Bishop's Fund 'Springs Back to Life' with First Reception in Five Years

Following a five-year hiatus, the Bishop’s Fund annual gathering in support of Anglican clergy and families was held on May 2, at the University Club of the U of A.

While enjoying light refreshments, supporters had an opportunity to mingle with members of the Bishop’s Fund who generously organised the evening which they aptly titled, “Springing Back to Life.” 

During his remarks, Bishop Stephen London expressed his appreciation for everyone who supported the fundraiser, especially Lois MacLean, former co-chair of the Bishop’s Fund Committee, and Bill Shores and Rob Reynolds, current co-chairs, for “really pushing hard to revive this Fund." 

Noting that he “enjoyed” going to Bishop’s Fund dinners as a member of the clergy, London said this was the first time he was attending as Bishop of the Diocese of Edmonton.

“In June, I am told I won’t qualify as a new bishop anymore,” said London who has been Bishop for two-and-a-half years. “So, this is my last chance to say I am the new bishop of Edmonton. But I know this diocese well. I have been doing ministry here for 20 years. It is a joy and a privilege to serve God and to serve you, the people of God. I married Stephanie (rector of St. Columba, Beaumont) 21 years ago, and she brought me here. She is also a priest of the diocese, and we have three kids, one of whom was just accepted to The King’s University today. We are excited about that.

“Words cannot express how much the Bishop’s Fund means to our diocese,” he said. “Your generous giving allows me to have the clergy’s back and to support them in difficult times.” Being able to draw on these resources to help clergy in need is “one of the best parts of being a bishop,” he said.

“When I was a priest, I needed these funds on three separate occasions, and Bishop Jane generously helped me out…

“It is a hard time to be the church. The challenges in church life right now are seemingly endless. In general, we are doing a lot more with fewer resources than we had in the past, and that can be stressful. But then you add in something like a difficult diagnosis, a bill that needs to be paid, or some other difficult situation, and it creates huge stress.
The Bishop’s Fund “gives us some peace of mind to know that we can cover something for our clergy. And second, it builds deeper relationships because it helps our clergy to know that we have their back.” 

In under three years, Bishop London has been able to give clergy slightly more than $30,000 from the Bishop’s Fund to help with the cost of transportation, medical care over and above insurance coverage, counseling, utility bills, medical devices, legal services and salaries in times of transition.

“This is a tremendous gift you allow me to give,” he said. “I recognise that while I was the one who made the decisions, I had that ability because of you and your generosity. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for attending tonight and being willing to support our amazing hardworking clergy in their times of distress. This is an icon to me of the fact that we are more than an institution; we are a family. You are the ones who support our parishes through your volunteering and generosity. I know that without your faithfulness, we wouldn’t have a church and communities of faith for being together for worship, fellowship and service.

“I believe that the Bishop’s fund is a beautiful tradition, and I am so grateful that we are getting back on track. People have given us good ideas for what future Bishop’s Fund dinners or gatherings might look like, and we always appreciate more ideas about these future gatherings.”

To donate to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund in support of Anglican clergy, please send an e-transfer to the Rev. John Gee, treasurer@edmonton.anglican.ca or give online at https://edmonton.anglican.ca .

Photos by Danielle Key and Stephanie London.