St. George’s Anglican Church, a former Episcopal Church congregation which disaffiliated from its former denomination, has negotiated with the Diocese of New Jersey to retain its church buildings and tangible property with complete independence from The Episcopal Church (TEC). The congregation is now affiliated with the Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) under Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns and the Anglican Church in North America (ACNA) under Archbishop Robert Duncan.
“We are extremely grateful that the congregation of St. George’s Anglican Church is able to retain its property. This is an incredible blessing and witness to others that Christians can resolve these matters amicably. We are also thankful that the church has been able to maintain a cordial relationship with the Diocese of New Jersey. I trust and pray that St. George’s Anglican Church will continue to serve the Lord through mission and ministry for many years to come,” said CANA Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns.
The final sale of St. George’s church property took place on Tuesday, November 23, 2010.
“Fr. William Guerard, St. George’s parish priest, maintained an amicable relationship with Bishop George Councell of the Diocese of New Jersey throughout the division.”
Sounds like this might have been of use.
I think Bishop Councell is well-known for being fair to traditionals. Blessings…
yep our Assoc. Rector left SC to head a NJ parish, at the time I did not appreciate the difference between Newark and NJ. Now I do.
I had a conversation three or four years ago with a conservative Anglo-Catholic priest in DioNJ who spoke highly of Bishop Councell as well–he said that he was very gracious with the conservatives in his diocese.
I have been blessed to work with Bishop Councell as a member of the same committee at the General Convention. He is indeed a very fair man, wonderful preacher and one who offers good council – as his name would imply. I was very happy to see his diocese do this good thing.
Bill Guerard is a very good man, well known to me. He is eloquent, heartfelt, and a man of true integrity. And my the Lord bless George Councell and all who seek true and honest reconciliation amidst graceful leavetaking.
It will be interesting if TEC allows this to stand. If so, it could be a great step forward in getting this all sorted out.
Now that is a good witness.