For The Silenced

A Lenten Vigil

For the Silenced

Wednesdays, 12 noon to 1:00 PM
February 21, 2007 through March 28, 2007
Robson Street, outside the Vancouver Art Gallery

We stand in solidarity with those with whom Jesus identified — the poor, the homeless, the shunned, the aged, the sick, the foreigners, the criminal outcasts— THE SILENCED.

We represent various Christian communities. During these six weeks of Lent, we prepare for Easter, a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus who we confess to be the Christ, God’s anointed One.

Lent is a time for each of us to ask ourselves: How does my life reflect what I believe? Do I show the respect due to all because they are made in the image of God? What do I do to affirm and promote justice for all people and all of creation?

From Jesus own words, we know our responsibility is to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, visit the sick and those in prison— ALL OF THEM SILENCED as Jesus was silenced by the occupying Roman empire and collaborators.

Yet in our name and with our tax dollars, our governments— and sometimes our churches — turn deaf ears to the cries of the poor.

Even now, 5000 people living in Single Room Occupancy hotels in Vancouver are being forced into homelessness in mid-winter with the aquiescence of Vancouver City Council despite pre-Olympic promises that they would be housed .

You too can help us to urge Mayor Sullivan, Vancouver City Council, Premier Gordon Campbell and Prime Minister Harper to act compassionately by housing the homeless.

Contacts for further information:

Sr. Elizabeth 604 685-9987 (Catholic);
Pastor Tim Dickau 604-255-1411 (Baptist);
Doug Peterson 604– 682-2362 (Lutheran Urban Ministry);
The Rev. Don Johnson 604 984-7331 (Lutheran);
David Dranchuk 604 684-6306, Ext. 221 (Anglican);
The Rev. Barry Morris 604-254-4531 or
The Rev. Brian Burke 604-685-9726 (United Church)

Please Join Us