(ACNS) When last Saturday afternoon\u2019s installation service for Bishop Victoria Matthews as the eighth Bishop of Christchurch was finished, the woman who\u2019s taken her place as the new Bishop of Edmonton reflected on Canada\u2019s loss and Christchurch\u2019s gain.<\/p>\n
Bishop Jane Alexander spoke soflty of a loss that feels personal, as well as provincial: \u201cIt was very hard,\u201d\u009d she said, \u201cto give Victoria away.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I will leave here with my heart lightened. So many have told me that they will love her and take care of her.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe installation service was beautiful. There was such a strong sense of family. So much welcome. Victoria is not coming home: she is home.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
While none but the three Canadian bishops present could truly know about the loss Bishop Jane spoke of, there were close on 1000 people \u201d\u201c it was a full house at the Cathedral on a sunny, still, late winter\u2019s afternoon \u201d\u201c who saw signs, right from the start of the service, of where their gains might lie.<\/p>\n