Companion relationship toolbox

Companion diocese relationships link dioceses in the Anglican Church of Canada with dioceses across the Anglican Communion or in other parts of Canada. These partnerships encourage shared prayer, learning and support, helping dioceses walk together in faith and mission. This toolbox provides practical guidance for beginning, renewing or concluding a companion diocese relationship.

Learn more about active companion dioceses in the Anglican Church of Canada and find Anglican Communion resources on companion links and partnership building.

Best suited for: bishops, diocesan leaders, parish committees and anyone seeking clear guidance for beginning or renewing a companion diocese relationship.

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“Mutual prayer support and the ability to connect and to learn about and from each other have been among the greatest blessings of this partnership.”
— Diocese of Edmonton and Diocese of Buyé, Anglican Church of Burundi

Getting started

New companion diocese relationships are the result of a prayerful process of reflection and discernment by bishops and dioceses. There are various aspects to consider within the leading of the Spirit toward covenant companionship.

Companion relationships often begin when diocesan bishops meet and talk at international gatherings such as the Lambeth Conference. These first ideas are taken back to the dioceses for further discussion with Council members and others and for continued communication with the other interested bishop. It is important in getting started to identify:

1. Shared mission and ministry priorities to walk together, to uphold each other in prayer and to work for the Kingdom of God in each diocese.
2. Strength of local conviction for learning and friendship across difference – “You are mistaken. In fact, our people are not poor. They are rich because they have the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
3. Sustainable Activities – We include each other in our intercessory prayers and follow each other on social media. Many delegations have visited back and forth, fostering new friendships. While the relationship is not about money, we have been able to assist with several projects.

Commitment and covenant

Companion relationships become formalized through a public worship service of celebration and promise, upheld by diocesan resolution and the in-person Episcopal co-signing of a covenant document.

It is important to:

1. Prepare and support a committee of local diocesan leadership in establishing and animating a companion relationship of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, forbearance, love and harmony to further God’s mission in each diocese.
2. Determine by mutual consent the anticipated duration of formal covenant relationship. Our covenant is a five year covenant to…
3. Identify and commit the resources required for realizing the relationship’s goals. Financially, our diocese is not in a position to offer assistance to another diocese. However, we have much to learn about and offer to the Anglican Communion as a part of the wider world.
4. Evaluate the relationship annually to review and affirm mutual goals and achievements. Most of the two million people in our companion dioceses have little access to health care. Everyday life is a struggle. Our companion Diocese Team has been trying to bring a mobile medical clinic to Ho. In the last few weeks, the project has advanced quickly. There is still much to do and funds to raise.

Extension and renewal

Companion diocese relationships may, by mutual agreement, continue beyond the time frame set originally. There are various aspects to consider within the leading of the Spirit toward renewed covenant relationships.

It is important to:

1. Celebrate with stories and thanksgiving for the companion relationship that has reached its original time frame and honour the shared desire to extend it through mutual invitation and commitment. We are together seeking an extension of the original covenant signed in 2014. We expect we will emerge from every step of our ongoing companionship journey strengthened by the other.
2. Identify what has worked well and what can be added or changed to enhance relationships and shared mission. The diocese is in the midst of renewing our covenant and hopes to add considerations of climate change and reconciliation.
3. Revise the covenant of relationship document to include the new time frame and continuing and new goals.
4. Formalize the extended companion relationship through a public worship service of celebration and promise, upheld by diocesan resolution and the in-person Episcopal co-signing of the covenant document.

Conclusion of a companion diocese relationship

Companion diocese relationships conclude for various reasons. There may be a change in one or both diocesan bishops, who agree to a period of discernment and evaluation. Relationships may also end from the waning of local interest or an awakened interest in a new companion diocese relationship. While some companion dioceses enjoy a meaningful partnership in mission for more than twenty years, every diocese and every relationship is different.

Upon the ending of companion relationships it is important to:

1. Clearly communicate between dioceses the decision to conclude the relationship at an appointed time.
2. Celebrate the ending of a relationship with stories and thanksgiving for companionship together on the journey.
3. Reflect upon the companion relationship for what has been learned, experienced, shared and changed in the life and ministry of the diocese from before the relationship.