An Anglican priest and university professor has   been appointed Director of the World Council of Churches’ Commission on Faith and Order.T he Faculty of Theology at Saint Paul University, Ottawa, announced the appointment of Prof. John Gibaut Nov. 5. Gibaut is also the Canon Theologian for the Diocese of Ottawa (Anglican). He has been a member of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue of Canada, the Faith and Witness Commission of the Canadian Council of Churches, the International Commission of the Anglican-Orthodox Theological Dialogue, and the International Anglican Standing Commission on Ecumenical Relations.  The Commission on Faith and Order is based in Geneva, Switzerland. Gibaut will take up this position effective Jan. 2.

Canon Garth Bulmer, an Ottawa Anglican priest who has been on the forefront  of national and diocesan debate on the blessing of same-sex unions, is retiring. Bulmer has resigned as the rector of the Church of St. John the Evangelist Church effective Dec. 31, is retiring from full time ministry and will be moving to Montreal. His resignation was announced only weeks after the synod of the Ottawa diocese voted in support of same-sex blessings. The vote was a victory for Bulmer, who has long campaigned for the full inclusion of gays and lesbians in the Anglican church.  Bulmer is seen in the photo above speaking in favor the motion.

Erskine Presbyterian Church in Ottawa has become the third historic church in the national capital region to close its doors this year because of increasing expenses and declining church attendance. The recent closing came just weeks after St. Brigid's Roman Catholic Church was shut down by the diocese. St. James Anglican Church in downtown Hull was deconsecrated earlier this year.