Paula White
Northern News Services

NNSL (July 02/99) - Inuvik has received the honour of becoming home to one of three regional bishops of the Anglican Diocese of The Arctic.

The Right Rev. Larry Robertson, pastor of the Church of the Ascension, was consecrated as Suffragen Bishop of the Mackenzie and Kitikmeot during a synod, or church council, in Iqaluit just over three weeks ago. The position is a brand-new one.

"The consecration was actually on June 6. That's when I was made a bishop," explained a very pleased Robertson. "I was extremely surprised....although I had let my name stand, I didn't really think I would be elected."

The Inuvik congregation celebrated Robertson's honour on June 27 with a special evening service. Guests included Christopher Williams, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of The Arctic, and the service was followed by a reception. Robertson and his family accepted congratulations from many members of the congregation.

"I look forward to the work. It's a challenging job," he commented during an interview in the new addition to the church the following day (sipping hot cider to keep warm because the building is still without heat). "I'm really eager and excited."

The Diocese of the Arctic was split into three regions and bishops named to each region. Williams will continue as diocesan bishop. Robertson, along with the Right Rev. Andrew Atagotalluk from Arctic Quebec, was elected at the synod, as opposed to being appointed. The former assistant bishop was appointed as bishop of the Nunavut region.

One clergy and one lay person from each church in the diocese attended the synod to vote, no mean feat considering the size of the diocese. Robertson said the Arctic is the largest Anglican diocese in the world, encompassing all of the NWT, Nunavut and northern Quebec. This is why it was decided to create the three regional positions. Robertson said the duties of Williams and the assistant bishop became too demanding, and they were away from their homes and families more often than not.

Robertson said clergy from many of the parishes in each of the three regions were nominated for the bishops' positions, but only a handful let their names stand.

"There were several others that were nominated, but they chose not to run," Robertson explained. He and Hayden Schofield from Hay River vied for the Mackenzie/Kitikmeot title. Robertson won on the second ballot.

Robertson's region extends from Aklavik to Taloyoak. He said the position of regional bishop is unique in that each of the bishops still have their own parishes.

"So we're all pastors or ministers in a parish or church, but each of us oversees a region as well."

In other words, Robertson looks out for the clergy in his region, visiting them, acting as a resource person and ensuring they're cared for.

"If you wish, I'm a minister's minister," he chuckled.

The responsibilities will be no laughing matter, however. Aside from ministering to his own parish, as well as the pastors of all the other parishes, Robertson has the responsibility of working with the other regional bishops in the running of the entire diocese. In short, he is going to be away a lot.

"It will take the support of the parish to be there when I'm gone," he said, and explained that in his absence, a team of six lay persons will carry on the work of the parish, taking turns running the church services, making the necessary visits to the hospital and holding church councils.

One of Robertson's goals as bishop is to set up a school to train lay people and ministers in God's word and how to live a Christian life, and also to train people to become ministers.

"We're hoping this is going to pan out," Robertson said. "So it's an exciting time. A very exciting time. We used to have Gwich'in and Inuvialuit ministers and now we don't and we want to revitalize that.

"I think it's important that people minister to themselves," he added. "I come in, I am neither Gwich'in nor Inuvialuit....and that limits my understanding."

Robertson and his family -- wife Sheila and sons Jonathan and Timothy -- have lived in Inuvik for about five years. He has been with the Diocese of The Arctic, however, for 23 years. Robertson said his decision to become bishop was supported wholly by his family.

"We prayed a lot before we let our names stand," Robertson said. "(Sheila) was as surprised as I was that I won. She's happy and willing to accept the consequences.

"I wouldn't have done it if she was not prepared. My family comes first."