Diocesan Council in January gave final approval for a special honour, the Order of the Diocese of New Westminster, as a way to recognize long-term volunteer service from lay persons to the life of the diocese.
Dean Peter Elliott said that the honour is modeled on similar orders in other Canadian Dioceses. Each parish in the diocese will be eligible to nominate one person per year to receive it. The bishop, in consultation with the diocesan archdeacons, can add up to ten more names (twenty names in the first year).
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| Dean Peter Elliott explains the Order of New Westminster at Diocesan Council |
Each year the list will be vetted by a three-person committee, and sent to the bishop for final approval. If the bishop removes a name from the committee's list, the parish submitting the name will be asked whether they want to nominate someone else.
The order will be presented by the bishop at a diocesan celebration and choral Eucharist service at the Cathedral. The first of these services is scheduled for Sunday, November 1.
The order will take the form of a medallion of the badge of the diocese in coloured enamel, worn around the neck on a special ribbon of blue, white, and gold. It may be worn on special occasions, at worship or events where the bishop is present, at Diocesan Synod, and at the installation of new members. Holders of the order will also be given a small lapel pin to be worn with everyday dress.
The regulation passed by Diocesan Council says that typically "nominees will be persons whose service has been diocesan-wide, or if mainly at the parish level, has had an impact in the diocese beyond the parish." Elliott said that clergy will not be eligible.
"The life of our church is built on the sacrificial work and contributions of so many of our members" said Dean Peter Elliott, "and this Order gives the diocesan community an opportunity to lift up this work and celebrate it."
The Order is an initiative of the Cathedral Chapter who were advised by Robert Watt, Chief Herald of Canada, a member of St. Catherine's, North Vancouver.