An appeal to Canadian Anglicans

Fredericton priest urges Anglicans to reject the perversion of order and natural justice at work in the ACC

To: Members of the Anglican Church of Canada

As you may know Mr. Worley was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Caledonia in British Columbia last May but had his election annulled by the Provincial House of Bishops and then was fired as rector of his parish by his Archbishop. 

The full story as reported in the media can be found in the Anglican Journal and the Anglican Planet. 

It is difficult not to conclude from these reports that, seen in the larger context of the election and confirmation as bishop of a partnered gay man in Toronto, many of our Church officials are prepared to overlook clear infractions in cases of those who share their agenda and conduct aggressive and unprecedented investigations of those who beg to differ. 

Not only is this double standard morally wrong, it is extremely destabilizing in an institution already on edge seeking to find its way forward on the Doctrine of Marriage. The last General Synod was deeply divided over the issue, and as the second reading approaches many are concerned about the future of our Church. 

It is for these reasons that, being unaware of other such efforts, I have taken upon myself the task of seeking to address these issues with three national initiatives directed to all concerned Canadian Anglicans:

1.    LETTERS TO THE PRIMATE: I urge them to express their opinions in a personal and civil letter to our Primate and Pastor-in-Chief, the Most Rev. Fred Hiltz (primate@national.anglican.ca). In this I am following the initiative of others who have already written asking for an impartial enquiry into the Worley affair in order to clear the air and offer guarantees that traditional Anglican toleration of various theological viewpoints is not under threat. A copy of my own letter is attached.

2.    PETITION THE PRIMATE: Although a personal letter no doubt carries more weight, I urge those who would prefer simply to sign a Petition to follow this link in order to do so: https://anglicanmoment.wordpress.com  Indeed, even if you are sending or have sent a letter, please sign the Petition as well if you are in general agreement. Each person signing should make his/her own submission.

3.    A LOVE OFFERING: Mr. Worley and his family have suffered unjustly at the hands of our Church and this Offering is intended to express concretely our concern and love as brothers and sisters in Christ. It is not related to any financial need they may or may not have. If you would like to contribute, simply follow the link on the Petition website.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. (Eph. 6:13, NKJV)

My sisters and brothers, it is surely time to stand up and be counted. Let us not do so in anger but in simple solidarity with our brother and in hope that our Church will treat all of its members with dignity and respect.

IMPORTANT: HELP WANTED! 

I WOULD ASK THOSE WHO ARE IN SYMPATHETIC RECEIPT OF THIS EMAIL TO PLEASE FORWARD IT ON TO ALL THOSE ANGLICANS ON THEIR OWN EMAIL LIST WHO MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN JOINING US IN SUPPORTING MR. WORLEY IN ANY OR ALL OF THESE WAYS. I BELIEVE THE VERY FUTURE OF OUR CHURCH IS AT STAKE. 

THIS IS OUR MOMENT. 

MAKE IT COUNT.

Yours in solidarity and hope, 

The Rev. Canon George R. Eves (Ret’d)

Diocese of Fredericton