Cuban Justice Camp Seeks Canadian Participants

The first-ever international Justice Camp will bring together a diverse group of Anglicans in Cuba next May to explore the concept of the common good with an eye towards furthering God's justice and loving purposes.

Through a week-long program of directed immersion experiences, biblical reflection, worship, and relationship building, participants form friendships and develop skills to become effective social justice leaders within their own local communities.  Issues related to food security, economic justice and civic engagement will be featured throughout the camp.

“The camps are a tangible expression of our baptismal promises, especially as they better equip us to strive for justice and uphold the dignity of every human being,” said the Reverend Bill Mous, one of the camp’s organizers. “This camp will also foster Cuban-Canadian relationships and explore what it means to be the Body of Christ at an international level.”

The inspiration for an international justice camp came after an informal conversation during Cuba's diocesan synod in 2013. Bishops Griselda Delgado del Carpio and Michael Bird, along with Archbishop Fred Hiltz were keen for the conversation to continue. A joint Cuban-Canadian planning team has been working collaboratively since that time to organize the camp.

Twenty-five Canadians over the age of 18 will be chosen to participate in the camp alongside 25 Cuban participants. In keeping with the justice camp ethos, efforts will be made to ensure participants reflect the Anglican Church of Canada’s diversity. As a lead partner, the Diocese of Niagara will have the opportunity to be represented by as many as twelve participants. 

Those interested in learning more about the camp or desiring to submit an online application can visit the program's website. The application deadline is November 20, 2015. 

There have been seven Justice Camps since the first was hosted in Winnipeg in 2005. This Justice Camp is an innovative joint initiative of the Diocese of Niagara and the Diocese of Cuba which are in a companion diocese relationship, along with The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund and the Anglican Church of Canada.