Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (May 22/02) - A new diocesan bishop of the Anglican diocese of the Arctic will be elected in Rankin Inlet later this week.

Delegates from the 54 communities making up the arctic diocese will begin arriving May 24 to attend the 11th Synod of the Diocese.

Canon Paul Williams of Rankin Inlet's Holy Comforter Church is pleased the hamlet is hosting the 11th synod of the Anglican diocese of the Arctic this week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

In the area, the arctic diocese is the largest in the world and includes Nunavut, the NWT and the Nunavik region of Quebec. This will mark the first time in at least 21 years the synod is held outside of Iqaluit or Yellowknife.

Canon Paul Williams of Rankin Inlet's Holy Comforter Church says financing and accommodation are the main reasons why the synod has traditionally been held in the two capitals.

"We usually have to meet in the summer when the school or college residences are empty in order to house this many guests in one place," says Williams.

"We also need to find the least expensive way to meet."

Williams says five airlines serving the Kivalliq region, a Nunavik-based airline, the Siniktarvik Hotel and Nunavut Arctic College helped make the Rankin gathering possible.

Visiting delegates will stay at the Siniktarvik or Kivalliq Hall, while the hotel will house the actual meetings.

Billeting of delegates has been tried in the past, but Williams says the strengthening of "family like" ties between diocese members is one of the more important aspects of the synodal meetings "We find most delegates like to spend a lot of time together after the business of the day, especially since we only do this every three years.

"Informal sessions often continue late into the night, which really isn't fair to people who open their homes to these guests."

Bishop Chris Williams, a long time priest in Baker Lake and leader of the diocese for more than 10 years, is retiring at the end of August. His successor is scheduled to be elected May 25. Nominees are Andrew Atagotaaluk (Nunavik), Larry Robertson (Western Arctic), Terry Buckle (Yukon), Haydn Schofield (Hay River) and Peter Bishop (Ontario).

Delegates will also take part in Biblical counselling and Christian education workshops, and gather for prayer and worship within their sessions and at community services.

"Most meetings are open to any who wish to listen in and Sunday worship services are open to all.

"Sunday afternoons, the synod and the congregation of the local Anglican Church -- along with any members of the community who wish to attend -- will gather at the Roman Catholic Church for their worship services."

The synod concludes June 1.