New entity replaces Cariboo

Parishes that used to belong to the now-defunct diocese of Cariboo in British Columbia met this summer to develop an organizational structure for a new entity called the Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior. Meeting in Savona, B.C., 73 delegates approved the establishment of an annual assembly of the interior parishes that will focus “on matters of mission and ministry … more educational than business.” The assembly also will elect a coordinating council that will meet more often and carry out the work of the annual assembly. The council will be supported by an administrative committee that will oversee budgets, handle administrative matters and recommend policy. The administrative committee will also work with the Fraser Basin Property Society, the entity that holds title in trust to all the property of the parishes such as church buildings and rectories. It was also formed after Cariboo ceased to function last December 31 due to financial pressures caused by native residential schools litigation. With the retirement of Cariboo bishop Jim Cruickshank, the parishes fall under the leadership of Archbishop David Crawley, metropolitan of the ecclesiastical province of British Columbia and Yukon. He is based in Kelowna, B.C., diocese of Kootenay.