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Past Primates of the Anglican Church of Canada

The Primate is the senior archbishop and presiding leader of the Anglican Church of Canada, offering national pastoral leadership and chairing the Council of the General Synod. This resource links to the full list of past Primates, from the church’s early national leadership to recent decades.

This resource includes portraits, years of service and, for more recent Primates, links to statements, messages and related news.

Suggested uses

  • Historical reference for study, parish education or diocesan training
  • Background for research, communications or journalism
  • Support for understanding national leadership and governance in the Anglican Church of Canada

Key themes

  • National church leadership and governance
  • Historical development of the Anglican Church of Canada
  • Pastoral and public ministry of Primates

Best suited for: researchers, clergy, students, parish educators, communicators and anyone seeking an overview of past national leaders in the Anglican Church of Canada.

The Primatial Cross of the Anglican Church of Canada, an ornate silver processional cross, stands before softly blurred stained-glass windows inside a church.

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.