News
News from the diocese of Harare
Archbishop David has been given permission by Bishop Chad of the diocese of Harare to share these news stories of life in his diocese with you. Please read them and pray for the members of this diocese and for the country of Zimbabwe
through these difficult times.
Driven out of the Church (pdf)
Advent Sunday (pdf)
Police at it again (pdf)
Historic Day for the diocese of Keewatin
A day to remember and rejoice in was the general feeling expressed by many in the congregation after the ordination of eight new deacons for the diocese of Keewatin on Sunday, October 18th at St. Alban’s Anglican Cathedral in Kenora, Ontario. From all over this spread out diocese people came to celebrate the ministries of these eight people; from Gillam, Manitoba to Kingfisher Lake, Ontario to Fort Frances, Ontario they came to support them.
The journey to ordination as deacons began many years ago for those who presented themselves to be deacons for the church. It began with discernment of ministry within their parishes, with study, with conversation with other clergy and with discussions with the archbishop, the Most Rev. David Ashdown. After fulfilling their requirements they were recommended for ordination by the archbishop’s examining chaplains.
The eight people who were presented for ordination represent a variety of life experiences and bring those gifts to this expression of ministry. The archbishop in talking about their ministry has spoken about a re‐energizing of local outreach ministries in the communities that the deacons come from. Each of the deacons is already deeply rooted in their communities and is a recognized leader in both the church and wider community. They will act as bridges: bringing the needs of the world to the attention of the local church and the good news of Jesus to the wider world.
Archbishop Ashdown commented “This is an historic day for our diocese These eight deacons will help us all become more fully conscious of and equipped to fulfil our call to serve Christ by serving others. We will all be affected by their important ministry and the world around us will be changed”.
The diocese of Keewatin, the archbishop, clergy and people welcome the new deacons and look forward to the servant leadership they will show forth. Congratulations to the Rev. Deacon Ophelia Kamenawatamin, the Rev. Deacon Bill Morris, the Rev. Deacon Jacqueline Rundle of St. Mary’s, Sioux Lookout, Ontario . Congratulations to the Rev. Deacon Penelope Cummine of St. Alban’s, Kenora, Ontario . Congratulations to the Rev. Deacon Ernest McPherson of Little Black River, Manitoba and the Rev. Deacon Norman Meade of Manigotagan, Manitoba . Congratulations to the Rev. Deacon Lynn MacDonald of St. Luke’s, Dryden, Ontario. Congratulations to the Rev. Deacon Ivan Moose of St. Andrew’s, Gillam, Manitoba .
Election Results at Provincial Synod
Ven. Lydia Mamakwa elected as a clergy representative to the Provincial Executive
Very Rev. Hugh Matheson elected as clergy representative to the Canons & Constitution Committee
Ms. Fiona Brownlee elected as a lay representative to the Ministry Committee
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As you probably know by now Bishop David Ashdown was elected and installed as the 16th Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land at the Provincial Synod in Calgary. And for that we rejoice and give thanks to God. Archbishop Ashdown was elected on Thursday the 11th and installed on Saturday the 13th in the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer in the diocese of Calgary. We are all sharing an historic moment in the life of the diocese.
At the installation the Archbishop was surrounded by family and friends. Mrs. Penny Ashdown and two of their daughters were in attendance. As well, the Metropolitan’s cousin, who was baptized on the same day as him, August 24, 1952, was also present.
It should be noted that the day to day ministries of the diocese and the Synod Office will not change. While provincial affairs will require the Archbishop’s attention and presence from time to time he will continue to reside in Kenora and fulfill his duties as diocesan bishop.
There are some formalities that should be pointed out. An Archbishop is introduced and referred to as “The Most Reverend”. Depending on circumstances an Archbishop may be personally addressed as “your Grace”. Correspondence should be addressed to “The Most Rev. David Ashdown”. The Archbishop’s official title is The Most Reverend David Ashdown, Archbishop of Keewatin and Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land.
As well, there will be a change in the Prayers of the People. In the prayers will now pray for Fred, our Primate and David, our Archbishop and Metropolitan.
I know that I can extend the warmest congratulations to the Archbishop on behalf of all the members of the diocese – assuring both him and Penny of our continued prayers and support. May God grant them, and every member of their family, grace and blessing. The journey continues.
In Christ,
The Rev. Canon Douglas Grieg+
Chaplain to the Archbishop
