Statement given by Bishop Bill Anderson of Caledonia to the Anglican Communion Alliance
The former Bishop of Caledonia, the Rt. Rev. William Anderson, has given a statement to the Anglican Communion Alliance on the decision by the British Columbia & Yukon House of Bishops to reject the election of Jacob Worley as Bishop of Caledonia.
The BC & Yukon House of Bishops “conducted an unprecedented investigation that was predetermined from the outset.” He also said that the statement in their press release was at odds with Rev. Worley having “repeatedly stated that he had every intention of following the discipline and doctrine of the ACC” and that the questions asked by the Province “were crafted behind the scenes by the provincial and national chancellors and they were also involved in giving their analysis of Jake’s answers.”
Bp. Anderson continued,
“Furthermore they rejected him on the basis of a charge for which he has never been formally accused or disciplined by anyone.
“I think that the fact that they chose to override the electoral synod’s decision is appalling. There was a full month before the synod when all the delegates and the bishops had the CVs for all nominees and had the chance to raise concerns. Yet at the synod the archbishop and chancellor told the synod there were no canonical objections.
“This is a terrible development and should leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that the much lauded promise of a conscience clause in the proposed new marriage canon is completely worthless.”