First indigenous bishop appointed

TORONTO, ON—Bishop Mark L. MacDonald’s appointment as National Indigenous Bishop in the Anglican Church of Canada is innovative and record-setting on a number of counts. He’s the first national indigenous bishop, the first bishop whose duties transcend national boundaries, and one of only two bishops whose diocese is not determined geographically.

Indigenous Anglicans in Canada expressed a desire to have their own bishop in August 2005 at the Sacred Circle, a gathering in Pinawa, Manitoba, where Archbishop Hutchinson promised to work to make their request a reality. In further talks, the Anglican Council of Indigenous People decided the successful candidate must be a native person and already a bishop.

MacDonald, 54, was previously bishop of the U.S. diocese of Alaska, has served in both Canada and the United States, and will continue as assisting bishop of Navajoland Area Mission alongside his duties as indigenous bishop.

MacDonald is sensitive to the challenges inherent in being pastor to indigenous people across the country, but also to the importance of the task.

“I see this as one of the most important positions in the church,” he says. “This is a transformational step not only for aboriginal Anglicans but also for the whole church.” Despite perceived difficulties, MacDonald sees “tremendous potential for the whole church in Canada and abroad.”

MacDonald has served as a vicar, bishop, trustee and board member, as faculty at the Leadership Academy for New Directions (Land XXVIII); is a Third Order Franciscan; and has published works on youth ministry, faith and multiculturalism.

Married 17 years, MacDonald and his wife have three children. They will make their home in Toronto, where the Anglican Church’s national office is located.