Rev. Andrew Hewlett, the parish’s assistant priest, said the people there don’t agree with the theological course chosen by the Anglican Church of Canada.<\/p>\n
The people of the congregation “who built the church, paid for it, banged in nails and painted the walls” should have an opportunity to decide on their future, said Hewlett. The same-sex marriage issue “is the presenting issue that gets a lot of press but I think there are deeper issues to do with theology, how we understand Christ, how we understand the Gospel and how we view scripture,” Hewlett said.<\/p>\n
Bryant-Scott said the breakaway group “has done something illegal and inappropriate.” A parish leaving the church “simply is not possible,” he said.<\/p>\n
“Individuals join churches; individuals can leave churches. An entity, a parish, cannot leave the diocese.”<\/p>\n
People can form another church on their own, said Bryant-Scott, but can’t take the organization with them.<\/p>\n
Discipline proceedings have begun against the two clergy involved, Hewlett and the Rector Sharon Hayton. Both have been “inhibited,” meaning they cannot participate in ordained ministry.<\/p>\n
“I’m hoping to meet with them as soon as I can,” Bryant-Scott said.<\/p>\n