July 14, 2026

Dean Chris Pappas is the diocesan Commissary this week

Provincial Summit Held in Kelowna

The Provincial Summit was held in Kelowna July 3 to 5. The Provincial House of Bishops met in Kelowna July 6.

The summit was focused on exploring ways the diocese of the Ecclesiastical Province of BC and Yukon may be able to share resources, talents and strengths to support ministry across the province.

(photo: Facebook/Archbishop John Stephens)

News

Clergy Moves & Save the Date

Archbishop John Stephens has appointed the Ven. Andrew Halladay as Priest-in-Charge of St. Mary's, Kerrisdale, effective September 1.

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A clergy day is scheduled for September 22 at the Synod Office. Details to follow.

The Clergy Day will focus on the new Screening in Faith program the diocese is rolling out this fall.

A reminder that clergy days are mandatory formation days for all active clergy in the diocese.

Mission Conference Videos Available

Videos of the keynote address, archbishop's "State of the Diocese" address, and breakout workshops are now available online.

You can access the videos via the Diocesan Learning Centre

50th Anniversary of Priesting of Women - bursaries available

The Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets (British Columbia) invites 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 us as we give 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 23-26, 2026 (travel dates inclusive)

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

Registration and Further details HERE

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2026

August 4 - 6: "You are the Salt of the Earth," Diocese of Islands and Inlets Summer Retreat.
November 24-25: 50th Anniversary of the Priesting of Women. Registration open HERE. Hosted by Diocese of Island and Inlets.

IN MEMORIAM

The Rev. Paula Sampson

The Rev. Dr. Paula Sampson passed away on July 10, 2026.

Paula served extensively as an Anglican priest in both Alaska and northern British Columbia. She also taught at the University of Northern British Columbia, Vancouver School of Theology, and Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a. She was adopted into the Nisga’a Nation (Wolf Clan) and held degrees from the Graduate Theological Union (Ph.D. in Environmental Ethics), Pacific School of Religion (M.Div.), the University of Washington (M.A. in Spirituality and Culture), and a B.A. from the same institution.

Paula served as Director of Indigenous Studies and Assistant Professor of Ethics and First Nations Studies at VST from 2009 to 2015. She had been a valued member of the VST community for many years before assuming these roles.

Paula was married for 30 years to the late The Rev. Archdeacon John (Ian) MacKenzie (1934–2025), whom she described as “the love of her life.”

We offer our prayers for Paula’s family and friends and give thanks to God for her life, witness and unfailing advocacy.

Blessed are those who die in the Lord, they may rest from their labours, for their deeds follow them

Read more HERE.

FORMATION & SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Full event listing available here

The Diocesan Youth Movement is offering an amazing retreat away at Camp Artaban! Open to youth aged 12-18.

The theme is "Until All Are Fed." We will explore social justice and food security. We'll also enjoy camp activities like campfires, walks in the forest, beach and waterfront time, and worship in the outdoor chapel.

Start: Friday, August 28 4:30pm - water taxi from Horseshoe Bay to Gambier Island

End: Sunday, August 30, 3pm - water taxi from Gambier Island to Horseshoe Bay

Where: Camp Artaban, Gambier Island

Cost: 250/p.p (includes water taxi, all meals, and accommodation)

Questions? Bursary Info? Contact: youth@vancouver.anglican.ca (Lauren Odile Pinkeny, Missioner for Youth)

Register HERE.

Summer Youth Camps - Chilliwack

St. Thomas Summer Arts Camp “To Give Life a Shape” is an multi-faceted Arts exploration morning camp Facilitated by James Xavier Lam and guest Artists, “To Give Life a Shape” aims to provide a much needed third space for youth between the ages of 10 - 18 to come and explore their God given gifts of Creativity across a wide spectrum of Arts and Art based skills.

Broken up into two 1.5 hour sessions a day between 9am and 12pm, every day holds space for a different area of creativity, allowing time for youth to explore what they enjoy in new ways.

Details and Registration HERE

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

July 25 - Camp Artaban for Clergy

August 2 - Choral Evensong. 4pm at St. John's, Shaughnessey.

August 8 - Celtic Spirituality & Design. 9:30am in Chilliwack.

August 23 - 130th Anniversary, All Saints, Agassiz.

Archbishop's Calendar

July 10 to 31 - Vacation

August 1 to 12 - Visit to Episcopal Diocese of Northern Philippines

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