries, and Sacred Music and Liturgical Arts.
How to engage and support the Anglican Foundation:
Every year, our Diocese of Ottawa is eligible to submit a limited number of grant applications to the Anglican Foundation; each potential application must be reviewed and approved by Diocesan Council. Past Anglican Foundation projects in our Diocese have included an indoor Hydroponic Tower Garden to grow produce for a local food bank, and financial support for a much-needed engineering study to repair a parish roof. If your parish or ministry has a project that might be eligible, contact our Diocesan Director of Communications and Development.
Communion Forest
Established by the Anglican Communion in 2022, the Communion Forest is a practical, spiritual, and symbolic response to the environmental crisis, and an act of Christian hope for the well-being of humanity and all God’s creation. The Communion Forest is a global initiative comprising local activities of tree growing and ecosystem conservation, protection and restoration undertaken by provinces, dioceses and individual churches across the Anglican Communion to safeguard creation.
How to support Communion Forest:
Our Diocese of Ottawa approved the Communion Forest as a partner in 2024 and hopes that parishes and individuals will consider planting their own trees as part of the Communion Forest—whether on church property, at home, or at the cottage! It is a simple but impactful way to fulfill our baptismal vow to “safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.”
Compass Rose
The Canadian Compass Rose Society is an arm of the Anglican Communion’s Compass Rose Society. They support the programs and ministries of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Anglican Consultative Council, the organization that sets the goals and direction of the Anglican Communion. This work is accomplished through direct monetary support of diverse development projects in numerous parts of the world.
How to Engage with Compass Rose:
In addition to directly affecting the lives and worship of members of the Anglican Communion, the Compass Rose Society strengthens the bonds of the global communion by enhancing our understanding of the people of the provinces of the Anglican Communion. Parishes are encouraged to support and learn more about the Canadian Compass Rose Society as a way to connect with Anglicans across the world.
Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem
Our Diocese of Ottawa has had a meaningful relationship with the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem for decades, often facilitated directly by the Bishops and their own offices. The Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem comprises Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, and includes many parishes, schools, and hospitals. It is both a complex region of the world and the Holy Land where Jesus walked.
How to support the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem:
Many members of our Diocese have had the privilege to go on pilgrimages in the Holy Land and meet our siblings in Christ who live and serve in the Diocese of Jerusalem; St George’s College is also a popular destination for retreats and continuing education. From time to time, our Diocese will hold a special fundraiser to support their local ministries, such as the Jerusalem Princess Basma Hospital for Palestinian children with disabilities.
KAIROS Ottawa
Through KAIROS, 10 churches and religious organizations work together in faithful action for ecological justice and human rights. KAIROS deliberates on issues of common concern, advocates for social change and joins with people of faith and goodwill in action for social transformation, in 5 areas of focus: Ecological Justice, Gender Justice, Indigenous Rights, Migrant Justice, and Prophetic Witness.
How to support KAIROS Ottawa:
KAIROS Ottawa is the local chapter of KAIROS Canada, made up of churches around Ottawa; the chapter has a particular focus on Indigenous Rights, which complements our own Diocesan working group, the All My Relations Circle. Parishes are encouraged to attend KAIROS Ottawa events, and support their important advocacy work.
International Women's Network in Canada
IAWN Canada communicates the work, mission, and ministry of the International Anglican Women’s Network (IAWN) in Canada. IAWN serves as a global voice of 43 million Anglican women in 165 countries, links women from around the world, and is an official network of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
How to engage with IAWN Canada:
Our Diocese of Ottawa is a proud supporter of Anglican women in ministry, leadership, and life, and was pleased to approve IAWN Canada as an official partner in 2024. We encourage members of our Diocese to subscribe to IAWN Canada’s E-Newsletter and note their upcoming events and initiatives.
Multifaith Housing Initiative
Multifaith Housing Initiative (MHI) exists to build affordable housing that helps fix Ottawa’s housing crisis and gets at-risk people into secure, safe homes. MHI is a coalition of over 70 faith groups who work with local businesses, civil society, the City of Ottawa and federal/provincial governments to build and house our communities for the future. This new way of working has created homes for more than 1000 people, with more on the way!
How to support MHI:
Parishes within the Municipality of Ottawa can engage with MHI by becoming a Member, attending their Annual General Meeting, and participating in the annual fundraiser, the Tulipathon. For the many members of our Diocese in rural parishes outside of the city, consider becoming an advocate for affordable housing and multifaith initiatives in your own communities.
Saint Paul University
Our Diocese of Ottawa and Saint Paul University have a long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship, focused on theological education and formation in Ottawa. Saint Paul University offers the Anglican Studies Program, which includes a Master of Divinity for those seeking ordained ministry; it also offers a wider range of courses in theology, biblical studies, and conflict resolution.
How to engage with Saint Paul University:
For those who seek to deepen their faith and understanding, Saint Paul University is an excellent local resource for spiritual and theological formation. Many clergy and lay people take courses in the Anglican Studies Program, as well as attend workshops and events co-sponsored by our Diocese and University. During the academic year, all are welcome to attend a weekly Anglican Eucharist in Saint Paul University’s Chapel.