Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada
Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada | |
|---|---|
| Archbishopric | |
| Anglican | |
| Incumbent: Shane Parker | |
| Style | The Most Reverend |
| Location | |
| Country | Canada |
| Ecclesiastical province | Extraprovincial |
| Information | |
| First holder | Robert Machray |
| Established | 1893 |
| Parent church | Anglican Church of Canada |
| Website | |
| www | |
The Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada (referred to in older documents as the Primate of All Canada[1] or the Primate of Canada[2]) is the primate of the Anglican Church of Canada and is elected by the General Synod of the Church from among a list of five bishops nominated by the House of Bishops. Since 1969, the role of diocesan (or metropolitan, assistant, suffragan or coadjutor) bishop is relinquished upon their election, as the Primate assumes the role of Chief Executive Officer of the National Church Office, which is located in Toronto. Additionally, the Primate serves as the President of the General Synod, the chair of the Council of General Synod and the chair of the House of Bishops. The Primate holds the title of Archbishop and is styled as "The Most Reverend (Name), Primate of Canada".
The Primate, while not holding the responsibility for a particular diocese, has a pastoral responsibility for the entire Anglican Church of Canada. This requires a great deal of travel throughout Canada and abroad. In addition to playing a significant administrative role, the Primate also has an important pastoral and educational role in the Church. Because the Primate does not have diocesan responsibilities, ordinations, appointments of clergy and confirmations are not a frequent part of primatial ministry. The Primate serves until age 70, or earlier resignation.
The Primate speaks in the name of the Anglican Church of Canada after consultation with, or in accordance with the policies of, the General Synod or the Council of General Synod. As well, the Primate often represents the Canadian Church in international and ecumenical partnerships and dialogues, including the Lambeth Conference, the Primates' Meetings of the Anglican Communion and at the World Council of Churches gatherings.
Shane Parker was elected the 15th primate by the 2025 General Synod of the church and installed on June 29, 2025, succeeding acting primate Anne Germond.[3]
List of Primates
There have been fifteen primates in the history of the Canadian church, including one acting primate:
| Order | Image | Name | Tenure | Diocese |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Robert Machray | 1893–1904 | Rupert's Land | |
| 2nd | William Bond | 1904–1906 | Montreal | |
| 3rd | Arthur Sweatman | 1907–1909 | Toronto | |
| 4th | Samuel Matheson | 1909–1932 | Rupert's Land | |
| 5th | Clarendon Worrell | 1932–1934 | Nova Scotia | |
| 6th | Derwyn Owen | 1934–1947 | Toronto | |
| 7th | Frederick Kingston | 1947–1949 | Nova Scotia | |
| 8th | Walter Barfoot | 1949–1959 | Edmonton and Rupert's Land | |
| 9th | Howard Clark | 1959–1971 | Edmonton and Rupert's Land | |
| 10th | Ted Scott | 1971–1986 | Kootenay | |
| 11th | Michael Peers | 1986–2004 | Qu'Appelle | |
| 12th | Andrew Hutchison | 2004–2007 | Montreal | |
| 13th | Fred Hiltz | 2007–2019 | Nova Scotia | |
| 14th | Linda Nicholls | 2019–2024 | Huron | |
| Acting | Anne Germond | 2024–2025 | Algoma | |
| 15th | Shane Parker | 2025–present | Ottawa |
References
- ^ Crockford's Clerical Directory1947-48 Oxford, OUP,1947, page 1327
- ^ "Thirty-seven Welfare Organisations Ask Your Help!", Federation for Community Service. ca 1934-6.
- ^ Frankling, Sean (June 27, 2025). "Bishop of Ottawa Shane Parker elected primate". Anglican Journal. Retrieved 27 June 2025.