(Anglican Bishop Ordinary to the Canadian Forces)

In preparation for Bishop Jane's ordination, a few weeks ago, a number of guests were invited to attend.   One of these was Bishop Peter Coffin who is the Anglican Bishop Ordinary to the Canadian Forces.  While visiting Edmonton, the Bishop was invited to attend a Sunday service at Good Shepherd prior to the bishop's ordination.   On that Sunday he preached (click here to hear his sermon) and after the service many of us had the pleasure of visiting with him.

Bishop Peter has ministered in Malaysia where he taught Biblical Theology and on his return to Canada he ministered as a parish priest Quebec, then as rector and Dean of Christ Church in Ottawa for nine years before becoming Bishop of Ottawa. He occasionally lectures at St. Paul's University in Ottawa in the Anglican Studies Program.   He has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dalhousie, a Masters degree from the University of Ottawa and two honorary Doctorates.

During his studies for his undergraduate degree he served with the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (militia) and was commissioned in  the Royal Canadian Army Chaplains' Corps resulting in his eventual appointment by the Primate to the position of Bishop Ordinary (Anglican) to the Canadian Forces.

Bishop Peter has served on most diocesan committees and task forces.  He has traveled to Partner in Mission consultations in Singapore, Burundi and Rwanda.  He has a keen interest in human rights work particularly in the Philippines. He has also visited Lebanon, Syria and Israel. In addition to all of this, he is an avid gardener, fisherman and historian (Canadian mission history).

After his visit to Good Shepherd, I was approached by a member of congregation who offered some financial support for his work.  In conversation with the Bishop we decided to explore by mail a closer relationship.  As a result, we invited him to use Good Shepherd as his parish away from home when he ministers to the troops at the Edmonton Garrison.  He most graciously accepted our offer and is delighted to have an Anglican place of worship while in Edmonton.  

Through various mail exchanges, it was discovered that even though there are three of the largest military establishments in Alberta (Edmonton Garrison, Cold Lake and Wainright) the Department of National Defense does not provide any financial support for his work on behalf our Anglican chaplains serving the Canadian Forces. In fact, neither does the Diocese of Edmonton.  Our vestry asked some questions that required further contact with the bishop for clarification before any financial commitment would be considered.

The Ordinariate is aiming to create an endowment fund that would support the ministry of a part time Bishop Ordinary.  At Present there are two sources of funding: first is money provided by the General Synod and the second is individual donations made, for the most part, serving Anglican chaplains.

It seems unreasonable to expect General Synod to provide funding perpetuity and it would be inappropriate to rely on individual offerings on an annual basis as the source of funding for a permanent ministry, particularly in the uncertain economic climate.  The current funding does not provide enough to cover normal expenditures for a ministry on a National scale.

Therefore, the creation of "The Bishop Ordinary Trust", which will administered by the Anglican Foundation, is envisioned.  It is to use the annual proceeds from invested monies to support ministry.

Good Shepherd is currently the only parish that has displayed any solicited interest in the Ordinariate and its quest for establishing the Trust. The vestry will consider a donation based upon the amount of funds generated by the congregation.  It is expected that the current Dean of Edmonton will bring forth a proposal to the Diocese for a donation to the Trust.

Therefore, the parish vestry is appealing to the congregation to consider donating to the Trust on behalf of Good Shepherd.  This is a time when we remember the sacrifices of our veterans. Is this not a fitting way to do so?   Donations can be placed with regular Sunday Offering but must be identified for Ordinariate Trust Fund or Bishop Ordinary's Trust Fund.   All donations will be forwarded to Trust fund by the parish.  Donations will be accepted until the end his year.

Jack Smith - Rector's Warden

Quite simply because they already fund a hierarchical organization of chaplains that looks after the needs of the Canadian Forces and its sailors, soldiers and airmen.  This is a ministry of the Anglican Church Canada that is intended to ensure that our Anglican chaplains get proper spiritual nurturing and development from their Church - it keeps them spiritually connected with the Church.  It is, in short, an activity of the Church and not of the military.

It was reported in the 2008 Financial Report at the AGM that $370 had been collected for this fund. 

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