As you know from the media, the Essentials Network met last week in Burlington to prepare for a formal separation from the Anglican Church of Canada. Please note that this is the \u201cNetwork\u201d\u009d branch of Essentials, and it is clear to me that it is not the intention or desire of the majority of those who are involved in the mainstream of the Essentials movement itself. (ed: divide and conquer?)<\/p>\n
I am saddened but not surprised by this development. I do understand that some people may choose to leave their denominational tradition because they feel led to a different path. I, myself, left the denomination of my birth and early development to become an Anglican \u201d\u201c and I have never regretted that decision. What I cannot countenance is a primate and province of the Anglican Communion in another part of the world claiming missionary jurisdiction here, not as another denomination but in competition as the \u201creal\u201d\u009d Anglican Church. A few clergy who have relinquished voluntarily their orders in the Anglican Church of Canada, or will soon do so, are actively engaged in this. This is not acceptable.<\/p>\n
It is our standard practice, and it is clearly set out in canon law, that no cleric who voluntarily relinquishes the exercise of ministry, for whatever reason, can function in any capacity until restored by the diocesan bishop to whom he or she relinquished. No bishop, priest or deacon who is not canonically resident in this diocese is permitted to function within the Diocese without both the invitation of the parish incumbent and either my licence or informal permission.<\/p>\n