The neighbouring Bishop of British Columbia, James Cowan, is warning priests and congregational officials in his diocese””which covers Vancouver Island””not to try to take parishes out of his diocese.
“If a person is employed by the Diocese or parish and is found to be acquiescing in or to be actively promoting such separation, this is a ground for immediate termination of employment without notice or severance,” he wrote to all his clergy, churchwardens, and members of parish councils.
The letter was not directed to specific clergy or congregations, and no Diocese of BC parishes are currently listed as belonging to the Anglican Network in Canada, the group that includes congregations that have members actively seeking to come under the jurisdiction of the Anglican Province of the Southern Cone in South America.
However, according to Bishop Cowan, “persistant rumours have come to my attention” that people are working to separate from the Anglican Church of Canada and join the South American Church ”“ a move condemned by church leaders in Canada and strongly discouraged by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.
““If a person is employed by the Diocese or parish and is found to be acquiescing in or to be actively promoting such separation, this is a ground for immediate termination of employment without notice or severance,†he wrote to all his clergy, churchwardens, and members of parish councils.”
Another kindly bishop leading his flock.
Shepards like this will certainly cause an increase in ASA throughout their dioceses.
The unchurched will surely want to join one of his parishes.
“The more you tighten your grip, Bishop, the more congregations and members will slip through your fingers.”
YBIC,
Phil Snyder
“The inclusive Anglican Church of Canada welcomes you (but not you, or you, or hey, you in the corner — leave now, but not with your property!) but everyone else is welcome.”
What would happen if the parishoners turned them into mosques? I’m betting the ABC would invite them to Lambeth.
Surely gives one a feeling of great comfort and the warmth of Christian love.
Hmph! I thought that Britain and the Commonwealth defeated the jackbooted thugs in 1945! I guess I was wrong!
This is what a worthy bishop would have decreed:
[blockquote]
“If a person is employed by the Diocese or parish and is found to be acquiescing in or to be actively promoting [b] SSB’s [/b] , this is a ground for immediate termination of employment without notice or severance.”
[/blockquote]
Now of boarder crossings, the ABC will pay close attention and mention often; of heavy handed CEO’s – not really bishops – of various Dioceses and Provinces (persecuting of orthodox anglicans) nary a word.