Christ Church rector vying for deputy bishop spot

Rev. Paul Millward

Although the Anglican Church is at a crossroads in many ways, The Venerable Paul Millward, Rector of Christ Church in Chatham, is confident that it will continue to play a relevant role in the lives of its members and society.

Rev. Millward is one of eight Anglican clergy members vying for the position of deputy bishop (co-adjutor) of the Huron Diocese.

“Whoever is elected will have to deal with challenges from within the church and without,” he said. “

Rev. Millward said changes in population and demographics have put pressure on the church.

“In some ways we have lost our mission,” he said.

“We’ve become caught up in issues about holding on to buildings and tradition when our real calling is to serve God’s people.”

He said a certain amount of dissent is to be expected in any institution that people are passionate about.

“It shows that we’re alive and that our members care and those are good things,” he said. “This isn’t the first time we’ve faced challenges and it won’t be the last.”

Rev. Millward said the election will take place in February when members of the church’s clergy and lay houses meet in London.

“The winner will require a majority from both houses,” he said. “It might sound trite but it really is an honour to be on the ballot with so many accomplished and dedicated people.”

He’s no stranger to responsibility as he has served as Archdeacon of Kent/Lambton since 2011, with 35 congregations.

He has been Rector at Christ Church since 2004 but will have to give up that post and move to London if elected.

“We have loved Chatham and our time here,” he said, adding the move was one of the factors he considered before allowing his name to stand for the Feb. 13 election.

According to a release by the diocese, the election is being called at the behest of right Reverend Robert Bennett for the purpose of transition since the deputy bishop will become the diocesan bishop should Rev. Bennett retire.

The Huron Diocese stretches from Pelee Island to Tobermory and Windsor to Brantford with 185 congregations.

“It’s a diverse area and that’s part of our strength,” he said. “We all have a commitment to serve and we find different ways to do so.”