CANADA: Toronto elects Linda Nicholls as suffragan bishop
Episcopal News Service. November 18, 2007 [111807-02]
Solange De Santis, Staff writer for the Anglican Journal
The Anglican Diocese of Toronto in Canada elected Canon Linda Nicholls, 53, as a suffragan, or assistant, bishop on the third ballot in an election held November 17 at St. Paul's Church, Toronto.
Nicholls' consecration is set for February 2 at St. James' Cathedral, Toronto.
She is the fourth female bishop in the Canadian church, joining bishops Victoria Matthews, Ann Tottenham and Susan Moxley.
"I think that it was quite obvious that the diocese was ready to elect another woman and to indicate that we have a shared ministry that encompasses men and women," said diocesan Bishop Colin Johnson.
"Linda is an enormously gifted candidate. I've known her for a very long time, and we have actually shared parishes together, so it's quite marvelous," he said.
Nicholls said she considered it a great privilege to be invited to share in the leadership of the diocese. "I look forward to that with joy," she said. "I take great delight in being an Anglican, in expressing our faith through our Anglican heritage, and in the knowledge that this church can and will find ways to look into the future with energy and compassion and joy."
She said she is most excited about the chance to work with parishes. "Parishes are the grassroots level of our church," she said. "Nothing happens at any other level if it isn't happening at the parish level. The work of the church begins there. That's what I love to do. I've loved my time at the national church, but I'm really looking forward to getting back to working with parishes again."
For full story, visit the Anglican Journal website.