Youth elected as officer

The Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario has elected a youth delegate to serve as prolocutor, a first for the province and some say, possibly a first in the history of the Anglican Church of Canada.

Chris Miller, who is in his 20s and is a new parishioner at the Church of the Ascension, diocese of Ottawa, was one of six youth delegates who attended a provincial synod last month. Mr. Miller could not be reached for comment but his parish priest, Rev. Gary Hauch, said his election shows the church’s “trust” in young people and an “easing of control.” He added: “This is great news. Chris is very responsible, conscientious and gifted.” He said that Mr. Miller joined his parish about a month ago.

Rev. Jon Martin, assistant curate at Christ Church, Bells Corners, described Mr. Miller as a “talented young man” with a passion for social justice, in particular the issues of poverty and homelessness. He is also devoted to the life of the Anglican church. “I’ve never met someone so passionate about the political debate and social goings on in the church and in synod,” he said. Both Mr. Martin and Mr. Miller were active in the Anglican Challenge Movement, a diocesan youth initiative, for six years.

Mr. Miller is currently pursuing a certificate in Anglican Studies at Saint Paul’s University, in Ottawa. He will serve as prolocutor for three years in the ecclesiastical (church) province that includes the dioceses of Algoma, Huron, Moosonee, Niagara, Ontario, Ottawa and Toronto.