Diocesan Communicators' Conference Convenes at Home of Anglican Church in Canada

Every spring, often in the same week as Pentecost Sunday, Anglican communicators from across Canada come together in person, or virtually on Zoom, for a time of learning and rejuvenation.

Members of the Anglican Editors’ Association (AEA) met from May 16 to 18 at the home of the Anglican Church in Canada (ACC) on Hayden Street in downtown Toronto. Many representatives of national church communications and the Anglican Journal joined the conference as presenters and participants. A noon-hour Eucharist in the Chapel of the Holy Apostles was presided over by ACC General Secretary the Ven. Alan Perry, who formerly served as executive archdeacon for the Diocese of Edmonton.

It was the AEA’s first opportunity to welcome Henrietta Paukov who was appointed earlier this year as the communications director for the ACC. Paukov said, to her knowledge, General Synod will continue to fund the printing and distribution of the Anglican Journal. This was welcome news to the editors of diocesan papers who had been told five years ago that printing of the Anglican Journal could cease by 2024.

ACC communications manager Alicia Brown provided diocesan editors with an update on subscriber numbers. In total, more than 30,000 people subscribe to print publications. Additionally, a growing number of readers access Anglican church news online.

Considering the shift from print to digital news, Brian Bukowski, General Synod web manager, worked with a team of diocesan editors to develop the Anglicannews.ca digital news platform. To date, 10 diocesan publications have launched alongside the Anglican Journal on the site and several more, including The Messenger (Dioceses of Athabasca and Edmonton) are set to launch soon.

Editors also welcomed the return of award-winning art director, Saskia Rowley, manager of graphics and print production for General Synod, who demonstrated techniques to improve the readability of publications by critiquing a selection of diocesan newspapers.

In recent years, diocesan editors have strengthened their relationship with the Anglican Journal. Since becoming AJ editor, Tali Folkins has attended several conferences virtually, and this year was present in person to share insight into how the Journal gathers news.

Conference participants made their way to the Toronto diocesan offices on Adelaide Street for a day, where they were welcomed by Stuart Mann, editor of the Toronto Anglican. Following a presentation by Martha Holmen, social media and web manager for the Diocese of Toronto, the group attended a eucharist and toured historic St. James’ Cathedral next door. Several brave souls climbed the spiral staircase into the belltower and were rewarded with the privilege of ringing the bells.

The 2024 Anglican Editors’ Conference was organised by Janice Biehn, communications coordinator for the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), and members of the AEA Executive. It included a banquet hosted by PWRDF and the Anglican Foundation of Canada (AFC) at St. Paul’s Bloor Street. Journalist and Anglican priest the Rev. Michael Coren, a columnist for the Toronto Star and pastoral associate in the Diocese of Niagara, was guest speaker.