Adelphoi,
An important letter below for those who value temporary Anglican unity as the sexual morality is sorted out.
Memorandum
To: Members of the House of Bishops
Clergy of the Diocese of New Westminster
Members of Diocesan Council
From: Bishop Michael Ingham
Date: May 2, 2003
Subject: Appointment of Episcopal Visitor
Dear Friends in Christ:
I have asked the Right Reverend William Hockin, Bishop of Fredericton, to serve as Episcopal Visitor to the Diocese of New Westminster, effective November 1st 2003. I am pleased to announce that he has accepted this appointment for an initial period of one year.
This ministry was authorised by the Synod of New Westminster in June 2002, and is intended to provide a way forward for the diocese as a whole, and particularly for those parishes who hold themselves adversely affected by our decision to proceed with the blessing of same-sex unions.
Its purpose is to offer a level of safety and comfort to clergy and parishioners in order that, over time, healing and reconciliation of relationships may occur and that collegiality and mutual respect may be modelled among those who hold diverse theological opinions.
It is intended to be a sign to the faithful both within and beyond the diocese that pastoral care and support can be provided by bishops working together for the well-being of the whole church, and that episcopal hospitality can be shared among bishops who themselves hold differing views.
This appointment is supported by the Metropolitans of the Anglican Church of Canada and has been welcomed by resolution of the national House of Bishops.
Scope of Responsibilities
The Episcopal Visitor shall exercise delegated pastoral authority and perform such duties as shall be assigned by the Diocesan Bishop. In
particular:
1. To visit requesting parishes for preaching, teaching, and presiding at worship. 2. To be available to clergy and members of requesting parishes seeking pastoral care. 3. To participate in and/or preside at Confirmations if requested by the Diocesan Bishop in consultation with requesting parishes. 4. To participate actively in and advise the Diocesan Bishop on the recruitment, selection, and appointment of Incumbents to requesting parishes. 5. To advise the Diocesan Bishop about ongoing needs and opportunities for reconciliation. 6. To work with the Diocesan Bishop and Synod toward fully restored relationships and unity in mission. 7. To attend Diocesan Synod with full privileges of the floor.
Parishes requesting the Episcopal Visitor must indicate such by Vestry vote, confirming this annually, and must continue to meet their financial obligations to the diocese. Only one Episcopal Visitor may be appointed at any time. The Diocesan Bishop retains canonical authority over all parishes and licensed clergy, including jurisdiction in all episcopal acts. None of the duties of the Episcopal Visitor shall in any way exclude or replace the same responsibilities of the Diocesan.
I want to welcome Bishop Hockin to our diocesan family and to express my personal thanks to him for his willingness to assist us in this time of change. I believe his ministry will be a source of strength to everyone across the diocese, and will fulfil the spirit and intention of the decisions made by our Synod. May the Holy Spirit bless and guide him, and lead us all into unity of mission and the bond of peace.
Kindest regards,
The Right Reverend Michael Ingham
Bishop
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Motions of the Canadian House of Bishops (May 1)
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Motion
Moved: Archbishop Hutchison
Seconded: Archbishop Morgan
That this House welcomes the appointment by the Bishop of New Westminster of Bishop William Hockin as Episcopal Visitor in the Diocese, with delegated pastoral authority in the Parish of St. Clement's church. We welcome this as a model of respect for those who hold views at variance with the decision of the Synod of New Westminster while preserving the unity and integrity of the Diocese.
We urge all parishes calling for alternative episcopal oversight to explore the possibility of finding their own best interests, and those of the wider church, addressed in Bishop Hockin's appointment, and encourage them to explore this possibility with him. CARRIED
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Motion
Moved: Bishop Harvey
Seconded: Bishop Ferris
That this House asks the Bishop of New Westminster not to implement the decision of his Synod to bless same-sex unions before the church has had opportunity to consider the matter at General Synod 2004. TABLED
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Motion
Moved: Archbishop Morgan
Seconded: Archbishop Hutchison
That this House, while appreciating his desire to be helpful, and in light of the appointment of Bishop William Hockin to a special ministry in the Diocese of New Westminster, urges Bishop Terry Buckle to withdraw his offer of episcopal oversight for the seven parishes seeking alternative episcopal oversight in the Diocese of New estminster. CARRIED
The Rev'd Dr. Peter Toon
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