Woman to be archbishop in the Anglican Church of Canada for first time: diocese
Melissa Skelton will assume the highest position in the Anglican Church of Canada for B.C. and the Yukon
The Anglican Diocese of New Westminster says a woman has been elected an archbishop in the Anglican Church of Canada for the first time.
Melissa Skelton will assume the highest position in the Anglican Church of Canada for B.C. and the Yukon.
She will hold the title Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of B.C. and Yukon.
There are four ecclesiastical provinces in the Anglican Church of Canada and they fall below the general synod, or the national governing body of the church.
Skelton takes the position immediately, and will continue serving as bishop of the diocese of New Westminster, according to the diocese in an article on its website.
Skelton replaces outgoing Archbishop John Privett.
'Thrilled and deeply grateful'
On the diocese of New Westminster website, Skelton is quoted as saying she is, "thrilled and deeply grateful for the support of so many," in the process of becoming archbishop.
"About being the first woman Metropolitan in the Anglican Church of Canada, all that I can say is thanks be to God for the privilege," she said.
Skelton was raised by civil rights advocates in the Southern United States before moving to Canada and has a background in business, working in brand management for both Procter & Gamble and Tom's of Maine.