On November 16, 2023 at our diocesan Electoral Synod we will hold an election for suffragan bishop to serve as area bishop for the West.
The Episcopal Election will be held in accordance with the Canons of the Anglican Church in North America, and Section 1.4.1 of the Canons of the Anglican Network in Canada.
The Electoral Nominating Committee (ENC) for ANiC Council has prepared a list of candidates which it has submitted to ANiC Council. Each candidate has been nominated by five ANiC clergy and five lay synod delegates, and they have agreed to let their names stand. Through a thorough vetting process, including in-depth interviews and an extensive screening process, the ENC has ensured that each nominee meets the requirements of the ACNA Canons and Customary, and the ANiC Canons. You can learn more about the ENC here.
The ANiC Council has received and approved the list of two candidates for bishop submitted by the Electoral Nominating Committee who, on behalf of Council, now presents this list to our clergy and parishes.
CANDIDATES
The Reverend Sean Love
Rector at St John's Richmond, BC and Diocesan Ordination Chaplain
Rev. Sean Love serves as Rector of St. John's Richmond Church in Richmond, B.C. Along with a core group, Sean planted SJR beginning in 2005. SJR is the first Parish welcomed into ANiC, and Sean was one of the first two clergy licensed by Bishop Don Harvey. Sean is a Vancouverite by birth and trained in geography and high school education. He lived in New Mexico for nine years where he was a youth minister and High School teacher. Sean returned to Vancouver in 2002 and completed his MDiv at Regent College, as well as an apprenticeship with Artizo. He is married to Penny and has three sons, Graham, Thomas (married to Audrey), and Dylan.
Sean likes trains, planes, and automobiles (and ships), is an avid sailor, has driven tour buses, enjoys exploring God's creation, and appreciates good urban design. He serves on the Board of the Artizo Institute, and as the Diocesan Ordination Chaplain.
Sean says, “My vision for serving Christ within the Anglican Network in Canada is to proclaim
Christ, “warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ" (Colossians 1:28). As I assist our Diocesan Bishop, my desire is that ANiC continue to develop into a Diocese which builds Biblically faithful, Gospel sharing Anglican churches.”
Learn more about Sean:
The Venerable Mike Stewart
Rector at Saint Matthew’s, Abbotsford, BC and Archdeacon for Fraser Valley and Vancouver
Mike is the Rector of Saint Matthew’s Anglican Church, Abbotsford. B.C. He trained for Ordination at St. John’s Theological College in Nottingham, England, and was Ordained in the Church of England as Deacon in 1989 and Priest in 1990. Mike served as Curate at St. Paul’s Ealing in West London for four years, and for nine years he was the Vicar of St. Cuthbert’s North Wembley, London. Mike came to Saint Matthew’s as Associate Priest in 2002 and was made Rector in 2009. He is Archdeacon for the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Area. Mike is married to Marianne and they have five children and three Grandchildren. He is a Parish Priest who delights in proclaiming ancient faith for today’s world, all for the glory of Jesus.
Mike says, “If elected to serve the Diocese as Suffragan Bishop, I would assist Bishop Dan in our Diocesan mission, to build biblically faithful, gospel sharing, Anglican Churches. I would do this by endeavouring to be a faithful pastor who preaches the gospel, cares for all God’s people, equips them for ministry, and helps lead Churches in fulfilment of the great commission (see prayer NO. 10. BCP 2019. Page 648.)”