Michael Hawkins was elected as the next bishop of the diocese of Saskatchewan on Dec. 6 at a synod held at St. Alban’s Cathedral in Prince Albert.Mr. Hawkins, who has served as the rector St. Alban’s Cathedral and as dean of Saskatchewan since 2001, was voted in by a decisive margin in both clergy and lay houses on the first ballot.
The bishop-elect was pleased but said he was also apprehensive about the challenges of his new job.
Mr. Hawkins mentioned the need to develop a missionary or strategic plan.
“A big part of that plan for the future will be moving towards a more self-determining aboriginal church in the diocese,” he said.
The diocese is also still struggling with the fallout from residential schools. Healing and reconciliation “will take time and work and prayer,” he said.
Moving toward financial self-sufficiency will also be a big challenge, but Mr. Hawkins said: “ I look forward to the support of the people and the clergy in the diocese as well as diocesan bishops in our province and nationally. So I think with their prayers and support and advice, it is all doable.”
After undergraduate studies at Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College in Halifax, Mr. Hawkins completed his Master of Divinity degree at Trinity College in Toronto and was ordained as a deacon in 1988 and as a priest in 1989. He was rector of two parishes in the diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island ¬-- Pugwash and River John from 1988 to 1993, and Petite Rivière and New Dublin from 1993 to 2001. He now lives in Prince Albert with his wife, son and daughter.
The other candidates for the position were Geoffrey Brett Salkeld Cane, the rector of St. Aidan’s Church in Winnipeg, and John Westin, rector of St. Thomas’ Church in St. John’s.
Mr. Hawkins replaces Bishop Anthony Burton, who stepped down in September.
Mr. Hawkins will be consecrated as lord bishop on March 6.
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(Source: AJ)