The Social Justice and Advocacy Consultant, with the Social Justice and Advocacy Committee, coordinates and advances the public witness of our Diocese on issues of social and ecological justice. We seek to be faithful to God’s call to compassion and justice, live out our baptismal vows, and engage faithfully with the world.
To learn more or get involved, contact Elin Goulden, Social Justice & Advocacy Consultant, at egoulden@toronto.anglican.ca or 416-363-6021 (1-800-668-8932).
Get started with our Social Justice and Advocacy Parish Outreach Guide
Find the Outreach and Advocacy Prayer Cycle on our Prayer Resources page
Read our 2024 Social Justice Vestry Motion.
What’s new:
Municipal Advocacy: Participate in the City of Toronto Budget Process
The City of Toronto is seeking input into its 2024 Budget Process. From now to the end of November 2023, city residents can share their ideas through an online survey and tool, or through an in-person or virtual meeting to ask questions, learn about this year’s budget process and financial challenges, and share your ideas and hear those of others in small breakout discussions. Visit the City’s Budget page to find out how to participate in the survey or meeting sessions, or just to learn more about the budget process in general.
Provincial Advocacy - Speak Up for Rent Control
Average rents in Ontario increased 27% from 2016 to 2021 and are still on the rise. The lack of rent controls on new buildings and the lack of vacancy control puts tenants at risk of skyrocketing housing costs when they move or when their building is renovated.
Add your voice to the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario (ACTO)’s campaign to end vacancy decontrol and restore rent control for all tenants in Ontario. Read more and send your customizable letter.
Federal Advocacy: Roll Out the Canada Disability Benefit
We were heartened that the Canada Disability Benefit Act became law in June. However, without added pressure, it could take a year to 18 months for funds to flow to those in need. People with disabilities can’t afford to wait! Join Disability Without Poverty and Community Food Centres Canada in sending a digital postcard urging Finance Minister Freeland to budget the benefit in the Fall Economic Statement and roll out the benefit before the end of 2023.
Anglican Outreach Support Network
Many parishes have contacted the Diocesan Office for guidance on continuing outreach programs during COVID-19. See the Amber/Red Guidelines for Outreach Ministries and the Guidelines for Outreach Ministries Offering Indoor Food Services documents on our COVID-19 Updates page.
We urge all parishes to follow public health protocols for screening, hygiene, PPE and distancing when offering outreach services.
What we do
We facilitate communications between the diocesan and suffragan bishops and various levels of government. We also educate, equip and support parishes and individual Anglicans in advocacy on social and ecological justice.
Priorities
Our ongoing social justice work is focused on three priority areas:
Other areas of concern, where we support the work of other church ministries, include:
Some of our key activities include:
- the annual social justice vestry motion
- the annual Outreach & Advocacy Conference
- the Outreach & Advocacy Prayer Cycle
- promoting events and advocacy campaigns through our newsletter and Facebook page
- providing advocacy resources and support for parishes