Primate visits Diocese

The Primate at St. Stephen's Church, James Smith Reserve, last night.  (Photo credit: Mary Brown).

(April 4). The Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada visited the Diocese of Saskatchewan yesterday.  It was the first visit to the Diocese by the Most Rev. Fred Hiltz, who was elected to the Primacy at the General Synod last summer.

The Archbishop's visit began with an address to the clergy of the Diocese at the Synod Office in Prince Albert.  Archbishop Hiltz described the many duties and responsibilities of the office of Primate and stressed his strong commitment to the pastoral dimensions of his ministry.  He talked about the challenge of holding the Church together amidst a period of great division, and reflected hopefully on the positive aspects of the Church's life that serve its unity.  He then fielded some frank and penetrating questions from the clergy who voiced serious concern about the decisions, direction, and theological culture of the General Synod, and their effect on parish life. 

At the end of the clergy day Bishop Burton presented the Primate with some gifts on behalf of the Diocese.

Following dinner at Bishopsthorpe, the Primate called upon the former Chancellor of the Diocese, J.H. Clyne Harradence, QC, and presented him with the Anglican Award of Merit.  Mr. Harradence served as Chancellor of the Diocese of Saskatchewan for 42 years, and as Prolocutor and Vice Chancellor of the General Synod.

The Primate then travelled to St. Stephen's Church, James Smith Reserve, where he preached to the packed church on the occasion of the ordination to the priesthood of the Rev. Wilfred Sanderson.  In his sermon, the Primate reflected on the example of St. Ambrose who had stood against great opposition for the full divinity of Christ.  Archbishop Hiltz reflected on the importance of the Prayer Book's Rule of Life, and praised the ordinand's sterling record of faithfulness. 

The Primate later spoke at a large feast at the Bernard Constant Community School. 

He travelled to Saskatoon this morning for the biennial Synod of that Diocese.