Indigenous Archbishop Chris Harper to visit

The Most Rev. Chris Harper, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop, will be in the Diocese Sept. 13-19. He is visiting at the invitation of Archbishop David Edwards.

“Right now we’re working on the finishing touches,” said director of mission and ministry Shawn Branch, who is co-ordinating the visit.

Harper’s main role here is as keynote speaker at the annual Clergy Conference Sept. 16-18 at Villa Madonna. Apart from that, he will visit the Parish of St. Andrews, and if time allows, the Miramichi, as well as preach at Christ Church Cathedral on Sept. 15.

“We are encouraging anyone within driving distance to come and join us at the Cathedral, including parishes,” said Shawn. The service will begin at 10:30.

During his visit, Harper will share insights on the work of the Sacred Circle document called “Our Way Of Life,” which lays out how the indigenous church will function within the Anglican Church of Canada. He will also spend time with indigenous communities in the province.

“Chris is a gifted teacher and pastor,” said Shawn. “It will be great spending time with him and learning from him.”

From the ACC website:  Born in Saskatchewan and a member of the Onion Lake Cree Nation, Archbishop Harper is a graduate of Wycliffe College, Toronto School of Theology. His parish ministries have included on and off reserve, and shared ministry with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

He has also been involved in numerous committees within the Anglican Church of Canada, including the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, Council of General Synod, Provincial Synod and the Diocesan Executives for Saskatchewan and Algoma. Harper is the former Diocesan bishop of Saskatoon. He was installed as indigenous archbishop in May 2023.

Archbishop Harper’s tentative schedule of events:

• Friday, Sept. 13 - arrival in diocese
  • Saturday, Sept. 14 - events in St. Andrews, visit to St. Stephen’s University
  • Sunday, Sept. 15 - Christ Church Cathedral service @ 10:30 a.m. – all are welcome to attend
  • Monday to Wednesday, Sept. 16-18 - keynote speaker at Clergy Conference, Villa Madonna, Rothesay
  • Thursday, Sept. 19 -  depart New Brunswick
  
  This is a tentative schedule. Check the diocesan website for updated details closer to the date of his visit.  https://nb.anglican.ca/

Photo caption:
The Most Rev. Chris Harper, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop during Sacred Circle 2023. Lisa Barry photo