Anglican diocese of new westminster
The Anglican Diocese of New Westminster is a diocese of the Anglican Church of Canada, covering the province of British Columbia, Canada. Here are some key facts about the diocese:
History: The diocese was established in 1879, with its first bishop being John H. Lefroy. The diocese was formed from the Diocese of British Columbia, which was established in 1859.
Jurisdiction: The Diocese of New Westminster is one of 30 dioceses in the Anglican Church of Canada. It covers the entire province of British Columbia, including the cities of Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna.
Bishop: The current bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster is Dr. Melissa Skelton, who was elected in 2011.
Parishes: The diocese has over 60 parishes and missions, with a total of around 30,000 baptized members.
Ministries: The diocese is involved in a variety of ministries, including:
- Anglican Missions: The diocese has a strong commitment to mission and outreach, with programs focused on indigenous ministry, urban ministry, and international mission.
- Anglican Foundation: The diocese has a foundation that provides grants to support Anglican ministries and projects in the diocese and around the world.
- Anglican Youth: The diocese has a strong youth ministry, with programs and events for young people in the diocese.
Theological Orientation: The Diocese of New Westminster is part of the Anglican Church of Canada, which is a member of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The diocese is generally considered to be part of the liberal or progressive wing of the Anglican Communion, and has taken a more inclusive stance on issues such as same-sex marriage and the ordination of women.
Notable Churches: Some notable churches in the diocese include:
- Christ Church Cathedral, Vancouver: This is the cathedral church of the diocese and is located in downtown Vancouver.
- St. John the Divine, Vancouver: This is a large and historic church in the diocese, with a strong music program and a commitment to social justice.
- St. Michael and All Angels, Victoria: This is a beautiful church in the diocese, with a strong focus on liturgy and music.
Overall, the Diocese of New Westminster is a vibrant and diverse community of Anglicans, with a strong commitment to mission, outreach, and social justice.