The Rev. Dr. Derek Neal Appointed to Thorneloe Board and Provincial Theological Education Commission
Archbishop Anne Germond is pleased to announce that the Rev. Dr. Derek Neal has accepted appointment as the Archbishop’s representative on the Thorneloe University Board of Governors, as well as the Diocese of Algoma’s representative to the Ontario Provincial Commission on Theological Education (OPCOTE).
Rev. Derek currently serves as priest and parish incumbent of St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church. Prior to serving in Sturgeon Falls, he was incumbent of St. Simon’s Anglican Church and Holy Trinity Anglican Church.
Archbishop Anne has highlighted Rev. Derek’s extensive academic background and experience in both parish ministry and higher education. “Rev. Neal is a full-time professor in the history department of Nipissing University. He has a BSc from the University of Ottawa, a BA from the University of Toronto, an MA from McMaster University, a PhD from McGill University and an MDiv from Wycliffe College. He is bilingual in both French and English.”
The appointment follows recent conversations across the Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario concerning theological education, formation, and lifelong learning within the Church. At the recent Diocese of Algoma Clergy Conference, clergy and lay leaders engaged in discussion with Bishop Susan Bell, Chair of OPCOTE, regarding the Advisory Committee on Postulants for Ordination (ACPO), OPCOTE, and the importance of strong theological foundations, discernment, and ongoing ministerial formation.
Following those conversations, Rev. Derek expressed interest in becoming more involved in this area of ministry and leadership.
The Very Rev. Jason Tripp warmly welcomed the news of the appointment, “This is excellent news. I enjoyed getting to know Rev. Dr. Derek at the clergy conference as we were in the same table and small group. We will certainly welcome his voice and inclusion around the board table at Thorneloe.”
Please join us in congratulating Rev. Dr. Derek Neal on these appointments and in praying for him as he undertakes this important work on behalf of the Diocese of Algoma.