New animator for ecumenical, interfaith relations named

The Anglican Church of Canada will have, starting this fall, a new staff person in charge of relations with other religious organizations.

The Rev. Scott Sharman, currently interfaith chaplain at the University of Alberta and also the diocese of Edmonton’s ecumenical officer, has been named as the church’s animator for ecumenical and interfaith relations, the Anglican Church of Canada’s General Synod announced July 18. Sharman, who will work out of Edmonton, will begin in his new role September 1.

Reached by email, Sharman said he believed ecumenical and interfaith relations are especially important today because many of the worst conflicts troubling the world are rooted in differences over religion and culture—something very different from what God wants from the church.

“I believe God has created the church as a place where we are called into relationship with difference for the purpose of modelling a different way of being—a way of dialogue and learning rather than rivalry and tension,” he said.

Sharman succeeds Bruce Myers, who worked his last day as co-ordinator for ecumenical and interfaith relations March 31, 2016 after being elected coadjutor bishop of Quebec the previous fall.

Sharman also teaches church history and Anglican studies at Newman Theological College in Edmonton, and serves as director of Ascension House, an intentional community for young people in Edmonton.