The Right Reverend Dan Gifford

Diocesan Bishop and Area Bishop for the East

Bishop Dan Gifford serves as the Diocesan Bishop of our diocese. He earned his Master of Divinity from Wycliffe College in Toronto in 1990 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1991. Following a two-year curacy on BC’s Sunshine Coast—a name he often found to be somewhat misleading—he was appointed as the first rector of St. Andrew’s in Pender Harbour, BC, where he spent six very happy years in ministry.

In 1998, Dan joined the staff of St. John’s as vicar, serving for 24 years. During his tenure, he also served as Archdeacon for Vancouver and the surrounding area, sat on the diocesan council, and contributed as a member of the finance committee. Elected as Coadjutor Bishop at Synod 2021, he was consecrated on February 6, 2022, and formally installed as Diocesan Bishop on November 2, 2022.

Dan holds a deep love for the Lord Jesus and God’s Gospel of grace, with a strong heart for catechism, evangelism, cross-cultural mission, and preaching.

Dan met his wife, Cathryn, at St. John's, and they were married in 2001. They are the proud parents of two sons, Alexander and Nicholas. Outside of ministry, Dan treasures time spent outdoors with his family. His personal interests include snowboarding the BC mountains, walking his dog Windsor, reading, sailing, and remaining a faithful supporter of the Minnesota Vikings in their ongoing quest for an elusive Super Bowl victory.