Woman to be archbishop in the Anglican Church of Canada for first time: diocese

The Anglican Diocese of New Westminstersays a woman has been elected an archbishop in the Anglican Churchof Canada for the first time.

Melissa Skelton will assume the highest position in the AnglicanChurch of Canada for B.C. and the Yukon.

She will hold the title Archbishop and Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of B.C. and Yukon.

There are four ecclesiastical provinces in the Anglican Church ofCanada and they fall below the general synod, or the nationalgoverning body of the church.

Skelton takes the position immediately, and will continue serving as bishopof the diocese of New Westminster, according to the diocese in an article on its website.

Skeltonreplaces outgoing ArchbishopJohn Privett.

'Thrilled and deeply grateful'

On the diocese of New Westminster website, Skelton is quoted as saying she is, "thrilled and deeply grateful for the support of so many," in the process of becoming archbishop.

"About being the first woman Metropolitan in the Anglican Church of Canada, all that I can say is thanks be to God for the privilege," she said.

Skelton was raised by civil rights advocates in the SouthernUnited States before moving to Canada and has a background inbusiness, working inbrand management for both Procter & Gambleand Tom's of Maine.