Eighteen years ago, the church felt larger but more divided. Today, as the ELCIC discerns new leadership, there’s a renewed sense of hope and faithfulness. From deep conversations about the future to Spirit-filled worship and the wisdom of past pioneers cheering us on, this day reflects a church opening wider to God’s transforming work.
The Rev. Brad Mittleholtz, Pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, is serving as Algoma’s delegate to the 2025 ELCIC National Convention in Winnipeg. As part of the Anglican-Lutheran Full Communion relationship, Brad is sharing daily reflections from this important gathering of worship, discernment, and hope. Read his Delegate Diary and explore the photo gallery from Day 1.
With thanksgiving and joy, the Diocese of Algoma celebrates Archdeacon Deborah Kraft’s appointment as Chaplain to the Thunder Bay Police Service. A trusted pastoral leader in Thunder Bay for many years, Archdeacon Kraft will bring her gifts of compassion and care to support the policing community in this important ministry.
The 2025 Lay Readers’ Conference invites Algoma Lay Readers to Christ Church, North Bay, September 26–27. Join us for a weekend of renewal, learning, and connection. “Whether you are new or experienced, this ministry matters deeply,” says Warden Alison Weir. Early bird registration is open—don’t miss this opportunity to grow in your calling.
Bishop Michael Oulton’s recent visit to the Deanery of Temiskaming was filled with stories of faith, hospitality, and community resilience. From “Soup’s On” in Cobalt to confirmations in North Bay, discover the ministries and people shaping this vibrant region. Join us in giving thanks for the clergy and laity carrying Christ’s mission in Northern Ontario.
On July 18 at St. John the Divine, Copper Cliff, the Diocese of Algoma will celebrate the Rev. Paul Baskcomb’s ordination to the priesthood. A long-time public servant and urban planner, Paul now serves Christ Church, Lively, and St. John’s. Pray for Paul and his wife Marsha as he steps fully into this next chapter of sacred service.
At Canterbury Cathedral, Archbishop Anne Germond shares life-giving wisdom for graduates and all of us: “Between hope and despair, choose hope—because it will be harder to bear.” Watch this inspiring reflection on faith, love, and the choices that shape our lives.
The Rev. Jason Tripp has been appointed President and Vice Chancellor of Thorneloe University, effective September 1, 2025. A pastor, theologian, and chaplain, Rev. Tripp brings more than 15 years of leadership to this role. He has served Thorneloe since 2018 and is completing a PhD in Open and Relational Theology at Northwind Seminary.
The Very Rev. Dr. Jay Koyle reflects on the election of the Rt. Rev. Shane Parker as the 15th Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada. From the spirit of prayer that shaped the day to Bishop Shane’s call to remove the Church’s “insulation,” Koyle offers a hopeful perspective on a moment of harmony, clarity, and Spirit-led consensus at General Synod 2025.
Blaze Cucksey, a first-time General Synod delegate from St. Brice’s North Bay from the Temiskaming Deanery, reflects on the peace of receiving communion, the value of youth perspectives, and the need for more inclusive language in worship. His experience is inspiring a renewed commitment to creative discipleship and greater belonging within the Church—both nationally and at home in Algoma.
First-time General Synod delegate Alicia Sandham reflects on a powerful week of worship, conversation, and connection. From Bishop Michael Curry’s electrifying sermon at St. Paul’s Cathedral to one-on-one time with the nominees for Primate, Alicia shares highlights that include humour, hope, and the surprising diversity of the Church across Canada.
“Let go of old patterns… and soar renewed in faith.” In her shared Primatial address to the 44th General Synod in London, Ontario, Archbishop Anne Germond called the Anglican Church of Canada to bold hope, unity, and sacred risk-taking. Drawing on Isaiah’s vision of soaring eagles, she invited the church to shed old feathers and rise toward God’s new future.
In the wake of Archbishop Anne Germond’s primatial address at General Synod 2025, Archdeacon Kelly Baetz and delegate James Hunt reflect on the powerful image of the molting eagle—an invitation to shed what no longer serves and make space for renewal. They speak to the tensions of decline and hope, the importance of intentional discipleship, and the quiet signs of new growth emerging at the parish level.
As we move into the days ahead…I ask for your continued prayers: for clarity of vision, for courage to speak the truth in love, and for the humility to be led by the Spirit in all we do. This is not just a w eek of decision-making. It is a sacred time in the life of our Church. And I am deeply honoured to be here with the Algoma delegates, representing a diocese whose witness to the Gospel continues to inspire me daily.
For general inquiries during the summer months, please email communications@dioceseofalgoma.com. Your message will be monitored and forwarded to the appropriate team member as needed. We appreciate your patience and understanding as our team takes time for rest and renewal.
“This kind of response is deeply encouraging,” said Archbishop Anne Germond. “It affirms our shared vision for the future of episcopal ministry in Algoma. The generosity we’ve seen—both at the dinner and since—gives us great momentum as we begin connecting with deaneries across the diocese for similar events. I’m truly excited about what’s ahead.”
“Lana’s leadership flowed not from title or role, but from wisdom, humility, and a heart open to all… As we approach National Indigenous Peoples Day—and the National Indigenous Day of Prayer—we remember that the Church is not a building. It is people, called and sent, rooted in love and relationship.”
Ordained in 1989 following his theological training at Wycliffe College, Peter’s ministry has spanned rural and urban contexts in Nova Scotia and Ontario, always marked by a deep pastoral sensitivity and commitment to team ministry. Since 2015, he has served with quiet strength and steady leadership at St. Brice’s, where his impact will be deeply felt for years to come.
Whether your parish is working alongside a school, not-for-profit, small business, or another faith group, this funding stream is designed to help Anglican ministries expand their impact beyond church walls. From youth programs to food security initiatives, AFC is seeking projects that demonstrate the power of partnership in building stronger, more compassionate communities.
All parishes with a valid Charity Taxation Registration Number are required to file this return annually. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of your charitable status by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). New: Online Filing Option Available – You can now complete and upload your T3010 return online using CRA-certified software—no more printing, mailing, or faxing required.
In this season of expanded ministry, +Anne Germond offers a personal word of thanks to Archbishop Fred Hiltz, whose steady friendship and quiet encouragement have been a source of strength and grace. Reflecting on the companionship that sustains those in leadership, +Anne honours Fred’s ongoing witness—not through title, but through presence, prayer, and kindness. “Yours is a ministry that never really ended,” she writes, “it has simply deepened.”
Over and over, staff named one defining quality of +Anne’s leadership: her capacity to make people feel seen, heard, and valued—regardless of position or title. “Your leadership has added something wonderful to the heart and soul of this place,” one staff member remarked. “You reminded us that what we do matters. You greeted us in hallways, remembered our stories, and saw us not just as staff, but as people called to serve.”
On Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2025, Archbishop Anne Germond preached a powerful and Spirit-filled sermon at Church of the Epiphany in Sudbury. Her message explored the miracle of understanding, the gift of the Advocate who walks alongside us, and the deep joy that comes from participating in God’s ongoing work of renewal.
We want to share our hope that the Church in the Diocese of Algoma can continue to support the needs of the poor, the ill, the lonely, and all who are less fortunate—beyond our lifetimes and yours. To do that, we need lasting, visionary leadership: a bishop rooted in the life of the diocese, supported by a well-resourced office, and equipped to carry the Church’s mission into the future with courage and compassion.
This year’s backpack campaign saw support from many corners of the North Bay community, including familiar faces from St. John’s Anglican Church, North Bay, whose members contributed generously. Children added handmade cards, while others donated much-needed supplies, showing how people of all ages can come together to make a difference.
Thanks to a recent grant from the Anglican Foundation of Canada, the Parish of the Good Shepherd in Emsdale has secured $10,000 in funding to strengthen its dynamic children’s ministry, which serves the rural communities of Emsdale and Port Sydney through two programs: Emsdale Explorers and PA Day Fun Fridays. These programs offer children an imaginative space to gather, learn, and belong.
In the Diocese of Algoma, our partnerships with United Church congregations are woven into the fabric of many communities. We share sacred spaces, worship side by side, support one another’s outreach efforts, and build enduring relationships of trust and goodwill. These local, often quiet collaborations are the true heartbeat of ecumenism. As we mark this significant day, I invite our Algoma family to consider three ways we can honour this centennial moment.
On May 27, Archbishop Anne Germond presided at the consecration of the Rt. Rev. Rod BrantFrancis as Bishop of Moosonee. In this reflection, +Anne gives thanks for a community she has come to love deeply, honours the leaders who helped guide Moosonee through a decade of transition, and celebrates this new beginning for a resilient and faithful Church in the North.
During the Annual, ACW President Emily Noble formally announced the appointment of the Rev. Susan Montague-Koyle as Diocesan ACW Chaplain. Rev. Susan currently serves as the Incumbent of Holy Trinity, Sault Ste. Marie, and brings to this new ministry a deep love of scripture, a pastoral heart, and a commitment to walking alongside others in faith. She was officially installed at the Closing Eucharist on Thursday, May 29.
In her May column for the Anglican Journal, +Anne Germond reflects on the mystery of Pentecost and the surprising ways the Spirit carries us—sometimes gently, sometimes with force—into new seasons of life and ministry. As Algoma continues to share its bishop with the wider Church, this reflection offers a timely and personal meditation on movement, courage, and trust.
