AFC AGM Includes Moving Tribute to Archbishop Linda Nicholls
The Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) hosted its Annual General Meeting of members on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at All Saints’ Anglican Cathedral, Edmonton. The AGM was preceded by an Evensong service, jointly presided over by the Rt. Rev. Stephen London, Bishop of Edmonton. The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls, Primate, and Chair of the AFC Board of Directors preached.
The AGM also included the reception of AFC’s audited financial statements for 2023 and the election of the 2024 board nominees as follows:
- Ron Brophy—Ottawa
- Michael Butler—Toronto
- The Rev. Francis Delaplain—Arctic
- The Rev. Amy Hamilton—Montreal
- Natasha Henderson—Yukon
- Walter Howell*—Toronto
- Peter Irish—Fredericton
- The Rt. Rev. John Stephens*—New Westminster
- Isabel Weeks—British Columbia
*new members
The following individuals were appointed as additional directors:
- The Rev. Brody Albers—Saskatchewan
- The Rev. Canon Brad Smith—Toronto
The Most Rev. Linda Nicholls will continue to serve as Chair until her retirement in September 2024
In his Executive Director’s report to the members present, Dr. Scott Brubacher provided highlights of 2023 which was “another record-breaking year for AFC, in terms of the total amount of grants awarded, the magnitude of some of those grants, the response of the church to our annual appeal, and the reach we achieved across the country.”
In 2023 AFC disbursed $1.15 million, representing the 3rd consecutive year in which disbursements exceeded $1 million. 2023 also included the 3 largest grants in AFC history, thanks to the introduction of Category C grants of up to $50,000.
It was also noted that 2023 was a pivotal year for the implementation of AFC’s new Strategic Plan. “Every step we have taken in support of our new Mission, every opportunity we have embraced: to enable connection between individuals and organizations; to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the church; to steward resources for the benefit of others; and to connect with generous donors and help them to see how their legacy may impact the church of the future—every step we take on this path is helping us to realize our Vision of being a collaborative partner and equipping communities for transformative ministry.”
Brubacher closed the meeting with a moving tribute to Archbishop Linda Nicholls, to acknowledge her service as Chair of AFC since 2019. “Your Grace, I want to thank you for your careful leadership of AFC, the wisdom and insight you have brought to our meetings, for your prayers on our behalf, the guidance you have given me over the last two and a half years as Executive Director, and the personal generosity you have shown toward AFC’s programs over the years, including toward Say Yes! to Kids.”
Brubacher concluded the AGM with a passage from Colossians 3, starting at the 15th verse:
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
