Head of Anglican Church of Canada announces he’ll retire in 2019

TORONTO – Canada’s top Anglican bishop says he plans to retire next year.

Fred Hiltz says he’s been a bishop for 23 years and has served as the national leader, or primate, for the past decade.

In a letter posted to the church’s website this week, Hiltz says he hopes the announcement will help the congregation move beyond “whispered speculations” about whether or not he’ll retire as he approaches his 65th birthday.

Hiltz says that as he nears his retirement, he’s considering a variety of issues the church will have to grapple with, including how it can respond to calls to action put forth by Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the second reading of an amendment to the Marriage Canon.

In 2016, under Hiltz’s supervision, the Anglican church narrowly voted to approve same-sex marriage.

Hiltz says his resignation will take effect on July 16, 2019.