Dear Friends in Christ:
Last Monday the British Columbia Court of Appeal dismissed the legal action brought against the
Diocese by individuals in four of our parishes.
Last Monday the British Columbia Court of Appeal dismissed the legal action brought against the
Diocese by individuals in four of our parishes.
My hope and prayer is that this will bring to an end a sad and unnecessary dispute.
When our Diocesan Synod voted for the third time in 2002 to bless committed, faithful same-sex
relationships we made it clear that such permission was optional and not mandatory. No one has
ever been required to act against their conscience in this matter. Our Diocese welcomes people of
differing convictions. My desire has always been that we should respect one another and continue
to serve the mission of God together.
relationships we made it clear that such permission was optional and not mandatory. No one has
ever been required to act against their conscience in this matter. Our Diocese welcomes people of
differing convictions. My desire has always been that we should respect one another and continue
to serve the mission of God together.
The matter brought before the Court was not about sexuality nor the truth of the Gospel. Rather,
litigants sought to take possession of diocesan buildings and assets after they had removed
themselves from the Anglican Church of Canada. The Court of Appeal refused this request, as did
the B.C. Supreme Court in 2009.
litigants sought to take possession of diocesan buildings and assets after they had removed
themselves from the Anglican Church of Canada. The Court of Appeal refused this request, as did
the B.C. Supreme Court in 2009.
In doing so, both Courts have upheld the structures and governance of historic Anglicanism. Both
have affirmed the synodical and episcopal character of Anglican tradition. Both have recognized
that decisions in the Canadian Church have been reached in accordance with our own procedures
and customs, and that the civil courts should not be used to determine church doctrine.
have affirmed the synodical and episcopal character of Anglican tradition. Both have recognized
that decisions in the Canadian Church have been reached in accordance with our own procedures
and customs, and that the civil courts should not be used to determine church doctrine.
Churches are sacred places. They hold precious memories. The lives of our parents and children
are celebrated and remembered here. They are spaces where our deep human longing is met by
the eternal Gospel of Jesus Christ. No one should have to choose between their faith and their
church.
are celebrated and remembered here. They are spaces where our deep human longing is met by
the eternal Gospel of Jesus Christ. No one should have to choose between their faith and their
church.
Today I am issuing a sincere appeal to members of those congregations whose leaders have
drawn them into this action to remain in communion with Canadian Anglicans, and to stay in the
churches where they worship. I will work with them in seeking new clergy to fill the positions of
those who have left the Anglican Church of Canada. This will be a mutual and collaborative
process, as all such appointments in the Diocese are.
drawn them into this action to remain in communion with Canadian Anglicans, and to stay in the
churches where they worship. I will work with them in seeking new clergy to fill the positions of
those who have left the Anglican Church of Canada. This will be a mutual and collaborative
process, as all such appointments in the Diocese are.
Let us all remember the first Christian principles – love of God and love of our neighbour. Our
divided world needs a united church. I invite you all to join with me in the work of healing and
reconciliation, mutual forgiveness and forbearance, so that we may move forward together in
humility with God’s grace.
divided world needs a united church. I invite you all to join with me in the work of healing and
reconciliation, mutual forgiveness and forbearance, so that we may move forward together in
humility with God’s grace.
Bishop Michael Ingham