Synod secretaries are two of the Officers of Synod, and as such maintain executive responsibilities at and between synods. The secretaries (one lay and one clergy) are responsible for working with the executive secretary (in this diocese this is the executive archdeacon) to prepare agendas and ensure the accurate and timely recording of minutes for Diocesan Council, Finance Committee and synods. They are ex-officio members of each of these bodies.
It's best if the Lay Secretary and the Clerical Secretary are located in Greater Victoria and able to visit the synod office with ease to be available as a secondary signatory on diocesan matters. The Secretaries must be available to attend five Diocesan Council meetings per year. The dates for Diocesan Council meetings in 2026-2027 can be found in The Year Ahead.
If you have more questions about this role, you may email the current Lay Secretary at laysecretary@bc.anglican.ca.
Clerical Secretary (1)
Ordained in the diocese of Huron in 2000, Heather came on the strength of the Diocese of Islands and Inlets in 2014. She was the Rector of St John the Baptist in Cobble Hill and then trained with the Interim Ministry Network; in that capacity she has served at St Philip-by-the-Sea, Lantzville, St Dunstan's Gordon Head and is currently the incumbent at the newly amalgamated Parish of St Peter, Saanich.
Heather was on the organizing committee for the diocesan conference in 2015. She has served as chaplain to Queen Margaret's School in Duncan and is the current ACW chaplain. She was elected to diocesan council in 2023 and is the current clerical secretary.
Lay Secretary (1)
I have served on the Parish Council of St. Philip Oak Bay since 2015. Then, after retiring from my professional career as a research scientist and post-secondary educator, I accepted the role of Rector’s Warden. In that capacity, I was one of many in leadership to help navigate St. Philip through changes in our parish life; first, the COVID-19 pandemic and, later, the appointment of a new rector.
After six years as Warden, I now serve as Deputy Warden, providing some measure of continuity to the current Wardens as they lead our parish’s decision-making for the future. One of my favourite prayers is that I might “remain strong and useful”; in that spirit, I now look forward to serving the Diocese, should I be invited to take on the Lay Secretary position.