Anglican Church of Canada
You are welcome to the Anglican Church of Canada. Whether you come from another country, faith or denomination, or have been away from the Anglican Church for a while, worship with us and experience the Anglican way of celebrating the Christian life.
What is a Diocese?
A diocese is just a geographical region. Covering southwestern British Columbia, the Diocese of New Westminster includes about 80 parishes from Vancouver to Hope and from the US-Canada border to Powell River and the First Nation village of Kingcome. Within a diocese, each parish has its own geographical area and one or more church buildings. However, Anglicans can belong to any parish they wish, whether or not they live within its boundaries.
Who are Anglicans?
Jesus Christ’s life and death tells of the love of God who shows compassion and wants justice for all. Anglicans believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and in so doing asked women, men, and children to share in new life. God calls us to offer ourselves in love and service to others. In thanksgiving, we continue God’s work.
Our Anglican tradition emerged from the reform of the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th Century in England. Anglican reformers chose a middle way between the Roman tradition and the Protestant churches arising in Europe.
Today the Anglican Church is a multinational and multicultural Christian denomination. Millions of Anglicans live in most parts of the world. They worship in many different languages.
How do Anglicans worship?
Anglicans usually follow a prayer book. The Book of Common Prayer is based on traditional rites of the 16th Century. The Book of Alternative Services, published in 1985, uses more contemporary and inclusive language and includes new prayers and rites.
Bible readings, preaching, prayers, and hymns and other music are all part of Anglican services. The celebration of the Eucharist, often called Holy Communion, is central to our worship together.
The Anglican community joins in celebrating special occasions in people’s lives. Through baptism we welcome new believers into the family of God; young people and adults may affirm their faith with confirmation by the Bishop; marriage offers God’s blessing on the union of husband and wife; funeral rites and memorial services are offered for the dead. Some but not all of the parishes in our diocese offer blessings of same sex unions. Separate pamphlets are available describing these different services in greater detail.
Can I attend services if I am not baptized?
Yes, of course! During the service everyone takes part. Baptized Christians, of any age or denomination, receive the consecrated bread and wine at the celebration of Holy Communion. If you are not baptized, you are invited to come forward for a blessing.
How is the Anglican Church organized?
The Anglican Church consists of clergy (male or female) and lay persons. Clergy have promised to serve God, to pray, and obey their bishop. Clergy come in three varieties:
Deacons serve as a bridge between church and the world. They provide pastoral care, and hold a significant role in the worship services, proclaiming the Gospel, and leading other parts of the service. They often hold regular jobs and work in the church part-time.
Priests serve as pastors and teachers. They lead worship, celebrate Holy Communion, provide pastoral care, and support members of the parish as they reach out into their community. Priests also take a responsibility for the councils and administration of their specific churches.
Bishops lead and serve as links to the national and international Church. They ordain deacons and priests and are shepherds to the people of their diocese. Bishops also take a responsibility for each church in their diocese and for the various councils and administrative meetings that pertain to their diocese and beyond.
The Laity is everybody else. Lay people lead certain parts of the worship services. They read from Scripture, they lead the prayers of the people and assist in the distribution of Holy Communion. Lay people are given the distinguished role to be servants of Christ in their own day to day lives and together with the bishop and the clergy play important parts in governing the Anglican Church.
What is the Anglican Church of Canada?
The Diocese of New Westminster is one of 30 diocese that make up the Anglican Church of Canada, our nation’s branch of the Anglican Communion. Each led by a bishop or archbishop. (Archbishops are bishops who have some additional national and provincial responsibilities.) The head bishop in Canada is called the Primate.
How do I become a member of an Anglican Church?
A parish is a Christian family. This family helps your faith flourish, shares your joys and celebrations, and supports and cares for you when life is difficult. If you would like to explore becoming a member of the Anglican Church, please speak to one of the clergy or a member of the laity. We offer a number of Christian education courses throughout the year that may be of interest to you. In the meantime, please feel free to join us for worship or our next parish activity. For more information about what’s happening in the parish go to ‘Upcoming’. We look forward to welcoming you to the Anglican Church.