The Diocese of New Westminster (DNW) initiated action against St. Matthew’s Abbotsford and St. Matthias”‘St. Luke Vancouver on August 26th and is seeking to take over governance of the parishes. We are deeply disappointed by this action as it fails to recognize:
* repeated attempts by the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC) parishes to seek dialogue before litigation;
* repeated statements from the Primate of Canada that any such action will damage the public witness of the church;
* repeated calls from the Anglican Communion to refrain from such hostile action.
This is an admirable and irenic public statement. The timing of the announcment of the Diocese of New Westminster’s bullying tactic is indeed ironic, given the statement by ++Rowan Williams that same day about the need for rebuilding relationships of trust etc.
Bravo for the leaders of big St. John’s, Shaughnessy. Hats off to its rector, David Short+, its staff and key lay leaders. May the Lord graciously sustain them in the difficult days ahead.
David Handy+