Archbishop Stephens sends condolences to the Catholic Archbishop on the death of Pope Francis

On Tuesday, April 22 Archbishop John Stephens sent a letter to Archbishop Michael Miller, the Roman Catholic archbishop who leads the Archdiocese of Vancouver, extending his condolences on the death of Pope Francis.

In the letter Archbishop Stephens said:

"We grieve with you in this time of mourning, giving thanks for Pope Francis’ faithful witness and praying for the comfort of the Holy Spirit to sustain you all. May his legacy inspire us to deepen our shared commitment to the Gospel and the unity of Christ’s Holy Catholic Church."

The full letter is available here.

Resilience Campaign

In the wake of cuts to international development assistance by the U.S. Government and some European governments, Alongside Hope partners are reporting that programs are being shut down, and families and communities are living in uncertainty about their futures. 

To maintain as many vital programs as possible, Alongside Hope is launching an urgent appeal to donors. Your support of the “Resilience Fund” will allow Alongside Hope to provide partners with additional support for refugees, HIV-related needs and for women recovering from gender-based-violence. Thanks to an extremely generous anonymous donor, all donations made to the Resilience Fund by June 30, 2025 will be matched, up to $250,000.

Confirmation Day

On June 14, 2025 Archbishop John Stephens will preside at a Eucharist service during which he will confirm the sacrament of confirmation on candidates. The archbishop will preside at the rite of Reaffirmation or Reception into the Anglican Communion.  

Anyone wishing to be confirmed, reaffirmed, or received should fill out one the appropriate form, available HERE, and return by email to msousa@vancouver.anglican.ca

Bowen Family Systems in Ministry

Living Systems offers a course on Bowen Family Systems Theory in Ministry. 

Bowen theory in ministry will introduce clergy and faith leaders to the concepts of Bowen Family Systems Theory. This will allow participants to think about their role and function within their family and their faith communities.  The course is led by the Rev. Sharon Salomons, an Anglican priest and a Registered Clinical Counsellor. 

Dates: Six 2-hour sessions: Mondays, May 5, May 12, May 26, June 2, June 9, June 16.

Time: 9:30 am–11:30 am PDT

Location: Online, via Zoom

Fee: $300.00 CDN

Details and registration HERE.

Confirmation Preparation Day

The diocese invites youth and adults being confirmed, reaffirmed or received into the Anglican Church this year to join us for a day of learning, conversation and worship.  

The day will include prayer, exploring Anglican identity, seeing the process of confirmation, reflecting on our baptism and spiritual gifts, and lots of conversation and interactive activity.

If you have questions about whether this day might be for you, talk with your parish priest or deacon to get more information and discern a decision.

WHEN: May 10

WHERE: Diocesan Office, 1410 Nanton Ave

TIME: 10am to 3pm Lunch will be provided.

Details and registration HERE.

Licensed Lay Ministry Day

The diocese has recently expanded the possibilities for licensed lay ministry. Are you discerning whether you are called to be one of them? Or wondering if this might be a good thing in your parish? Come for a day of discernment, information, and conversation.

WHEN: May 10

WHERE: St. Matthew's 2010 Guilford Drive

TIME: 2pm to 5pm

Details and registration HERE.