Stephens, bishop of the diocese of New Westminster—which covers the city of Vancouver and some of the area surrounding it on B.C.’s lower mainland—was elected metropolitan of B.C. and Yukon by the province’s house of bishops and council Jan. 18.
“Under Archbishop Lynne we did much good work on collaboration of the work of the dioceses,” Stephens says. “We are building bridges and connections to better respond to the world of 2025. This to me is encouraging.
“I hope to build on this good work in my role as the metropolitan and supporting the work of the province as a whole. The bishops of the province have a very good working relationship and this is helping us to expand our vision.”
Stephens grew up in southwestern B.C. and attended the University of British Columbia to study zoology and evolution before studying theology at Saskatoon’s College of Emmanuel and St. Chad. As a priest, he served in the diocese of Huron as well as at St. Philip’s Dunbar and St. John’s Shaughnessy in Vancouver, according to Stephens’ biography page on the New Westminster website. The page lists climate activism, parish development, racial and gender equity and strengthening ties between parishes and their dioceses and ecclesiastical provinces as areas of special importance in his ministry. Stephens was consecrated bishop of the diocese of New Westminster in January 2021, succeeding Archbishop Melissa Skelton, who also served as metropolitan of British Columbia and Yukon.
Stephens says he was honoured to be elected as the new metropolitan of B.C. and Yukon. “To me, this is an exciting time in the life of Anglican Church of Canada and indeed Christianity in North America,” he says. “We need to determine how we are Church and responding to the gospel of Jesus Christ in our time and in our place. We will need to consider new models and new possibilities related to being Church.”
Archbishop Anne Germond, acting primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, congratulated Stephens on his new position in a press release from the office of the metropolitan of British Columbia and Yukon.
“I look forward to working with you in the days ahead and assure you of my support and prayers ad you assume the mantle of leadership,” she is quoted as saying. “This election is not just about the selection of an individual—it is about strengthening our collective commitment to leadership, collaboration and the growth of our beloved church.”
McNaughton, the previous metropolitan of B.C. and Yukon, resigned from her post in November 2024, saying she wanted to focus on her work in the diocese of Kootenay, where she is bishop. Diocese of Caledonia bishop David Lehmann, who is also senior bishop of the ecclesiastical province, served as acting metropolitan until Stephens’ election.