February 10, 2026

Primate Writes to Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church

Published on

February 6, 2026

The Most Reverend Sean Rowe

Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church

Dear Bishop Sean and friends in Christ in The Episcopal Church,

It has been heartbreaking for us, your northern neighbours, to watch the growing unrest that has arisen and persists in so many of your communities in the United States. We have seen and heard alarming stories of aggression, intimidation and harassment toward targeted communities and individuals, and the dehumanization of those perceived to not belong. We have seen images of violence, brutality and even death for those willing to challenge these actions and call out for justice.

We have also seen the ways your church has acted with faith and resilience in response to the call of the Gospel to serve those in need, welcome those who seek hospitality, feed the hungry and challenge those who abuse power. You remind all who seek to follow the way of Jesus that high cost and risks are sometimes required.

CONTINUE READING HERE

From the Archbishop: Feast of the Transfiguration

This coming Sunday is often regarded as Transfiguration Sunday (I recognize that in The Book of Alternative Services it can also be celebrated on August 6) as we draw the Season of Epiphany to a close and prepare to enter the Season of Lent. The Transfiguration of Jesus draws our attention forward into the Season of Lent and ultimately to Easter. The gospel passage from Matthew (17: 1-9) speaks of a particular encounter that Peter, James and John had on that mountain-peak and invites us to consider our own encounters with Jesus.

CONTINUE READING HERE

News

Induction of The Rev. Brian Choto

The Rev. Brian Choto was formally inducted as Rector of St. Alban’s church in Burnaby on February 2 - the feast of The Presentation of Our Lord. The faithful waiting embodied by the prophets Simeon and Anna in the scriptures recall the faithful waiting of the parishioners of St. Alban’s did, waiting since 2023 for their next rector.

In his sermon, the Rev. Simbarashe Basvi said, “Candlemas is a feast of waiting fulfilled. Simeon waited. Anna waited. Israel waited. And when the moment came, they recognised Christ because their waiting had shaped their faith. St. Alban’s, this is your story too.

CONTINUE READING HERE.

Seeking Examining Chaplains

The Diocese of New Westminster is seeking people - lay and clergy - to serve as Examining Chaplains. Could this be you? Examining Chaplains are a key component of the Diocesan discernment process for ordination. They discern the call of applicants to ordained ministry as a deacon or priest, generally through a one-hour interview and a follow-up reflection report.

Both Lay and Clergy Examining Chaplains should have some experience with a formal discernment process, be familiar with the structure of the Anglican Church of Canada, and understand the role of a priest or deacon and the differences between the two. Additionally, it is an asset to be reflective and inquisitive, and be able to bring a spirit of prayer and discernment to the role.

To serve as Examining Chaplains, Clergy should have been ordained for at least three years.

Time Commitment: Flexibility to be available during the day on weekdays, approximately twice a year, onsite at the Synod Office. The length of each series depends on the number of candidates being examined.

If this sounds like something that you would like to be a part of, contact Executive Archdeacon Nick Pang

T4s Available for Download

T4s will be available to download from Pgi Portal on February 27. T4 forms will not be mailed out this year. Instead, all employees can access and download their T4 forms by logging into the Payroll Guardian Portal (PGi).

How to access Payroll Guardian Portal

Go to https://fp6.payrollguardian.com/cgi-bin/fp6/login.htm
Log in
Go to ‘My Documents” and this is where you will find all the above forms.

*If you have forgotten your User ID and Password, please email Michele using your personal email address, and she will email you your login information.

SAVE THE DATE: IMPORTANT DIOCESAN DATES 2026

May 4 to 6 - Clergy Conference
May 30: Mission Conference
August 4 - 6: "You are the Salt of the Earth," Diocese of Islands and Inlets Summer Retreat.

FORMATION AND SPIRITUAL RENEWAL OPORTUNITIES

Full Listings available via Diocesan Learning Centre and Centre for Spiritual Renewal

Confirmation Prep Day

Archbishop John Stephens and the Mission and Ministry staff of the Diocese of New Westminster invite all those being confirmed, reaffirmed or received into the Anglican Church this year to join us for a day of learning, conversation and worship.

Explore your spiritual gifts. Ask the big questions. Get up close and personal to a sacred space. This one day event, hosted by Archbishop John, is for all youth and adults who are preparing for confirmation, reception into the Anglican Church, or reaffirmation of baptismal vows.

WHEN: April 18
TIME: 10am to 3pm
WHERE: 1410 Nanton Ave (Synod Office)

Details and Registration HERE.

Feather Circle

We are honoured to welcome Michael (Sabian) Rawcliffe, Métis/Algonquin artist, who will share stories and lead us in creating heart-shaped deer hide rattles. Sabian has practiced cultural art therapy in different settings. His work includes sharing culture with Elders and youth.

"Feather Circles," facilitated by diocesan elder-in-residence Rikki Kooy, are intended for wisdom sharing and mutual encouragement and support towards reconciliation.

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 11
TIME: 11am - 2pm

For more information contact the Rev. Melanie Calabrigo at info@sthildegards.ca

AROUND THE DIOCESE

Full event listing available here

February 11 - Feather Circle. 11am at the Synod Office.

February 11 - Say Yes to Kids! Info Session. 9am online, offered by The Anglican Foundation of Canada.

February 13 to 15 - DYM Winter Retreat.

February 15 - Prayer Service for Iran. 4pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

February 21 - Lenten Retreat. 9am to 3pm at St. Anselm's.

February 21 - Prayer, People, Inlet. 2pm to 4:30pm at St. Andrew's Wesley. Sponsored by The Tsleil-waututh Nation.

February 21 - Lumen: and Evening Prayer Service. 6pm at Holy Cross, Vancouver.

February 24 - Lord, Teach Us To Pray. A series of workshops on different ways of praying. First Session: The Daily Office with Kevin Hunt. 7:15pm at St. Thomas, Vancouver.

February 24 - Centering Prayer. 2pm at Christ Church Cathedral.

February 28 - Young Adult Movie Night. 6pm at St. Timothy's, Burnaby.

February 28 - The Long, Long, Night of Hope. 7:30pm to 7am at St. John, North Vancouver.

March 3 - Lord, Teach us to Pray. A series of workshops on different ways of praying. This session: Embodied Prayer with Jessica Schaap. 7:15pm at St. Thomas, Vancouver.

January 22 to April 6 - Sacred Journeys: with Textile Artist Karen Brodie. Italian Cultural Centre.

Archbishop's Calendar

February 18 - Ash Wednesday at St. John's, Shaughnessey

February 22 - St. Michael's, Surrey

March 1 - St. Oswald's, Port Kells.

March 15 - St. Agnes, North Vancouver

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? Submit details of your event at least three weeks before your event using the form available here.

-Something newsworthy happening 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