Baker is Anglican Foundation interim director

Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, has appointed Canon Gordon Baker as acting executive director of the Anglican Foundation, following the death of Canon John Erb last July 31.

In a letter to members of the foundation’s board, Archbishop Hutchison said the part-time appointment is subject to confirmation by the board at its next meeting, set for Oct. 21. Mr. Baker, who is 77, served as director of the foundation from 1991 to 1997 and in this interim post is expected to be at the foundation’s office in Toronto two days per week.

“The death of (Mr.) Erb leaves an enormous hole in the life and leadership of the Anglican Foundation,” Archbishop Hutchison wrote. The board will consider the mandate for a new executive director and the selection process for a new appointment at its meeting, he added.

Mr. Baker’s appointment “will assure that applications (for grants and loans) continue to be processed,” said Archbishop Hutchison, who is also chair of the board. The foundation distributes about $850,000 annually to support various church projects.