The Right Reverend Michael Bird announced his intention to conclude his ministry as Bishop of Niagara Diocese, effective June 1, 2018.
He informed the Synod Council at their regular meeting on September 12, 2017. You can read his message to the people in Niagara online here.
Ordained in Central Newfoundland in 1984 where he ministered in the parish of Burin, he returned to his native Ontario to serve at St. George’s St. Catharines, St. Paul’s Dunnville and the Dunn Parish, St. Cuthbert’s Oakville and St. Luke’s Burlington.
He was ordained Coadjutor Bishop on September 30, 2007 and installed as the eleventh Bishop of Niagara on March 2, 2008.
Bearing witness to God’s transformational and inclusive love, Bishop Michael led the diocese to create a new vision for its ministry. This included a focus on prophetic social justice-making, life-changing worship and leadership development.
He is a strong and progressive voice within the Anglican Church of Canada on issues related to the inclusion of members of the LGBTQ2 community, the alleviation and eradication of poverty, the truth and reconciliation process with Indigenous peoples and the global refugee crisis.
The bishop plans to take up a new, yet-to-be-announced ministry position with Ottawa Diocese.
At its October meeting, Synod Council – the governing body of the diocese – will begin the electoral planning process by selecting a seven-person oversight committee, known as the Electoral Synod Nominations and Planning Committee.
It is expected that an electoral synod will happen in the first quarter of 2018.
The mission of Niagara Diocese is to follow Christ passionately while ensuring the growth of healthy, spiritually vibrant, justice-seeking faith communities.
Its ninety parishes serve people in Hamilton and Guelph, the regions of Niagara and Halton, as well as Wellington, Haldimand and Dufferin counties.
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