The Primate remembers Jack Layton

Canadians from coast to coast to coast unite in mourning the death of the Hon. Jack Layton, Leader of the Official Opposition and of the New Democratic Party. Jack was a dynamic leader and politician known for his integrity, energy, and enthusiasm. He was passionate about issues of justice. He walked with the poor and the marginalized. He cared about the impact of the economy on health care, housing, and education. He held family life to be of immense value in building a wholesome society.

Primate prays for people of Norway

Canadian Anglicans weep with the people of Norway, overwhelmed by grief in the aftermath of terrible attacks on government headquarters and an island retreat centre. We mourn the devastation this has brought to so many families and so many young people who have lost classmates and friends.

"Know of my prayers": Primate to Christchurch bishop

The Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, has sent the following letter to Bishop Victoria Matthews of Christchurch, New Zealand. On June 13, tremors shattered the rose window of the Christchurch cathedral, already damaged by the Feb. 22 magnitude-6.3 earthquake that killed 160 people. In a recent interview, Bishop Matthews shared the “exhaustion of spirit” her clergy face.

Pastoral letter marks 10 years of Anglican-Lutheran full communion

A new pastoral letter marks the 10th anniversary of full communion between Anglicans and Lutherans in both Canada and the United States. In 2001, the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) signed the Waterloo Declaration. In that same year The Episcopal Church (TEC) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) signed a similar agreement, Called to Common Mission.

An Easter message from the Primate

“Christ is Risen, Alleluia!

The Lord is Risen indeed, Alleluia!”

That’s the way we greet one another throughout The Great Fifty Days of Easter. It reflects our joy in the Resurrection of Jesus and his appearances among his followers. He calls Mary Magdalene by name, he bestows his peace in an Upper Room, he breaks bread with two companions at an inn in Emmaus, and he prepares breakfast for the disciples, weary from a long night of fishing. In all these encounters there is a greeting and a recognition that it is the Lord who is among them. There is a message and a commissioning.

Primate names key public witness issues in federal election

Once again we are in the midst of a federal election in Canada. As a church, our first responsibility is to pray for this country and the welfare of all who live here. Specifically, we pray for all who offer themselves for public office, that they may hear and respond to the real issues on the hearts and minds of all Canadians.

Anglicans and Lutherans celebrate 10 years of full communion

The year 2011 marks 10 years of full communion between Anglicans and Lutherans in both Canada and the United States. In 2001, the Anglican Church of Canada (ACC) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) signed the Waterloo Declaration. In that same year The Episcopal Church, USA, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America signed a similar agreement, Called to Common Mission.

A statement on Libya from the Primate

In these days, the world is witnessing massive protests pressing for change in governance in a number of nations throughout the Arab world. In Libya the demonstrations are being brutally crushed by the military on orders of the President. Many have been killed and hundreds seriously injured. Terror fills the hearts of thousands of people. Their relatives throughout the world anxiously await word of their fate.