Dear Colleagues,

It is amazing to witness how difficult and even dire circumstances can bring out the best in people. We had a chance to witness that over last few days. The strike that paralyzed New York City brought out millions of people walking 10, 20, 40 blocks in cold weather. It looked as if an endless demonstration was going on. Understandably, different individuals demonstrated different things. Some people were impatient and angry, yet for others it was a chance to see the faces and eyes of those around. Some people, who would normally board their subway trains in silence and avoid eye contact, started talking to complete strangers. Other had to overcome their self-containment and share a ride with 3-4 other people. This was similar to New Yorker's reactions of kindness and generosity following the attack on the World Trade Center in 2001. This case of a short term difficulty also reminds us about the year that passed.

A much more serious devastation occurred just over a year ago in India and Sri Lanka. The world once again responded with generosity and aid. Among those who offered generous aid and opened their hearts to others’ pain were members of CUAC, Madras Christian College and Lady Doak College in India.  In a few days a CUAC group of students from the US and Australia is going to India through the hosting of these two colleges to learn about the impact of that disaster and the ways healing has begun to take place. One of the vents will be a launching of the new fishing boats that have been given to the fishermen villages as part of the reconstruction.

Unfortunately, the tsunami was not the only natural disaster last year. Earthquake in Pakistan, hurricane Katrina, floods, forest fires and tornadoes, have impacted the life of communities worldwide. But there has been extraordinary response. Many CUAC colleges have extended a helping hand. Students and faculty raised funds. Displaced students have been enrolled in alternate colleges.

However, overall it was a remarkably good year for Anglican Colleges and Universities. A number of CUAC worldwide Institutions were upgraded to university status:

• Cuttington University, Liberia
• St. John’s University, Taiwan (full story)
• Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
• University of Winchester, UK
• Liverpool Hope University, UK

 You will shortly be receiving by mail the latest edition of Compass Points. We hope you will enjoy it, and distribute it to others to read. It is also available on-line (click here).

Here are its contents:

• After the CUAC Triennial ...
•  Portraits and Reflections from Canterbury-York
•  Address from the Presiding Bishop of ECUSA on receiving an Honorary Doctorate at Rikkyo (St. Paul's) University, Japan
•  CUAC Conference Summary
•  CUAC Global News
•  A Guide to CUAC Website

Finally, this is the holiday season, a time to celebrate hope and joy. We are now approaching Christmas, the Feast of Incarnation and Hope.

May we all have a blessed Christmas, and a deep reawakening to the possibilities of peace and goodwill!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!