Andrew S. Hutchison, Archbishop of Montreal, Bishop Ordinary to the Canadian Forces and Metropolitan of the Province of Canada, officially became the 12th Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada Friday.
On a sun-drenched day, Archbishop Hutchison stood at the entrance to Christ’s Church Cathedral in Hamilton and greeted his new office with the words: “I, Andrew, chosen to be Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, commit myself to this new trust and responsibility, and promise, with God’s help, to be a faithful shepherd and pastor among you.”
Archbishop Hutchison had been elected on the fourth ballot the previous Monday, to succeed Archbishop Michael Peers who served as Primate for 18 years.
Frank Griswold, Presiding Bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church preached at the installation service.
Archbishop Hutchison’s installation came at the conclusion of the 37th session of the General Synod of the Anglican Church, held May 28 to June 4 at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont.
The Primate of the Anglican Church is the senior archbishop and serves as president of General Synod, chair of the Council of General Synod and chair of the House of Bishops. He or she is the spiritual leader of Canadian Anglicans and represents the church abroad. The Primate also directs senior General Synod staff.