Mark MacDonald (bishop) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mark MacDonald |
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|---|---|
| Former National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop | |
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| Church | Anglican Church of Canada |
| In Office | 2007–2022 |
| Successor | Chris Harper |
| Other posts | WCC President for North America (2013–present) Bishop of Alaska, Episcopal Church (1997–2007) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1 August 1979 |
| Consecration | 13 September 1997 by Edmond L. Browning |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Mark Lawrence MacDonald |
| Born | 15 January 1954 |
| Denomination | Anglicanism |
Mark Lawrence MacDonald (born 15 January 1954) is a former Anglican bishop who served in both the United States and Canada. From 2007 to 2022, he held an important role as the National Indigenous Anglican Bishop for the Anglican Church of Canada. In this position, he provided spiritual guidance to all Indigenous Canadian Anglicans. He resigned from his ministry in April 2022.
Before his work in Canada, MacDonald was a bishop in the Episcopal Church in the United States. He served as the Bishop of Alaska from 1997 to 2007. He also worked as an assistant bishop for the Navajoland Area Mission from 2007 to 2009.
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Mark MacDonald's Journey in Ministry
Mark MacDonald was officially made a bishop on 13 September 1997. For ten years, from 1997 to 2007, he was the Bishop of Alaska within the Episcopal Church. In 2006, he was also named an assistant bishop for the Navajoland Area Mission. He started this role in 2007 and continued it alongside his Canadian duties until 2009.
Leading Indigenous Anglicans
In January 2007, it was announced that MacDonald would become the first National Indigenous Anglican Bishop in the Anglican Church of Canada. He officially began this significant role on 22 June 2007. In 2019, his position was elevated to the status of an archbishop, which is a higher leadership role. From 2013, he also served as the president for North America for the World Council of Churches (WCC), an organization that brings together many different Christian churches.
MacDonald resigned from his role as archbishop and left his ministry in April 2022.
Personal Life and Background
Mark MacDonald married Virginia Sha Lynn on 11 November 1989. They have three children together: two daughters and one son.
MacDonald has Indigenous ancestry from both his parents. In Canada, he is considered a non-status Indian.
Awards and Special Recognition
In February 2013, Mark MacDonald received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. This award recognized his "spiritual leadership" in serving Indigenous communities. It also honored his efforts to raise awareness about environmental issues in Canada.
In March 2022, MacDonald was given the Archbishop of Canterbury's Cross of St Augustine. This award was for his "outstanding service" in helping the Anglican Communion care for creation and address climate justice, especially by including the voices of Indigenous peoples. However, in May 2022, this award was withdrawn after his resignation in April 2022.
