A growing group of dissident Anglicans who broke away from the Anglican Church of Canada over opposition to same-sex blessings amassed nearly $6 million in donations in the last fiscal year.
And 22 per cent of those donations were made specifically to the Anglican Network in Canada’s (ANiC) legal defence fund, to bankroll the dissidents’ continuing battle with the Diocese of New Westminster over who owns the church buildings.
According to financial statements filed with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) by the ANiC, the registered charity received $5.9 million in donations in the 2008-09 fiscal year, the most recent data available.
The Bishop of New Westminster didn’t have to pursue orthodox Anglicans with lawsuits.
He could have attempted to come to honorable terms in a Christian-like manner with the orthodox in his diocese with a plan like that initially developed under Bishop Lee in the Diocese of Virginia.
But no, the forces revisionism, chanting a mantra of ‘do it our way now, or else,’ won out and negative legal actions were the result.
Well actions have consequences and now the wayward Diocese of New Westminster will have to at least match the “…nearly $6 million in donations in the last fiscal year.” raised by the orthodox Anglicans who are defending themselves against both heresy and legal attack.
Personally, if I were among the orhtodox in New Westmisnter, I would rather used the money to “shake the dust off my feet” and to obtain new church buildings and to pursue a campaign of energetic evangelical activity with the Diocese of New Westminster.
Dear Anglican First,
I am at one of the churches involved in litigation. Trust me we have thought long and hard about “shaking the dust off our feet” but the fact remains we are the most likely group in Canada to stand up for this principle of fairness. We, as congregations have paid for and maintained these churches with no help from the Anglican Church of Canada and would like the court to answer whether we have any legitimate claim. This would apply to us and others across the country. As for getting on with evangelistic activity I can promise you God has blessed us abundantly in this area even during the litigation. Our congregations are vibrant and growing, people are coming to know Christ as their saviour, the young are being taught, the sick are being comforted etc. Not perfect, but we are taking the great commission very seriously even as we stand up for fairness in the secular courts.
iAnglican,
It is truly uplifting to hear your good news. To me me, your report is ‘proof positive’ that “…the Faith once given…” seems to grow much better in adversity that tests our beliefs,
I have relatives who moved from Ontario to BC years ago whom I hope are with your group.
Just to clarify, the reporter, in stating that ANiC’s (approx. $4M) revenues went into “ANiC’s general fund and a parish development fund”, failed to appreciate that the vast amount of those receipts went to building and supporting new ANiC churches (whether coming from the ACoC or planting new congregations).
Also, the money that went into the legal fund, which was over and above and specifically designated for such, ensured that at least 9 ANiC congregations in Canada have been able to continue their active, vibrant and growing ministries in their church buildings (which buildings are worth well over $20M) for the past year (and more). These ministries included some of them launching new church plants as well!
Finally, the decision in the New West case (which is the first to wend it’s way through the Canadian courts and used the bulk of the legal fund) will set a precedent for many more Anglican congregations in Canada, so that there will be clarity for the future for all Anglicans affected by the split in the Anglican Communion. We have asked the other dioceses to hold off on litigation while the New West decision makes it’s way through the courts, and confirm that all our parishes will follow whatever precedent emerges, but they continue to press forward on many fronts, causing (in my view) unnecessary additional expense. However, we must protect those other congregations until this decision is made.
We thank God for all those who have contributed to support these vibrant ministries during this very costly time.
Merry Christmas!
Cheryl Chang, Special Counsel to ANiC