Page 48 - Presbyterian Connection

48
PRESBYTERIAN
SPRING 2023
presbyterian.ca
Connection
JUST WONDERING...
I am writing an article about the importance of truth, healing and reconciliation for my church’s newsletter. Is it okay for me to use pictures or imagery with the article?
How does national office decide which mission projects to support overseas? Our congregation’s mission projects have not received denominational support, but other congregation’s mission projects have. Why?
Answered by Katharine Sisk, Justice Ministries
A significant part of walking a path of rec- onciliation is effectively communicating the ongoing need for reconciliation: the harms the church perpetrated, how the church is trying to change, and why such efforts are required for faithful Christian discipleship. Thank you for raising these crucial issues with your congregation.
To respect the rights of Indigenous peoples, it is critical for all institutions, including the church, to identify and stop any practices that ignore, diminish or mis- represent Indigenous peoples, histories, spirituality, language, art forms, cultures and traditions. When pictures and imagery are used, it must be done with contextu- ally appropriate informed care, consent and compensation. This is especially impor tant because the church’s relation- ship with Indigenous peoples has been marked by colonization and racist beliefs that underscored a purpor ted superior- ity of a Christianized, western European worldview.
Images, context and trauma
Any images used must only be done with informed consent of the person who took the image as well as any people who are in it. Some images can trigger trauma re- sponses, such as pictures from Residential Schools. Think about whether an image is necessary to the context it is being consid- ered for use in, and, if necessary, what pre- cautions should be taken for the viewer’s safety and well-being (for instance, include a content warning and trauma-response service information).
Pictures or images that show ceremony or ceremonial objects (smudging, dancing) may be appropriate in some contexts but not in others. Permission should always be sought before a photograph is taken of any ceremonial object or activity, as it is not always appropriate to do so. Even if per- mission to take the photo has been given,
additional permission to use the photo must be given for each specific context you wish to use the photo in. Consent may be given for the use of a picture or image in a specific context, where it is appropriate. Still, it should be avoided in other contexts (keeping in mind that what is appropriate must be determined by the Indigenous per- son, organization or community connected to the picture or image). For example, a picture of a Residential School memorial may be used, with permission, about the opening of a memorial, but images of me- morials should not be used when speak- ing about unmarked graves or the church’s role in Residential Schools.
Some examples of problematic images and what to avoid:
• Appropriation or inappropriate use of Indigenous images or images that are mistakenly construed as Indigenous (for example, dreamcatchers, tee- pees, totems, or feathers).
• Use of Indigenous art forms or styl- izing text to mimic an Indigenous from of art (for example, stock images, cli- par t).
Even unintentional misuse of Indigenous images or symbols is offensive and dis- missive of their value to Indigenous People. It can perpetuate misinformation and rein- force stereotypes.
Guidance
• If you would like to use an image or photo by an Indigenous creator, artist or organization, ask the creator/artist/ organization for permission, explain- ing in detail how the image will be used. Do not reuse the image in a dif- ferent context unless you consult with and obtain permission from the crea- tor or artist first.
• Ask what the artist considers appro- priate compensation for the use of a picture or image.
• When in doubt, do not use pictures or images.
Answered by the Rev. Ian Ross-McDonald, General Secretary
Very, very rarely would the denomination support any initiatives that a congregation takes on with organizations or communi- ties or congregations overseas. Rather, the PCC seeks to forge new and/or build upon historic par tnerships with denominations (versus individual congregations or com- munities) that are part of the World Council of Churches in other countries.
These partnerships are meant to be longstanding collaborations marked by mutuality, frequent consultation, long-term accompaniment, reciprocity and learning with and from one another. Through the Life and Mission Agency, the PCC works
with the staff and denominational struc- tures in other churches outside Canada to collaborate on projects that are mutually agreed upon, based on the congruence of priorities, needs and resources.
Admittedly, this policy appears some- what rigid and there is a discipline to it that might occasionally dampen some spontaneity or not receive the support of a worthy cause. However, discipline is a part of all healthy relationships. We can all imagine what it would be like if a de- nomination in another country decided it was going to financially support a building project or initiate a Presbyterian ministry in Canada that did not fit the wishes and priorities or enjoy the pastoral support of a presbytery.
???????????????????????????????????????????????????
I know that Lent is the period leading up to Easter, but what exactly does it mean and where did the word come from?
Answered by the Rev. Ian Ross-McDonald, General Secretary
Lent is a period of preparation and disci- pline preceding Easter. The season com- memorates the 40 days Jesus fasted in the wilderness/desert before his baptism and the beginning of his ministry of teaching and healing. While the period over which the season of Lent is stretched is calculat- ed differently, Lent normally begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Maundy Thurs- day, depending on local customs.
Many people will choose a spiritual discipline during Lent. Some will take up
a daily devotion, use special prayers, en- gage in a cycle of Bible reading or par- ticipate in some other discipline, such as abstaining from cer tain foods or other pleasures.
Marking Lent in the PCC is relatively new. For a long time, Lent was associated almost exclusively with the Roman Catholic or Anglican traditions. But because of ecu- menical cooperation, the liturgical renewal movement and a growing interest in nurtur- ing new spiritual practices that add texture to our worship and personal devotion, it is common to mark the season of Lent in many denominations.