Slideshow image

Greetings, People of the Diocese of New Westminster

I write to thank you for many, many things and to say something about what happens next for me after February 28. That day will be my last day as your archbishop and will also be the day that I hand both the Diocesan crosier and the episcopal leadership of this exceptional diocese over to Bishop John Stephens.

Being your bishop and then your archbishop has been the highlight of my vocation in the Church. The role has been about as perfect a fit as possible with who I am and what I love to do in life. And the fact that I have gotten to exercise this role in this part of Canada, well, it doesn’t get any better than that!

Thank you for the many blessings you’ve bestowed on me and on my husband Eric.  Despite the separation that COVID-19 has brought to the two of us over the past year, this experience has very much been a partnership, turning what was a joy into an even greater joy.

You may have seen the announcement that I will be serving as an Assisting Bishop back in the Diocese of Olympia after my retirement on March 1. Please know that in doing this, I will be remaining in the Anglican Church of Canada as a retired bishop and will be assisting in the Diocese of Olympia in small ways as are helpful to my dear friend Bishop Greg Rickel. I mention this to say that while I’m physically returning to the US, I remain canonically and spiritually connected to the Anglican Church of Canada and to all of you. My email address after retirement will be melissamskelton@gmail.com . Bill Siksay in the Bishop’s office will have my home address.

Please know that I will carry you in my heart and in my prayers as you and I both make our transition to the good things that God has in store for us next. I have every confidence that Bishop John Stephens will lead you toward a promising and rewarding future, one that I believe this diocese deserves!

With all my love,