Archdeacon Michael Thompson, rector of St. Jude’s Anglican Church in Oakville, Ont., has been appointed general secretary of the Anglican Church of Canada.
Thompson succeeds Archdeacon Michael Pollesel as chief operating officer for General Synod on Nov. 1.
“Michael brings a lot of gifts to the ministry,” said Archbishop Fred Hiltz when he spoke to Church House staff in Toronto on Sept. 6. Archbishop Hiltz, who is primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, described Thompson as “perceptive… a storyteller,” and someone with “energy, enthusiasm and skills.”
Thompson, 55, served as a youth worker for two years (1978 to 1980) before becoming principal secretary to then primate, Archbishop Michael Peers (2001 to 2004). He also has served on many General Synod committees, including Communications and Information Resources (chair).
The Council of General Synod ratified Thompson’s appointment by an email vote.