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Primate writes to presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church

Published on 
February 6, 2026

The Most Reverend Sean Rowe
Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church

Dear Bishop Sean and friends in Christ in The Episcopal Church,

It has been heartbreaking for us, your northern neighbours, to watch the growing unrest that has arisen and persists in so many of your communities in the United States. We have seen and heard alarming stories of aggression, intimidation and harassment toward targeted communities and individuals, and the dehumanization of those perceived to not belong. We have seen images of violence, brutality and even death for those willing to challenge these actions and call out for justice.

We have also seen the ways your church has acted with faith and resilience in response to the call of the Gospel to serve those in need, welcome those who seek hospitality, feed the hungry and challenge those who abuse power. You remind all who seek to follow the way of Jesus that high cost and risks are sometimes required.

Jesus taught that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed. We want you to know that your courageous words and actions in the face of disturbing and dangerous challenges are themselves a blessing, and we want you to know that you are not alone.

Be assured that my prayers join with those offered across the Anglican Church of Canada—prayers for protection, courage and peace. We are upholding you. We also uphold our full communion partners in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Moravian Church in North America as they serve the Gospel in this time of distress for your country.

I am sharing this letter publicly to encourage Canadian Anglicans to continue holding in prayer all of you in this intense, unpredictable season in the life of the United States of America.

We remain steadfast with you in our shared belief in the indestructible hope of the Resurrection, that love and peace will prevail, that healing can happen, and that God will make all things new.

Yours faithfully,

[signed] +Shane
The Most Reverend Shane Parker
Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.