The Anglican Church of Canada is inviting corporate sponsorship of its national convention this year, selling space for brand logos on delegate documents, advertising signs in its meeting spaces and a private lunch for executives with the church’s senior archbishop.
It’s the first time in its 117-year history that the Canadian church made its governing synod available for a mess of pottage – to use the language of the Bible’s Old Testament allusion to Esau selling his birthright for a lentil stew. For that matter, no other Canadian church is known to have sold advertising at its formal gatherings and access to its leaders.
The synod will be held June 3-11 at St. Mary’s University in Halifax.
Surely not! After all the influx of those whom the ACCanada has been so “prophetic” in supporting in the race with EcUSA/TEc to be the most Zeitgeistian? A jest, this must be a jest!
And which corporate sponsors want to link themselves to a failing entity so as to enhance their brand recognition?
What a GREAT idea for helping with parish and diocesan budgets!!!
Instead of a gradual hymn, we could have a moment from our sponsors. Instead of a parish banner, we could sell space. With multiple sponsors…this Gospel reading is sponsored by ______. This Holy Eucharist is sponsored by the makers of Wonder Bread, which builds strong Bodies in 12 ways. (Roman Meal for Lent, of course.)
I’ll have to discuss this with our rector.
I believe there are some large financial firms who would be interested in the Anglican Church of Canada.
Given the trend in vestments over the past 10 or so year, ad space on chasubles seems like a logical step.
Better not make any suggestions, might get my comment edited by the elves…
Easy solution to stop this nonsense dead in its tracks is for those who oppose it to start a grass roots movement to make it known that they and their friends will not only boycott the use of any product or service that is advertised at General Synod but that they will actually choose the company’s competitor. I don’t imagine that under such circumstances too many companies would be willing to spend advertising dollars to lose business. The solution to a lack of funds is the tithe and the conversion of the pocket book seldom if ever precedes a conversion of the heart. Until the Church reclaims her godly heritage and stops lusting after false gods and doctrine all the advertising money in the world will not provide for her needs.
Could it be that TEC might be the next to resort to doing this?
I think Ralph is on to something. I can see it now. The Celebrant says, “Coming up, that great offertory hymn ‘Now Thank We All Our God’. But first, a word from our sponsors.”
Ross
Coming to Canada next year. “I’d like to welcome you all to the Tim Horton’s Feast of the Epiphany.”
I’m thinking that Outback Steakhouse would be in line for this, AC Canada or TEC, with their famous tag, “No rules, just right!”.