Since the Anglican Church in the Lower Mainland is a diverse group that respects and often celebrates its differences, there is an Episcopal Visitor to the diocese. (“Episcopal” is a church term meaning governed by or relating to a bishop.)

Part of the motion of the decision-making synod of New Westminster that in June of 2002 requested a rite of blessing of same sex unions authorized this ministry of a second bishop to work with Bishop Michael Ingham, the diocesan bishop.

The synod wanted to offer a level of safety and comfort to clergy and parishioners who oppose the blessing of homosexual couples in order than healing and reconciliation of relationships may occur. The visiting bishop and the diocesan bishop, working together for the well being of the whole church, would model collegiality and mutual respect.

In May 2003 the bishop announced that he had appointed the Right Rev. William Hockin, Bishop of Fredericton, to serve as the Episcopal Visitor to the diocese as of November 1. On that date Bishop Hockin retired his post as diocesan bishop in that New Brunswick diocese. Continuing to reside on the East Coast of Canada, he has made several trips to the Diocese of New Westminster since.

Creating the Episcopal Visitor in the Diocese of New Westminster is a solution to the perceived need to minister to “dissenting minorities” similar to what has taken in the Church of England. As a national church, the Church of England in 1993 decided to create what became popularly known as “flying bishops.” These episcopal visitors provide pastoral care to parishes opposed to the ordination and ministry of women priests. Like the Diocese of New Westminster arrangements, the episcopal duties performed by English episcopal visitors are “such episcopal duties as the diocesan bishop may request.”