The bishops' letter (see previous post for background) did not mention one issue discussed at their meeting which, based on the space Anglican Journal devotes, was exceedingly troublesome indeed. Several bishops are fuming over the activities of The Rt Rev Donald Harvey, retired bishop of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador.
After the session, several bishops said serious concerns were raised about the activities of retired bishop Don Harvey, of the diocese of eastern Newfoundland and Labrador. He has participated in irregular consecrations of bishops who intend to minister to conservatives in the U.S. and, in a recent letter posted on the Anglican Essentials Web site, he said, "If you have been following events in the Anglican world, you have likely sensed that the years of talking and waiting are nearly over. Change is in the wind. Many primates are now convinced there is no solution for orthodox Canadian Anglicans within the established structures." He has also visited conservative parishes that have broken away from the Vancouver-based diocese of New Westminster, the only Canadian diocese so far to permit same-sex blessings. Diocesan bishop Michael Ingham has criticized Bishop Harvey for not following church rules and asking permission to minister in the diocese.
When Bp Ingham leveled that charge in August 2006, Bp Harvey denied performing any ministry work during his visit.
Bishop Ralph Spence of Niagara said after the closed session that, "I am very frustrated over Don Harvey. When you start to talk schism, this house needs to deal with it."
Many Canadian Anglicans would say it's liberal theological and liturgical innovators who are the schismatics.
Bishop Mark MacDonald, the national indigenous bishop, agreed. "We are very concerned but there is not much clarity about (what the house of bishops can do about) it," he said.
Bishop Ingham said he felt that "it is one thing to have traditional views; that's all right, but not to undermine lawful authority put in place by synodical action. There was a consensus in the house to ask the primate and metropolitans (regional archbishops) to deal with the situation." He added that, "It's my opinion the canons (church laws) are fairly toothless when it comes to a retired person," but also said other bishops felt the canons, or church laws - including one prohibiting bishops from exercising jurisdiction in another diocese without the diocesan bishop's permission - may be brought to bear on retired bishops, also.
Stop the presses: Michael Ingham says it's "all right" to "have traditional views". Based on his actions in recent years, one would have assumed that he holds traditional views in contempt. Granted, you can just see him holding his nose as he issues that lofty judgment but, nevertheless, that is a remarkable concession from the Bishop of New Westminster.
It’s hard to believe that's the same Michael Ingham who criticised his fellow bishops for their April pastoral statement discouraging same-sex blessings. He said he voted against the statement and wanted General Synod to allow SSBs across the land.
Later, after General Synod rejected same-sex blessings, he accused traditional Anglicans of being motivated by "homophobia".
If he now thinks traditional views are "all right", he’s had a Damascus Road conversion.
c/p: Anglican Essentials Canada Blog
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