Communiqués

WICC welcomes Janet Anstead as new President

Feb. 18, 2010 - Janet Anstead has served faithfully and diligently as WICC's President-Elect. At the Fall Council meeting - which took place Oct. 30 - Nov. 1, 2009 Janet expressed her gratitude at the support she has received from Council thus far and is eager to tak the reigns as WICC’s new president. Janet was chosen as President-Elect in 2008; she has also been active as Chair of the Communications Committee of WICC.

Janet is currently studyingfor her Mastersof Arts (Theology) through Huron University College at the University of Western Ontario. Janet's studies concentrate on the issue of ecclesiology which is the study of 'Church' - its function in the world and how do we best live Church as an expression of our faith? She writes:

"It is with great joy and expectation that I begin my term as WICC President.  Many times we hear the role of women in the Church presented in a dualistic way; we are either Mary or Martha.  Such an over simplistic approach fails to recognize the rich and dynamic role that women have had and continue to have in our faith communities and in our society. At WICC we strive to give voice to all the diverse expressions of women’s faith.    We are Mary as we gather together to share our Christian faith through prayer, liturgy, and Bible Studies.  We are also Martha as we serve Christ through emotional and educational and financial support of programs seeking to transform our society. Within each of us we find both Mary and Martha – sitting at Christ’s feet in contemplation but also getting to our own feet and changing the world.  That is my hope and prayer for WICC.  And there is no better group of women than the WICC Council members and staff with whom to share this joyful expectation."

Outgoing President Judith Snowdon – who now takes on the advisory one-year role as Past President – thanked council members for their support and welcomed Janet to her new role. Also accepting new positions on the WICC board, following elections, were: Marilyn Fortin, who has become the new President-Elect; Amy Hill became the new Co-Chair Program (Ecumenical Gatherings); Glenda Klein and Norma Wrightly became WICC Council members; Major Pat Phinney was elected Chair of the Finance Committee and Karola Radler was elected Chair of the Membership & Nominating Committee.

Women's Inter-Church Council of Canada is a national Christian women's council including representatives from 11 church partners. WICC continues to provide resources and support to Canadian church women in the ongoing work for ecumenism, justice and peace.

For more information: contact the WICC office.