Coffin to retire early

Peter Coffin (left) will retire as the Bishop of Ottawa in July, 2007, shortly after General Synod. Canadian bishops do not have to retire until the age of 70. Coffin is only

60 and has not cited any health issues.  In October Coffin told his diocesan synod that he would like to devote more time as bishop ordinary for the Canadian Forces. The bishop ordinary oversees all Anglican military personnel wherever they may be stationed across Canada and around the world. It is a non-geographical diocese. The Diocese of Ottawa has been torn apart by differing theological views on homosexuality. In Dec. 2005 Bishop Coffin granted a letter of permission for an American priest who was a lesbian married to a woman to function as a priest in the diocese. This outraged a number of clergy in the diocese including a female archdeacon who resigned in protest. St. Alban’s, one of the largest congregations in the diocese, has for two years withheld its diocesan apportionment because of what it considers the diocese’s unbiblical position on homosexuality. Coffin has served as the Bishop of Ottawa since 1999.

New facility opens

In November, after three years of construction, St. Paul’s, Bloor St. has opened its newly expanded facility. The church was composed of three separate buildings: two churches (one the size of a cathedral) and a parish hall. Now all three have been substantially renovated and are connected by a glass atrium. The new facility has just over 100,000 square feet of useable ministry space. The massive renovation by Black and Moffat Architects blends traditional stone and stained glass structures with modern skylights and chandeliers. There is now a renovated chapel, a 250-seat auditorium for concerts, a renovated gym, new Sunday school rooms, a commercial grade kitchen, a library, a lounge and a space especially for youth. The project cost over $22M of which over $14M has been raised.

Each Sunday, 500 people attend St. Paul’s which is noted for its evangelical preaching. The church hopes to attract some of the 30,000 condominium dwellers expected in the neighbourhood. 

St. Paul’s will also make its facilities available for Christian conferences and retreats. For an earlier story see October 2005.

Mike Janzen Trio wins award

The Mike Janzen Trio won the Covenant Award for Best Jazz or Blues Album at the Canadian Gospel Awards in October. Recorded live, their album Beginnings includes original tunes as well as favourite songs and jazz standards and has been described as “part high-wire improvisation, part solid groove and part inspired lullaby.” Janzen (above left), a pianist, serves as the evening music coordinator for Little Trinity Anglican Church in Toronto. The trio also includes drummer Ben Riley who has played with Bruce Cockburn and bassist George Koller who has accompanied Holly Cole. Andrew Downing and Frank Botos are also featured on the album. Janzen, who is a trained classical musician, is currently working on arrangements for the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, scoring for a film, studio work and live touring.