Lutheran Life board announces first Anglican director

Rev. Mervyn R. Mercer of Etobicoke, Ont. has been appointed as the newest member of the board of directors of Waterloo-based Lutheran Life Insurance Society of Canada. Dr. Mercer is assistant principal at Toronto’s Wycliffe College. He also serves as assistant professor of Anglican Formation at Wycliffe, and directs its “Profiles in Ministry” Vocational Assessment Program.

Dr. Mercer earned his master of divinity degree from Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. He was ordained a deacon in May, 1986, and ordained to the priesthood the following year. He served as priest and incumbent of Saint James’, Humber Bay, Toronto from 1987 to 1997. He earned his doctor of ministry degree from Toronto School of Theology, Wycliffe College in 1997. 

Lutheran Life amended its letters patent and membership criteria to allow membership benefits to be extended to individual Anglicans in August 2001 – following a 92 per cent endorsement by its membership. Dr. Mercer becomes the first Anglican member appointed to serve on the fraternal benefit society’s board. He will complete the term of Regina architect Gerald Norbraten, a former Board Chairman, who leaves the board at the mandatory retirement age of 70.

Dr. Mercer’s appointment was announced by society president and CEO Stephen Taylor after the society’s recent annual meeting. “With such a distinguished career of service and ministry, Dr. Mercer brings many strengths and a depth of experience to our board that we warmly welcome,” said Mr. Taylor.


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