Dissenters disappointed after bishops defer oversight decision

Parishes that walked out when their diocesan synod approved in 2002 a motion in favour of same-sex blessings expressed disappointment that the meeting of General Synod would take place without a clear answer to their request for full, alternate episcopal oversight (AEO).

The house of bishops at its April meeting deferred action on the concept of AEO, prompting these parishes, which have formed a coalition called Anglican Communion in New Westminster (ACiNW), to say it was “simply a continuation of the Canadian bishops’ indecision and absence of will to change ecclesiastical structure.”

In a statement issued by spokesperson Nancy Buan, ACiNW questioned why the bishops have “offered no solution” to parishes unwilling to recognize the authority of Bishop Michael Ingham of New Westminster while allowing General Synod to decide on a motion affirming the jurisdiction of the diocesan synod on the matter of same-sex blessings.

The house of bishops said it would discuss the AEO recommendation made by a task force headed by Bishop Victoria Matthews of Edmonton when it meets this fall.

But the bishops were sharply divided on the concept of AEO. Bishop Ingham spoke out against the concept of ceding authority to another bishop, while Bishop Matthews and other task force members talked about the need to provide a “safety net” while the debate on same-sex blessings goes on.