HTS ALUMNI NEWS 2017
VOLUME 6
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Kevin Robertson ’89 by Danielle Younge-Ullman ’90
On January 7, 2017, HTS alumnus Kevin Robertson was consecrated a bishop in the Anglican Church of Canada. Kevin’s election is a major accomplishment. The position is one of the most senior in the Church, and the job itself is massive. As bishop, Kevin will oversee 55 parishes and three missions in his episcopal area of York-Scarborough, which includes downtown Toronto, North York, East York and Scarborough. His oversight includes over 70 clergy, and congregations in one of the most multicultural areas of the country. The bishop is responsible for presiding at liturgical celebrations including confirmations, ordaining new deacons and priests, celebrating new ministries, leading social justice initiatives, and overseeing the faith and unity of the Church. The role also includes preaching in a different church each Sunday and making appointments of clergy, as well as supporting parishes in transition and acting as mediator between clergy and congregations when necessary. Finally, a bishop influences the Church in a big-picture way. “The Church has two thousand years of history,” says Kevin, and as such he will also be involved in conversations about doctrine and mission, in helping to steer the Church into the future. “Vision and setting the tone are very important parts of the job – to hold up the world before the Church and the Church before the world, to be a reflection of Jesus, and a
bridge between clergy and congregation, between Church and world.” In a world where politics and religion can become divisive, it’s clear that Kevin is uniquely blessed with the kind of thoughtfulness, empathy and strength of character needed to tackle the issues of today. “There is always the question of how to maintain space for people who may disagree with you.” He believes in continuing to be “in conversation” with them. “Where are people able to be with each other in the midst of disagreement?” Kevin asks. “We need that in the world. And my job is to be a bishop for everyone. As people, I think it’s important that we be empathetic, even when we profoundly disagree with someone, and that is going to be a big part of my job – to continue to be in a relationship with someone, even when we come from different perspectives.” Much of this wisdom is obviously an inherent part of Kevin’s character, and he has also, undoubtedly, honed his ideas and skills in his 20 years of parish-based ministry. Kevin’s perspective is also informed by his identity as a gay man. In fact, he is the first openly gay (and partnered) priest to be elected bishop in the Anglican Church, not just in his diocese, but in all of Canada. This detail made headlines worldwide, to a largely positive response, but Kevin is careful to point out that he has worked very hard over the years not to be pigeonholed or stereotyped. “I want to be seen as a really good bishop who just happens to be gay.” After being nominated, Kevin admits he was far from certain he would be elected. “I was not sure the Church was ready for me.” continued on page 6
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