Necessary fellowhip

Life at the “top” can be demanding and exhausting. Bishops and archbishops carry a huge weight of responsibility for the health of their dioceses and the national church. When they gather as a kind of “association” or “support group,” they uphold the ongoing vitality of the church – and of each other.

House of Bishops
$135,400

About 40 bishops and archbishops from across Canada work to keep each other informed. Twice a year they come together, usually in Mississauga, Ont., near Toronto, to consult on current issues before the church and to discuss spiritual, moral and leadership matters.

Once a year, bishops from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada join the Anglicans for part of their meetings. Once every three years bishops’ spouses also attend a meeting. Once in a while meetings are held with bishops of the Episcopal Church in the United States.

The gatherings, which generally last about four days, are an important time of fellowship, education and decision-making; they are an essential element in the bishops’ ever-deepening understanding of the church’s interests, circumstances and needs.

<< previous page
next page >>