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Retirement announcement from Primate Linda Nicholls

Published on 
April 9, 2024

A message to the Anglican Church of Canada:

In the fall of 2024, I will complete thirty-nine years of ordained ministry in the Anglican Church of Canada. Although it had been my hope to continue until General Synod 2025, I will also reach our mandatory retirement age. I have therefore written to the Senior Metropolitan, Archbishop Anne Germond, to offer my resignation as of September 15, 2024.

When I began ordained ministry, I had no idea of the adventures and privilege that lay ahead of me: serving as a deacon and priest in three parishes; in the national office in the Faith, Worship & Ministry department; as a suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Toronto; as diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Huron and, in these past nearly five years, as Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada.

The greatest joy has been to share in the relationship between God and God’s people through pastoral care, preaching, teaching and sacramental ministries and advocate for justice and compassion for all. To see God at work bringing healing and hope in the midst of the sorrows, pain and joy of daily life for individuals, families, communities and our wider world is a privilege that cannot be measured. I have also delighted in bringing the voice of the wider church—across Canada and the world—into parishes and dioceses through being present on Zoom or in person in travelling coast to coast.

Initially, after retirement, time for rest without the responsibilities of leadership will be welcome. Then I will enjoy walking with God’s people, not as a leader, but as a friend, teacher and mentor alongside opportunities that allow my soul to sing—literally and figuratively.

Thank you for the privilege of serving our beloved church. Thank you for your prayers, care and support through the good times and the difficult ones.

May God grant us all courage to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and to proclaim with joy the good news of the Gospel wherever we may be!
Thanks be to God,
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!

The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls
Archbishop & Primate

 

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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.