Letter to Clergy and Wardens of the Diocese from the Bishops of Niagara

Dear friends in Christ

It has come to our attention that that there is a national conference of the Anglican Network in Canada being organized for November 22nd and 23rd to be held in our diocese at Crossroads in Burlington. In the initial registration form for this conference, it stated that ‘This conference is open only to Network members and members of Network parishes”. This criterion was subsequently softened by suggesting that it was “primarily intended for Network members and members of Network parishes but is also open to those who share our concern.” Regardless of the language, we believe that this conference is attempting to limit and screen those in attendance based upon very specific theological positions.

It is the opinion of the Bishops of this diocese that any conference, meeting or gathering that intentionally seeks to exclude, screen or forbid any other person from attending for any reason whatsoever is contrary to the teachings and traditions of the Church that seeks to be inclusive and inviting. We believe this action is inconsistent with what the Anglican Church has historically sought to affirm as the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic body of Christ. From the time of the Protestant Reformation, the Anglican Church has struggled to be a community where a diversity of voices could be offered and differing opinions respected and honoured.

If, in the course of this conference, it comes to the attention of the Bishops of this diocese that any discussions, resolutions or strategies emerge that are contrary to the canons of the Church or may be deemed to be schismatic in nature, we will have no alternative but to act canonically in the best interest of the Anglican Diocese of Niagara and the Anglican Church of Canada.

We need to remind every member of our Anglican family that all people have always been allowed to be themselves within our diocese; the diversity of liturgical, theological and ecclesial form has been a hallmark of what makes us unique. All people are invited and welcomed at the Lord’s Table. There has never, nor will there ever be an expectation that anyone be asked to do anything that may be contrary to their theological position.

We ask your prayers for all people of our Church and we pray for continued unity, not found in uniformity, but in the shared understanding that we each seek to do God’s will and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a world that so desperately needs to hear it.

Bishop Ralph Spence, Bishop of Niagara
Bishop Michael Bird, Coadjutor Bishop of Niagara

November 07, 2007

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