“Anahata” in Buddhist philosophy means the center of love, compassion, and emotional balance.
April and May were busy months for Bishop Anderson, who engaged in many significant, community-focused events across the Edmonton Episcopal Area.
Bishop Anderson visited several local schools, where he had the opportunity to connect with students, teachers, and staff. These visits allowed him to encourage young people in their personal and spiritual development, while also showing support for the invaluable work of educators in the Episcopal Area.
Confirmations continue to be a wonderful occasion to celebrate the ministry of our local parishes and welcome so many new people into the family of God. It is heartening to see the amazing ministry of our parish clergy in actively seeking to communicate the Gospel in local context.
Bishop Anderson preached in the maundy Thursday service at St. Paul’s Cathedral and led the three-hour meditation on Good Friday. He also attended the Service of the Lamentations and the Good Friday procession at St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church. His participation at this significant event highlighted the importance of ecumenical unity and the shared celebration of Easter across Christian traditions.
Later in the month, Bishop Anderson joined Greek Orthodox Archbishop Nikitas at a special farewell dinner honouring Tony Vourou, the outgoing Mayor of Barnett. The evening celebrated Mayor Vourou’s service and leadership, and Bishop Anderson shared the gratitude from across the borough for the wonderful work of the mayor, especially in fostering ecumenical, interfaith, and civic relationships.
We of course had the deeply saddening news of Pope Francis’ death. You can see a separate link for Bishop Anderson’s thoughts on the death of Pope Francis as well as a video interview with France 24.
Bishop Anderson participated in a public gathering outside City Hall, where he addressed the crowd as part of the Citizens UK campaign advocating for free bus travel for refugees and asylum seekers. His speech contributed to the dialogue around social justice in our city.
May began with our Edmonton Area Staff Residential, providing a meaningful opportunity for reflection. Having completed one year in office, Bishop Anderson invited the senior leadership to come together, engage in thoughtful conversations about the future mission and ministry of the Edmonton Area, and create space to share our thoughts and feelings.
Bishop Anderson participated in two international gatherings giving keynote lectures. He explored the Theological significance of Jubilee in the context of international debt at the World Communion of Reformed Churches and Council for World Mission gathering. Later in the month travelled to California to attend the Huntington Library Conference on the South Sea Company’s slave trading activities. The conference was aimed at exploring the South Sea Company’s extensive involvement in the trans-Atlantic and intra-American slave trades. Bishop Anderson particularly reflected on the involvement of Church of England in the Southsea Company activities.
It was also wonderful for Bishop Anderson to attend the Solemn Mass of Installation of The Most Reverend John Francis Sherrington as the Tenth Archbishop of Liverpool.
The month of May drew to a close with Bishop Anderson presiding and preaching at the Ascension Day mass to celebrate the work of Filipino Chaplaincy, St John the Evangelist, Notting Hill.
