Valerie Kerr to lead local response to Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action

A first-of-its kind appointment was made by Bishop Michael Bird in naming Canon Valerie Kerr as an archdeacon for truth, reconciliation and indigenous ministry.

Canon Kerr has been an ordained Anglican priest for over ten years and is currently the rector of St. John the Evangelist in Niagara Falls.

“Val is a wise leader and gifted pastor who has so much to share with the Church as we seek to live into the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action,” said Bishop Bird, diocesan bishop of Niagara. “This work is imperative for our nation’s healing and reconciliation and for all of us as we seek to live right relationships with our indigenous brothers and sisters.”

Canon Val will be charged with helping the Bishop implement the Anglican Church of Canada’s commitment to truth and reconciliation in the Diocese of Niagara.

This ministry will include teaching, building relationships, and fostering healing and reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.

A service celebrating this new ministry will be held at Christ’s Church Cathedral in Hamilton on June 19, 2016 at 4pm.
The appointment comes as the Anglican Church of Church seeks to live into the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 calls to action and confront the ways in which it has embodied colonial attitudes.

In 2008, the Church joined the federal government and four other denominations to establish the Truth and Reconciliation Commission under court order through the Residential Schools Settlement Agreement.
An official apology by the Church was offered to residential school survivors and their families in 1993 for its involvement in running 36 residential schools.

The mission of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara is to follow Christ passionately while ensuring the growth of healthy, spiritually vibrant, justice-seeking faith communities.
Its 90 parishes serve people in regions of Niagara and Halton, Hamilton and Guelph, as well as Wellington, Haldimand and Dufferin counties.