The role of canon to the presiding bishop for ministry within the Episcopal Church role is being redefined and the Office of Communication will report to the Rev. Deacon Geoffrey Smith, chief operating officer at the Episcopal Church Center.
The Rev. Canon Michael Hunn, who has served in the role since Presiding Bishop Michael Curry began his term in late 2015, is preparing for his new role as Bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande, pending approval by a majority of bishops and standing committees.
“Canon Hunn has significantly strengthened the communication team and broadened communications channels into digital and social media,” Bishop Curry said in announcing the changes. “He has successfully shifted the focus of our communications towards evangelism, and strengthened the Office of Communication’s relationships with diocesan communicators. His work in this area has been invaluable.”
Canon Hunn will retain responsibility for communication work through General Convention as Smith comes up to speed on the work and needs of the department. Smith will begin work to reimagine the role or roles needed for a public affairs officer and director of communication.
The revised job description for the canon’s role will be released shortly.
Adapted from the Office of Public Affairs
Matthew Townsend is a Halifax-based freelance journalist and volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct in Anglican settings. He served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 and communications missioner for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec from 2019 to 2022. He and his wife recently entered catechism class in the Orthodox Church in America.
