Bishop Anna and Christine Conkin, incumbent at St. George, Cadboro Bay, will be hosting a diocesan retreat this summer on beautiful Salt Spring Island. The retreat will take place from Aug. 4 to Aug. 6, 2026 and all in the diocese are invited to attend. The theme of the retreat is “We are the Salt of the Earth” and retreat participants will spend time reflecting together on our call to be the salt of the earth amidst the challenges of these turbulent 2020s.
The retreat will include three sessions, which will look at biblical and contemporary examples of how people of faith have resisted empires, as well as reflecting on how we as a diocese have both been the empire and resisted empire.
Christine hopes attendees will go away feeling empowered to act in the world. “I notice in the church world we get very discouraged about our ability to bring about the Kingdom of God in the world,” says Christine. “People feel powerless — and we are not powerless. So how can we engage the power of God, which is different to the power of empire, for the common good, for our world?”
The sessions will look at what lessons we can learn from biblical stories about facing down the empire, as well as ways that churches can engage in community organizing. “The Christian narrative is helpful to living in these turbulent 2020s and does provide us with tools for making sense of life when everything feels chaotic in the world right now,” says Bishop Anna
Bishop Anna also emphasizes that the retreat is supposed to be relaxing, and there is plenty of time in the schedule for attendees to get to know each other, and for enjoying the island.
The retreat will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 4 with dinner and an opening session. On Wednesday, Aug. 5 there will be a morning session, followed by a free afternoon to explore the island’s offerings — which include provincial parks, a thriving local arts community, agricultural heritage and food — or to rest and reflect.
On Wednesday afternoon there will be an evening prayer service, followed by dinner and an evening session. Thursday, Aug. 6 will wrap up the retreat with a final session and closing eucharist.
The cost of registration is $100 — this includes two dinners — and can be completed by filling out the registration form. If you require financial assistance, you can apply to the Education Trusts Committee for assistance.
Registrants will be responsible for arranging their own accommodation. There is a range of accommodation available on the island, including hotels, rentals, B&Bs and campgrounds, as well as marinas for those coming by boat! Accommodation books up quickly on Salt Spring during the summer so make your reservations as soon as possible. There are some options listed on the diocesan website.
If you have further questions, please contact the Synod Office at [email protected] or 250-386-7781.
