Report of the Mission to Seafarers’
Consultative Forum
Belfast,
Northern Ireland
May 11-15, 2009
By the Most Rev'd Terrance Finlay
Episcopal Visitor for the Mission to Seafarers in North America
The Forum included at least three representatives (bishop, clergy, and layperson) from the following areas – North America, Asia, Middle East, Australia, England, Celtic Fringe, Europe, Oceania, Southern Africa and Staff from the London Office.
North America was represented by Archbishop Terry Finlay – Liaison Bishop for Canada, The Reverend James Von Dreele (Philadelphia Seafarers’ Centre), Douglas Stevenson (New York Seamen’s Centre), The Reverend Nick Parker (Vancouver Seafarers’ Centre) and Maggie Whittingham-Lamont (Halifax Seafarers Centre). The Reverend David Mulholland (Toronto Seafarers Centre) was present for two days.
This was the third meeting of the Consultative Forum. It met previously in England in 2004 and 2006. Meetings this time were at St. Anne’s Anglican Cathedral Diocesan Offices in Belfast. The next meeting will be in England in 2011.
Fifteen papers (available from Terry Finlay) were discussed covering subjects such as –
Global Review
The Role of Liaison Bishops - their Episcopal Oversight and Chaplains’ Accountability
Isolation in MtS’s Chaplaincy
Virtual Seafarers Centers
Developing Chaplaincies and their identity within Ecumenical Centers
Regional Identity Franchises and other Concepts
ICMA Code of Conduct 2001
Communication in Seafarers Centers
Training and Support for our Volunteers
Shipping Economics
Piracy.
An interesting conversation took place regarding Strategies for Creating Awareness of Local Centers, and Fund Raising.
- involve young people who are required to do community service for their school curriculum
- involve a theological student in their field work
- hold a Spirit of the Port luncheon in the springtime for all the port authorities, bishops and volunteers
- annually recognize an individual for their contribution to the shipping industry
- in the Autumn hold a Gala Dinner and Dance and explore ways to involve a corporate sponsor to cover the costs with appropriate publicity for the sponsor
- hold a Golf Day with corporate sponsors
- invitation to a parish youth group, ACW’s, parish boards to come to the Mission for their meeting and include a short education introduction to the work of the Mission
- market ‘The Angel Appeal’
- sell green bags with the angel logo replacing plastic bags
- involve sailing clubs in the Annual Angels Race and Cup, again getting sponsors
The Piracy conversation noted that NAMMA provides training and education for chaplains.
In gratitude for the ministry of Bill Christianson (Executive Director Missions to Seafarers London) and in recognition of his forthcoming retirement after 15 years of outstanding service, Archbishop Finlay announced that he was awarding Bill the Honorary Title of Canon - Mission to Seafarers -in the Anglican Church of Canada.
International Maritime Organization (IMO) World Maritime Day Parallel Event
Dear NAMMA chaplains,
World Maritime Day is coming on October 16 of this year and the 2009 international maritime organization (IMO) World Maritime Day Parallel Event will be held then in New York City. The Parallel Event is an opportunity for the maritime community to come together with the public to celebrate the contributions made by the maritime industry. This year’s topic is Climate Change.
The United States Coast Guard is encouraging all of us to participate in this event, not just in NYC, but in your local ports as well. The USCG is hoping that through this event that the contributions of the maritime community to the safe, secure, and environmentally responsible transportation of goods can be highlighted. This event will enable everyone to participate in meaningful discussions about ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ways all can collaborate in reducing our environmental impact.
More details on how you can become involved in your own port (not just in NYC) can be found by visiting the NAMMA website and clicking on the link called “Your port can participate in the World Maritime Event by planning an event, inviting a speaker, holding a seminar, arranging ship tours, and more. . . “ By clicking on this material in red, you will be connecting to an 11 page pdf file prepared by the US Coast Guard on this event.
Please don’t bypass this way to help make your port ministry more visible to the community at large, to increase your good working relationship with your Captain of the Port and the local Coast Guard personnel, and the show the integral connection that exists between NAMMA and NAMEPA.
Check it out at www.namma.org today.
Executive
Secretary
North
American Maritime Ministry Association