National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop Appointed

Appointed

Rt. Rev. Christopher A. Harper, +Saskatoon, 
National Indigenous Archbishop &
Presiding Elder of the Sacred Circle

The Rt. Rev. Christopher A. Harper, Diocesan Bishop of Saskatoon has been named National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop and Presiding Elder of the Sacred Circle with pastoral oversight over all Indigenous Anglicans.

The appointment was announced by Primate, Archbishop Linda Nicholls with Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples (ACIP) Co-Chairs, the Rev. Canon Dr. Murray Still and Caroline Chum.

• Archbishop Linda Nicholls stated,
  “Archbishop-elect Chris Harper brings years of experience in ministry among and with Indigenous Anglicans, urban and on reserve. He has a passion for walking together with respect that will be essential as the Sacred Circle within the Anglican Church of Canada establishes its way forward. I look forward to working with +Chris as we learn together how God is calling us to witness to this new relationship,” said Archbishop Linda Nicholls.
  
  
• ACIP Co-Chair Caroline Chum stated,
  “Gitchi-Meegwetch (great thanks) to everyone for their prayers and blessings during the selection process for our Presiding Elder. We look to you now to continue your support for Indigenous Ministries and our National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop Chris, as we journey to our Sacred Circle 2023. We are truly blessed. Thanks be to God.”
  
  
• ACIP Co-Chair the Rev. Canon Dr. Murray Still stated,
  “We at ACIP were unanimous in our choice of Bishop  Chris Harper for the next National  Indigenous Anglican Archbishop (NIAA). .....
  
  “Bishop Chris played a leadership role...when Residential School survivors shared their painful stories.
  He is a pastoral man with vision and administrative skill. He also preaches well and knows the Christian and traditional spirituality.
  Walking in two worlds, Bishop Chris can gently bridge the two traditions at a time this is desperately needed.
  
  “Through the years since 1993, Bishop Chris has attended national Sacred Circles and important consultations that have moved us to where are today, on the path to self-determination within the Church...and played a large part of developing the 'Covenant Our Way of Life' which will guide us as a people of the land and waters.  Ekosi.”

Bishop Christopher currently sits as a member of Sacred Circle, is involved in numerous ecumenical partnerships and is the Chancellor for the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad.

Installation information pending.

adapted:
General Synod Communications 12/5/22

Art Work:
adapted fr:Logo ACIP