by David J. Anderson
A number of people from the Church of St. John the Evangelist Hamilton have participated in the TrueCity movement, almost from the beginning. Members of the parish have attended the annual conference and found common cause as we work together for the good of the city.
Perhaps the most significant contribution the TrueCity movement makes is the mutual encouragement and learning it fosters. It has encouraged friendships and partnerships across old barriers and ancient animosities.
One example of how such friendships can bless this city involved some advocacy that was done around the casino proposed for Hamilton’s downtown a few years ago.
Because of the friendships we had built through TrueCity, our diocesan family and other places, we were able to draw a group together to send a delegation to Hamilton City Council, representing more than 40 congregations and more than a dozen denominational backgrounds.
We have learned that we don’t need to agree in every way in order to participate together in God’s mission and for the common good in our city, and that we are always enriched when we make new friends.
The Venerable David J. Anderson is Rector of the Church of St. John the Evangelist and Archdeacon of Undermount.
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