Annual Retreat Gathers Clergy & Lay Workers

At the end of May, Bishop Susan Bell will host Archbishop Chris Harper as the featured guest and speaker at this year’s annual retreat for clergy and licensed lay workers.

Archbishop Harper was installed last year to the office of National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Canada and Presiding Elder of the Sacred Circle. In this role, he has pastoral oversight over all Indigenous Anglicans, bringing years of ministry experience and a passion for walking together on the journey of truth and reconciliation. Over the course of the two-day retreat, participants will have an opportunity to learn from the archbishop, hear more about the emerging Indigenous Anglican Church in Canada, and explore how they can continue to foster the work of truth and reconciliation.

Two books are being recommended as preparatory reading and Bishop Bell commends these to all in advance of June’s National Indigenous History month: A National Crime: The Canadian Government and the Residential School System, 1879 to 1986 by John S. Milloy and Truth Telling: Seven Conversations About Indigenous Life in Canada by Michelle Good.

In addition to plenary sessions, clergy and lay workers will share in regular times of prayer and fellowship.