Leadership Team

Mariah Riewe
  • Church Administrator

Parish Council

Bishops

The Most Rev. Stephen Wood
  • Archbishop of the Anglican Church in North America
The Rt. Rev. Dan Gifford
  • Diocesan Bishop and Area Bishop for the East
The Rt. Rev. Mike Stewart
  • Suffragan Bishop for the Western region
Leadership Roles

Christ Our King has four key roles in leadership: Bishop, Rector, Parish Council, and Leadership Team.

What are Bishops?

Bishops are shepherds of the Church and successors to the Apostles. They oversee the life of the Church, teach the faith, ordain new ministers, administer confirmation, and help unite parishes within the diocese. The word bishop means “overseer.” From the earliest days, the Apostles appointed bishops to care for the flock and guard the Gospel (Acts 20:28, 2 Timothy 2:2).

The bishops in the Anglican Diocese of Canada provide overall leadership to the diocese and are part of the Anglican Church of North America's College of Bishops, reporting to the Archbishop. They are spiritual leaders to the diocese - guiding, praying, and helping it remain rooted in the wider Body of Christ. Bishops don’t rule over the Church, instead they serve it by carrying the staff of Christ to lead through prayer, wisdom, and example.

What is a Rector?

In the Anglican church, a Rector is the permanent senior Priest that leads a parish and is responsible for the vision, direction, and overall well being of the Church. The Rector provides spiritual leadership through preaching, teaching, the administration of sacraments, pastoral care, and the overseeing of services, staff, and programs. The Rector reports to the diocesan Bishop, and represents the parish on behalf of the Bishop to the diocese and greater community. 

What is the Parish Council?

The Parish Council consists of elected members who are responsible for upholding the constitution and bylaws of COKA. Working with the Rector, the Parish Council ensures the implementation of the church's vision, stewardship of resources, and management of church affairs as a registered religious society. 

As an advisory and administrative body, the Council:

  • Advises the Rector on spiritual oversight and leadership, guiding the overall direction of the church.
  • Provides administrative support to facilitate responsible governance and the development of policies.
  • Helps establish standards for church employees, with hiring and management delegated to the Rector.
  • Focuses on the long-term strategic health and effectiveness of the church’s mission.
  • Key roles include: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Rector's Warden, People's Warden, Treasurer, Secretary and member.
  • The Rector's Warden oversees and provides support to the Rector. They also represent the Rector when he is away or otherwise indisposed. This role is appointed by the Rector from within the elected Parish Council members.
  • The People's Warden advocates for the congregation to Parish Council. This role is appointed by the Parish Council from within the elected Parish Council members.