June 2, 2026

Being One Human Family, God's Family

Bishop Michael Curry Headlines Diocesan Mission Conference

When the world seems to gave gone “plumb crazy,” Christians may wonder how they keep singing God’s song. The answer, according to Bishop Michael Curry, is to focus on what birds do: “they keep singing not because they expect an answer, but because they have a song to sing.” Bishop Curry made the statement May 29 at a kickoff event for the Diocese of New Westminster’s bi-annual Mission Conference.

The kickoff event, held at Christ Church Cathedral, was a festive prayer service driven by uplifting music provided by various parish choirs in the diocese, including, among others, the Cathedral choir, the choir from St John’s, Shaughnessey, and the choir from the Church of South India church plant. About 200 people attended the event, intended to set the tone and energy for the Mission Conference the following day

VIEW PHOTOS, RECORDING AND CONTINUE READING HERE.

News

Ordinations

At the upcoming Diocesan ordination liturgy, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul (transferred), it is Archbishop John's intention to ordain the Rev Shawn Bullock to the sacred order of priests and Mr Daniel Melvill Jones and Mr Matthew Nichiporuk to the sacred order of deacons.

The liturgy will take place at Christ Church Cathedral on Saturday, June 27th, 2026 beginning at 10:30am.

All are invited to attend. Clergy are encouraged to vest, the liturgical colour is red.

Inductions

-Bishop Jim Mathes will be inducted as the Rector of St. Hilda's, Sechelt on Monday, June 22. The service takes place at 4pm. Clergy are invited and welcome to attend. The liturgical colour is red.

-The Rev. Ron Culmer will be inducted as Rector of St. Paul's, Vancouver on June 9. The service takes place at 7pm. Clergy are invited to attend. The liturgical colour is white.

Clergy News

The Rev. Rob James has been appointed Principal of Sarum College in Salisbury, UK. He takes up his new position August 1. His final Sunday in the Diocese of New Westminster is June 7 at Christ Church Cathedral.

Camp Artaban Day for Clergy

Back by popular demand, the day at Camp Artaban for clergy is scheduled for Saturday, July 25th.

The day will include lunch, a tour, worship, an opportunity to learn about the ministry of Camp Artaban, as well as free time (bring a book, some art supplies, or just plan to take a stroll in the beautiful setting of camp to spend some time with yourself and with God).

The cost is $100 and includes a water taxi from Horseshoe Bay and lunch.

To express your interest or find out more, contact Cameron Gutjahr - priest@squamishanglicanchurch.ca

50th Anniversary of Priesting of Women

The Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets (British Columbia) is excited to invite you to be part of a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Priesting of Women in the Anglican Church of Canada. Come and join this celebration giving thanks for the many ways women have contributed to the life of the Church as presbyters, and look to the future to examine the challenges that lay ahead for women in the Church and Canadian society.

Dates: November 24-25, 2026

Location: Baumann Centre which is next to St John the Divine Anglican Church at 1611 Quadra St, Victoria.

Registration

Registration is now open. Details and registration available HERE.

Continuing Education Fund for Deacons

At a recent meeting, Diocesan Council approved a rate increase for Continuing Education Plan contributions for licensed deacons within the Diocese.

This change intends to bring deacons' continuing education benefits in line with those of priests.

The deacons of the Diocese carry out an essential function in the proclamation of the Gospel both within the world and within the church. Investing in ongoing learning is an important means of recognizing that work and supporting the church of the future.

What this means: licensed deacons monthly benefit will be increased from $50 to $75. The application process for reimbursement remains the same.

For parishes that have a licensed deacon, their monthly parish contribution will increase by $25 per month.

This new contribution will take effect as of July 1st, 2026.

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Archdeacon Nick Pang at npang@vancouver.anglican.ca.

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2026

August 4 - 6: "You are the Salt of the Earth," Diocese of Islands and Inlets Summer Retreat.

FORMATION & SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Full event listing available here

Pathways to Peace Retreat

The Centre for Spiritual Renewal at St. Dunstan's is pleased to offer this retreat day exploring the ways that make for peace in our hearts and into our lives and world.

This facilitated day includes group sessions, stations of engagement, contemplative worship, spiritual practices, and an opportunity to connect in community.

Facilitated by Katherine Murray, with guest Esther Wilson

WHEN: Saturday, June 20
WHERE: St. Dunstan's - 3025 264 St, Aldergrove
COST: $50

DETAILS & REGISTRATION

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

June 3 - Blessing of the Bikes. 4pm at St. Margaret's, Cedar Cottage.

June 4 - Corpus Christi Mass, Procession & Benediction. 6:30pm at St. James.

June 6 - Indigenous Plant Walk & Talk. 2pm at Maplewood Flats, offered by St. John's, Shaughnessey.

June 7 - Annual Big Lunch. 11:30am at St. David's, Delta

June 7 - Wild Church in the Small. 4pm with Salal + Cedar.

June 7 - Choral Evensong. 4pm at St. John's, Shaughnessey

June 13 - Strawberry Tea & Bazaar. 11am to 3pm at St. John the Divine, Maple Ridge.

June 17 - Fraser Valley Wisdom Sharing Circle. 11am to 1pm at St. Dunstan's.

June 20 - Spring's Sweet Bounty: Early Music Vancouver and Strawberry Tea. 1pm at St. Anselm's, Point Grey.

July 2-5 - Whitehorse Worship Arts Festival & Contemplative Retreat.

July 11 - Water & Wonder Day Retreat. 9:30am to 3:30pm at Cultus Lake with Rev. Lorie Martin.

Archbishop's Calendar

June 7 - Peace Arch Deanery Picnic

June 19 - Consecration of Bishop of Yukon

June 21 - St. George, Maple Ridge

HAVE NEWS OR AN UPCOMING EVENT TO SHARE?

-Want to submit an article for Topic? Contact Alicia with your proposal at least eight weeks before the publication date.

-Have an event to include on the diocesan on-line events calendar? If your parish uses a Tithely website, you can share News and Events directly from your website to ours using the "share" feature. If you don't use a Tithely website, you can submit your event using the form available here. Ideally, aim to submit your event at least three weeks before the event date.

-Something newsworthy coming up in your parish? Contact Alicia with information and we'll find the best way to share it with the diocese.

You can contact Alicia at communications@vancouver.anglican.ca