Journey to an Episcopal Election
An Update From The Venerable Simon Blaikie
The Diocese has begun the process which, God willing, will lead to the election of our next diocesan bishop.
On November 2nd, the Diocesan Council discussed and decided upon a process they wished to follow in electing our next diocesan bishop. On November 4th, I advised the Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Northern Lights, Archbishop Greg Kerr-Wilson, of the Council’s discernment and requested his permission to move forward accordingly. We have received his permission to proceed as proposed.
The Constitution (PART VI) and Canons (Canon 9) of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Northern Lights are our primary guiding documents in this matter. These two documents will be made available on the Diocesan Website this week.
Pursuant to these documents, on Saturday, November 30th the Diocesan Council elected six members of Synod (3 lay and 3 ordained) to the Diocesan Search Committee. They will be joined by 3 individuals appointed by Archbishop Greg Kerr-Wilson.
The Search Committee consists of:
Deb Buxton
June Rachel Mawejje
Chris Whitmore
Ven. James Dugan
Rev. Matthew Bowman
Rev. Di Panting
Elder Bill Shead
Matthew Mercer-Deadman (Diocese of Edmonton)
Rt. Rev. Rachael Parker (Diocese of Brandon)
Rev. Peter Coolen (Diocese of Saskatoon)
Please add the search committee to your prayers. In consultation with Archbishop Greg Kerr-Wilson, I have called for the 120th Session of the Synod of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land to convene on the morning of Saturday, May 31st, 2025 in St. John’s Cathedral for the purpose of electing our next Diocesan Bishop. The Most Rev. Greg Kerr-Wilson, Metropolitan, will chair this Electoral Synod.
The Seach Committee will soon meet to elect a Chair and to start their important work. I ask you to keep them in your prayers as well as that of our present Diocesan, +Geoff. The Search Committee will communicate with the diocese about their process through emails to Synod Delegates, Wardens and Clergy as well as on the diocesan website and in the Rupert's Land News.
Further, the diocesan website now has a page dedicated to the election. Check it out here to stay updated.