Over the past year, five Canadian and five African dioceses have engaged in a diocese-to-diocese theological dialogue on matters relating to human sexuality and to mission.
Our diocese has been trading thoughts and ideas by exchanging academic papers and letters with the Diocese of Southern Malawi. The two D of NW members charged with this ongoing correspondence are Steve Schuh and Markus Duenzkofer.
At St. Andrew's House in London, England February 24, 25 and 26 the bishops of these dioceses met in person. In a context grounded by common prayer and the eucharist they reflected together on local experiences of mission and the challenges facing the Church in the diverse contexts of the two geographical locations.

 Image on right is Dialogue Facilitator the Reverend Dr. Isaac Kawuki-Mukasa, Coordinator for Dialogue, Faith, Worship and Ministry - Anglican Church of Canada

 Preparations are well underway for Diocesan Synod. The Synod (AGM) will take place May 14th and 15th at Christ Church Cathedral. The 2010 Synod title is “Moving Back into the Neighbourhood” and the general tone of the conference component of the meetings will reflect the diocesan focus on “missional church.” Rabbi Robert Daum, Director of the Iona Pacific Inter-Religious Centre will be the Diocesan Synod Partner.

 

 

Tuesday, March the 9th, Diocesan Council gathered for the monthly meeting at St. Augustine's in Marpole.

The prinicpal items on the agenda for the evening were the financial reports of the Diocese of New Westminster: Audit Report and Audited Statements for 2010, Appointment of Auditors and the 2010 Revised Budget, 2011 Vision Budget.

Treasurer Ian Robertson led council through an analysis of the Synod of the Diocese of New Westminster's Financial Statement for 2009 as prepared by Rolfe, Benson Chartered Accountants.

On Friday, March 5th in Langley there was a special Eucharist of Celebration to mark 10 years of ordained ministry for The Rev. Scott Gould incumbent of St. Andrew’s, Langley and soon to be the new incumbent of St Helen’s, Point Grey. The Venerable Stephen Rowe, Archdeacon of Fraser, presided, the Very Rev. Peter Elliott, Dean of New Westminster and Rector of Christ Church Cathedral, preached.

 

 

The Reverend Emilie Smith, priest of the Diocese of New Westminster is 1/3 of the way through her 2 year mission, ministering to the people of Guatemala
She is priest-in-charge of San Juan Apostol in Chichicasatenango, congregation of about 100 faithful Maya-K’iche’ Episcopalians, and also serves as assistant to the suffragan bishop, assigned to attend to all of the western highlands. The dream of the 12 or so congregations here – in three to four years, is to create their own diocese. Click read more to access a schedule of Emilie's Vancouver appearances this June and July.