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Dear friends in Christ,
Please pray for healing for my mother Lorna Hird, a faithful Prayer-Book Anglican and Christian, who is having open-heart surgery to repair or replace her mitro valve this Monday morning 9am (Pacific Standard Time) at Royal Columbian Hospital with one of the world's top heart surgeons. My father Ted had a successful anglioplasty at RCH around ten years ago.
Thanks so much, Ed Hird+ http://www3.telus.net/st_simons/
p.s. If you would like to read about my remarkable mother, feel free to check out the following articles: Happy Mother's Day http://www3.telus.net/st_simons/cr8905.htm Thanks Mom http://www3.telus.net/st_simons/cr9305.htm Mothers are Irreplaceable http://www3.telus.net/st_simons/cr9405.htm You've Been Like A Mother To Me http://www3.telus.net/st_simons/cr0105.htm Thank God for Loving Mothers http://www3.telus.net/st_simons/cr0305.htm Leaving and Cleaving http://www3.telus.net/st_simons/cr0405.html
p.s. I was phoned by Robert Zimmerman of CBC Radio (equivalent to NPR in the USA) a few days ago to asked if I had been defrocked. When I explained to him that in fact all Anglican Communion in Canada clergy had been transferred to the Episcopal Province of Rwanda with Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini before they could be defrocked, I didn't hear any further from CBC Radio. Our ex-bishop's actions remind me of his pre-Christmas follies last year (2003) when he unsuccessfully tried to exterminate Holy Cross Anglican Church in Abbotsford in time for Jesus' birthday. Rev. James Wagner, by the way, is still leading Holy Cross Church one Christmas later.
While the 11 ACiC Churches are covered by five international Anglican Primates (Congo, Central Africa, Kenya, Rwanda, & South East Asia), it is necessary to be canonically resident in one of those 5 Provinces. All ACiC and AMiA clergy are canonically resident in Rwanda, being directly licensed by our courageous Rwandan Anglican Primate, Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini. Our ex-bishop is pretending, of course, that the ACiC clergy have abandoned and relinquished their ministry, rather than having been transferred to another provincial jurisdiction within the international Anglican Communion. By the way, I will be celebrating 25 years of Anglican ordained ministry this May 18th 2005. I will have been ordained for exactly half of my life on earth!
1a) http://www.virtueonline.org/portal/modules/news/article.php?storyid=1786 (Dec 12th 2004, Sunday, VirtueOnline, David Virtue) http://www.samesexblessing.info/Default.aspx?tabid=160 (Diocese of New Westminster) Dissenting parishes invited to "come back to the table" Bishop Michael Ingham has invited dissenting parishes in the Diocese of New Westminster to "come back to the table" to find out whether reconciliation is possible(...)
The rectors of three other congregations that also walked out in June of 2002 decided last spring to leave the Anglican Church of Canada and the diocese. On November 30, Bishop Ingham gave formal notice that he accepted their decision, but said the parishes (and properties associated with them) remain in the dioceses.
1b) Diocese of New Westminster Anglican Church of Canada The Right Reverend Michael Ingham, Bishop #580- 401 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC V6B 5A1 Telephone: 604-684-6306
The Reverend Ed Hird 1712 Cascade Court North Vancouver, BC V7G 2H6
November 30th 2004
Dear Ed:
Re: Affirmation of Abandonment of Ministry
Through the Chancellor and your legal counsel, Mr. Robert Kuhn, you were given notice of presumption of Abandonment of Ministry on or about September 17th 2004.
You have chosen not to respond to that Notice, either directly or through your counsel. Through your counsel, you were advised that any response under General Synod Canon XIX(2)(b) was required no later than November 16th, 2004. It is with regret that I must now exercise my right, pursuant to Canon XIX(2)(d) to affirm your abandonment of the exercise of ordained ministry in the Anglican Church of Canada. By this letter and Notice to you, I do confirm my affirmation of your abandonment of such Ministry.
In accordance with Canon XIX(2)(e) this affirmation removes you from the right to exercise the office of Priest in the Anglican Church of Canada, including the spiritual authority as a Minister of Word and Sacraments conferred in your ordination. Effective this date, the license which you hold to exercise such Ministry in the Anglican Church of Canada is null and void.
I am enclosing for your information a copy of the Notice which I am sending to all Metropolitans and Diocesan Bishops of the Anglican Church of Canada in accordance with Canon XIX(2)(f).
I am enclosing for your information a copy of Canon XIX(2)(g) and (h) which sets out your rights of reapplication and/or appeal should you choose to exercise either such right.
I regret that these actions must be taken, though I have been left with no alternative in view of the matters described in the Notice of Presumption of Abandonment of Ministry to which you failed to respond.
Yours sincerely,
+Michael Ingham The Right Reverend Michael C. Ingham Bishop
1c) Attached: To All Archbishops and Bishops (Active) Of The Anglican Church of Canada
Canon XIX - Scheduled Notice of Abandonment of the Exercise of the Ministry
This is a notice that EDWARD ALLEN HIRD having been admitted to the office of priest, in the Anglican Church of Canada, has abandoned the exercise of that ministry according to the terms of Canon XIX of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada.
+Michael Ingham Bishop of New Westminster Date: November 30th 2004
Note from Ed+: this same "relinquishment/abandonment" notice has been sent to three other Rwandan Anglican priests: The Rev Silas Ng, Rector of Richmond Emmanuel Church www.emmanuelvoice.org ; The Rev Paul Carter, Rector of Immanuel Church Westside http://www.immanuelwestside.com/ and St. Timothy's Church North Shore http://www.st-timothy.com/ ; and The Rev. Barclay Mayo, Rector of Church of the Redeemer, Sunshine Coast http://www.redeemerpender.ca/ .
1d) Anglican Mission In America The Rt. Rev. Thomas W. Johnston 6711 West Markham, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 501-614-6061 FAX 501-614-6062 tj@saintandrews-lr.org www.anglicanmissioninamerica.org/
The Most Reverend Dirokpa Fidele Archbishop of the Province of Congo
The Most Reverend Bernard Malango Archbishop of the Province of Central Africa
The Most Reverend Emmanuel Kolini Archbishop of the Province of Rwanda
The Most Reverend Datuk Yong Ping Chung Archbishop of the Province of South East Asia
The Most Reverend Benjamin Nzimbi Archbishop of the Province of Kenya
April 26th, 2004 (7 ½ months ago)
The Rev. Ed Hird St. Simon's Anglican Church 1712 Cascade Court North Vancouver, BC V7G 2H6
Re: Formal Acceptance as Presbyter
Dear Ed,
The purpose of this letter is to acknowledge the earlier receipt of your formal request for "Temporary Adequate Episcopal Oversight". Under the authority of the above named Primates of the Anglican Communion, I am authorized to offer you "temporary adequate episcopal oversight" during this time of crisis of faith and leadership within the Anglican Church of Canada.
Pursuant to the authority given to me by the Province of the Episcopal Church of Rwanda, I do hereby gladly accept you as a Presbyter in good standing in that Province, fully authorized to exercise your gifts and spiritual authority as a minister of God's Word and sacraments within the Anglican Communion effective February 10th, 2004.
It will be a joy to work with you in the ministry of the Gospel of our Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ, in the days and years ahead.
In His Name,
+Thomas Johnston The Rt. Rev. Thomas W. Johnston, Jr. Missionary Bishop The Province of the Episcopal Church of Rwanda
cc. The Most Rev. Emmanuel Kolini, The Most Rev. Dirokpa Fidele, The Most Rev. Bernard Malango, The Most Rev. Benjamin Nzimbi, The Most Rev. Datuk Yong Ping Chung, The Rev. Canon Dr. Tim Smith, The Rev. Dan Claire
1e) http://www.acicanada.ca/documents/Offer%20from%20the%20Primates.pdf An Offer of Temporary Adequate Episcopal Oversight (January 2004: 11 months ago)
WHEREAS, a crisis of faith and leadership has been created in the Diocese of New Westminster by the passing of a motion to bless same-sex unions, and the actual performance of the same in a church with the authorization of Bishop Michael Ingham(...)
BE IT RESOLVED, that the undersigned Primates of the Provinces of Congo, Central Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, and South East Asia hereby jointly offer temporary adequate episcopal oversight to the clergy and congregations of New Westminster, and to other Canadian clergy and congregations who seek such covering(...) Signed by the Five Primates
The Most Rev. Emmanuel Kolini, The Most Rev. Dirokpa Fidele, The Most Rev. Bernard Malango, The Most Rev. Benjamin Nzimbi, The Most Rev. Datuk Yong Ping Chung
1f) http://www.samesexblessing.info/Default.aspx?tabid=159 (News from the Diocese of New Westminster 'Topic' website) December 01, 2004 Priests considered to have abandoned ministry
After receiving no word from four priests who last spring said they had left the Anglican Church of Canada, Bishop Michael Ingham has now informed them that he considers they have abandoned their ministry within the Canadian church.
Formal notices to this effect were sent out November 30 to the Revs. Paul Carter, Ed Hird, Barclay Mayo, and Silas Ng. Bishop Ingham noted his regret in having to take this step. The four priests sent letters in late March or early April each informing the bishop that they "have left the Anglican Church of Canada."(...)
In his notice, Bishop Ingham also provided each priest with a copy of the Canon that sets out the priests' rights of reapplication and appeal, should they wish to return to the Anglican Church of Canada. Hird has been the rector of St. Simon's, North Vancouver, Mayo of St. Andrew's, Pender Harbour, and Ng of Emmanuel Church, Richmond. Carter has been a priest on leave.
Cadman said that while the bishop has affirmed that the priests have left the Church, the parishes which they served remain part of the Diocese of New Westminster, along with any properties associated with the parishes.
1g) http://www.anglican-mainstream.net/news166.asp Bishop Attempts to Evict Orthodox Congregations 26th June 2004 (5 ½ months ago) (...) All three churches remain Anglican congregations as members of the newly constituted Anglican Communion in Canada (ACiC), a missionary body formed under the gracious sponsorship and legitimate Anglican authority of the Archbishops of Rwanda, SE Asia, Congo, Kenya and Central Africa in response to the present crisis of faith in the Anglican Church of Canada. These congregations, along with three other British Columbia congregations, presently continue their worship and community work under the temporary adequate episcopal oversight of the Rt. Rev. Thomas Johnston, an Anglican Mission in America Bishop. The ACiC is providing a place of spiritual integrity and safety from which congregations persecuted and threatened by their Diocesan government can continue authentic Anglican ministry, and a platform from which new churches, faithful to the true Anglican tradition, can be planted.
For further information please contact: the Rev Ed Hird+, ACiC Acting Media Contact Person, ed_hird@telus.net 604-929-5350 http://www.acicanada.ca/ the Rev, Barclay Mayo, ACiC Acting Coordinator, Mission Strategy at 604-883-1371
2) http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/issues03/103203/news/103203nn3.html December 9th 2003 (One Year Later) Abbotsford priest first Anglican to be fired
By Lisa Jorgensen - LJorgensen@abbotsfordtimes.com
The Anglican Church of the Holy Cross in Abbotsford no longer has a priest.
Rev. James Wagner found out via a letter from the Diocese of New Westminster's executive archdeacon dated Oct. 17 that his "position as priest in charge of the mission will conclude effective" Oct. 15.
The news stems from the ongoing issue in the Anglican church community that is threatening to cause a worldwide split. At issue is Diocese of New Westminster Bishop Michael Ingham's decision to bless same-sex unions and his interpretation of scripture(...)
Wagner is now believed to be the first priest to find himself out of a job as a result of the ongoing "crisis."
In the letter, Wagner was told that he will receive two-week severance pay and has been placed "on leave with permission to officiate."
"It puts me in a quandary because I'm not sure what that entitles me to do or not to do. Being put on leave looks very much like I don't have a job any more, at least a remunerated job," Wagner told the National Post Wednesday. "I'm between a rock and a hard place."
Wagner, a father of three, also received another letter earlier.
"That letter requested my statement of loyalty to the bishop and that I needed to do that satisfactorily and unambiguously," Wagner said. "It said that if I didn't do that, I could be placed on leave without permission to officiate by Oct. 15."
Church of Holy Cross assistant warden Bill Glasgow said he is uncertain what will happen now.
"We'll carry on but there's not a clear road laid out before us in terms of what to do next. There are a number of events taking place on an international level that will have a direct impact on who we are."
Glasgow is speaking of the Anglican leaders summit in London and their statement that Ingham's decision to sanction same-sex unions had caused "profound pain and uncertainty" and that "these actions threaten the unity of our own communion." The leaders also gave their endorsement for the alternative oversight they have been seeking(...) With files from the National Post
2b) http://www.washtimes.com/national/20031230-112841-1942r.htm Anglican bishop shuts down church By Julia Duin, December 31st 2003 (One Year Later) THE WASHINGTON TIMES
VANCOUVER, B.C. - The local Anglican bishop, four days before Christmas, closed a small church 40 miles east of here over its opposition to the church's approval of homosexual "marriages." By the next day, the closing of Holy Cross was one of the top-rated news stories in Canada and the church's pastor, the Rev. James Wagner, spent the entire day on radio and television. "Anglican parish excommunicated," one TV station blared. Nine other churches in the diocese have protested the bishop's blessing of homosexual unions, but Holy Cross was the only one that the bishop ordered closed. On Christmas, Mr. Wagner defiantly held services in his home for 22 church members.(...)
3) Subject: Letter to the editor re: "Ruling split Canadian Church Leaders" Date: Fri, 10 Dec 2004 09:09:10 -0800 From: Chris or Patricia Young <youngcjpl@shaw.ca> To: sunletters@png.canwest.com (Vancouver Sun Newspaper)
Dear Sir,
After reading Douglas Todd's report on "Ruling Splits Canadian Church Leaders" in today's Vancouver Sun, the decision my family and I have made to leave the Diocese of New Westminster and the Anglican Church of Canada has been reaffirmed. I cannot believe how any Anglican, clergy or otherwise, who remains in this Diocese and who believes in the authority of Holy Scripture can continue to remain under the authority of Bishop Michael Ingham. He not only agrees with the 'blessing of same-sex unions" but as stated in this article, is disappointed that the Supreme Court of Canada has upheld the right to allow clergy the right to refuse to perform homosexual marriages. He believes that clergy who refuse such blessings are discriminating against homosexual people.
My faith has a solid foundation in Holy Scripture and the God my family and I worship, loves each one of us, no matter what, and through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ, we are all able to ask for forgiveness and obtain everlasting life. However, God, through the authority of the scriptures also provides a set of rules that we are expected to live by and these are not subject to compromise. I am not willing to allow changing "social trends" to dictate my faith.
Yours truly,
Patricia Young (Mrs)
4a) http://gs2004.classicalanglican.com/modules/news/ http://westernstandard.blogs.com/shotgun/2004/12/several_centuri.html Thursday, December 09, 2004 Several centuries ago Yes, way back in the days of Ye Auld Marriage, several centuries ago... Shakespeare, King Arthur and dragons all that. Still haven't aborbed the full impact of today's ruling, but I'm still laughing about the phrase "several centuries ago" used by the Supreme Court in its decision on same-sex marriage. From that decision quoted in this CP story: Several centuries ago, it would have been understood that marriage be available only to opposite-sex couples. The recognition of same-sex marriage in several Canadian jurisdictions as well as two European countries belies the assertion that the same is true today." - Supreme Court of Canada Did they consult a junior high school debater to come up with that line? Did they actually say that? That's hilarious. Okay, who is going to own up to writing something that stupid? Um, the debate is going on today and it started what, a decade ago? and only two other jurisdictions in the world have permitted same-sex marriage. But hey, c'mon, get with the times. Groovy. Such a foolish and obvious attempt to cast the preservationists of the institution as so out of date and old-fashioned, living in the medieval era almost, doesn't really do the cause much good.
4b) http://www.beliefnet.com/story/145/story_14545_1.html Loose Canon, by Charlotte Hays No Good Will Come of This December 10, 2004 | 2:15 p.m.
It's unavoidable--we have to talk about Canada today. The Supreme Court of our neighbor to the north has, as you know by now, attempted to redefine one of the bedrock institutions of society in favor of the notion that members of the same sex can marry one another. The Supreme Court generously ruled that religious officials will not be forced to perform marriages they regard as shams.
The Court noted:
"Several centuries ago, it would have been understood that marriage be available only to opposite-sex couples.
"The recognition of same-sex marriage in several Canadian jurisdictions as well as two European countries belies the assertion that the same is true today."
One shudders to think what marriage will be several centuries hence--except that I predict that gay marriage will bomb once the initial enthusiasm for forcing it on society fades.
Meek Christian Response: Anglican Bishop Colin Johnson of Toronto issued a statement that could hardly be construed as fighting words. While upholding the idea that for Anglicans marriage is "not only a contract but, more important, a sacramental covenant," the bishop said that the new ruling "clarifies the federal government's right to redefine marriage to include marriages between same-sex couples. ...Our civil laws should accurately reflect current societal values."
Question for the Right Reverend: Isn't "current societal value" very close to the definition of a trend?
My guess is that proponents of same-sex "marriages" won't be nearly as meek and mild as the Bishop of Toronto. Canadian Justice Minister Irwin Cotler seemed to be dodging questions on how religious leaders who refuse to perform same-sex ceremonies will be protected. A Conservative MP, Rob Moore, said "across the country, marriage commissioners are being told to resign if they cannot perform ceremonies that conflict with their religious beliefs."
The court's gay "marriage" ruling is just another case of judicial overstepping. It is worth recalling that in 1999 the House of Commons voted 216-55 to preserve the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman.
4c) http://www.canada.com/national/nationalpost/news/story.html?id=307026b2-74f6-4c21-a42f-337322fb5235 (National Post) http://www.mytelus.com/news/article.do?pageID=news_home&articleID=1791962
news home Sunday, Dec 12, 2004 Prime Minister Martin cool to idea of national referendum on gay marriage
MONTREAL (CP) - Prime Minister Paul Martin was cool Sunday to the idea of a national referendum on same-sex marriage and said handling the controversial issue should be left to Parliament.
"I think that this is an issue that Parliamentarians ought to decide," Martin said before addressing a brunch in his Montreal-area riding. "The courts have now given their direction. I think it's one for Parliament and I think that Parliament ought to accept their responsibility."
Alberta Premier Ralph Klein has said he wants a national referendum on gay marriage but his proposal has already been dismissed by Justice Minister Irwin Cotler.
"He's trying to do an end run around the Charter of Rights and Freedoms," Cotler said of Klein's position. "And it's not going to work.
Federal Conservative Leader Stephen Harper has also rejected calls for a referendum on the issue.
The Supreme Court of Canada said Thursday that Ottawa has sole authority to redefine marriage to include same-sex couples but that churches can't be forced to perform weddings against their beliefs.
Martin has promised the government will table legislation on gay marriage soon.
Sail the seas for low prices. Cruise Now. Pay Later.
The prime minister did not seem worried Sunday about suggestions of a possible split in the cabinet over the issue.
"I would doubt this. I would think this is a difficult issue for a number of people. It is going to be a free vote for members of Parliament. Cabinet will be voting with the government."
Klein said Sunday his government wouldn't formulate a concrete response to the court ruling on marriage until later this week.
"We will have a good discussion on what political action to take on Tuesday," Klein said following a Hanukkah ceremony at the Alberta legislature.
"A lot of things will be put on the table - all political - because our justice minister has already said that our legal recourse is limited."
Klein wouldn't specify what form that action might take, but suggested letter writing campaigns to federal politicians as an example.
Pat O'Brien, a Liberal MP from London, Ont., who opposes same-sex marriage, called on Martin to allow a free vote for cabinet ministers as well as backbenchers.
"This is a once in a lifetime, once in a career type issue," O'Brien said Sunday on CTV's Question Period. "I think these ministers should be free to vote their conscience."
O'Brien claimed - without naming names - that one minister has told him privately he would quit cabinet if he has to toe the party line.
O'Brien also suggested Klein's call for a referendum deserves a look.
"'We are talking about the most fundamental institution in our society . . . There ought to be serious consideration of going directly to the Canadian people and asking for their input."(...)
4d) PM rejects same-sex referendum http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20041213.wxsamesex1213/BNStory/National/ BREAKING NEWS NATIONAL UPDATED AT 2:13 AM EST Monday, Dec 13, 2004 Ottawa - The proposal for a national referendum on same-sex marriage hit a wall of opposition yesterday as Prime Minister Paul Martin and the three other federal party leaders dismissed the idea, even as confidential Liberal vote counts indicate the bill to legalize gay unions will pass the House of Commons.
The unanimous opposition from federal party leaders effectively killed the referendum proposal in its infancy, blocking a faint-hope gambit by those opposed to extending marriage rights to gays and lesbians.
The move comes as sources said that internal Liberal Party vote counts indicate that the bill to legalize same-sex marriage will pass through the Commons by 25 votes or more, and that opponents could not muster more than 141 or 142 members of the 308-seat Commons(...)
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, whose caucus includes some MPs who favour a referendum, has opposed the idea - and sharply swatted back Mr. Klein's proposal yesterday.
"We haven't been demanding a referendum," he said.
"The only thing maybe I could add is I gather Premier Klein has suggested a plebiscite or referendum. If Premier Klein is committed to that, he can always do that in the province of Alberta."
The idea met even stronger opposition from Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe and NDP Leader Jack Layton. Both argued it is wrong to subject minority rights to a majority vote in a referendum.
"We are speaking of rights. These must not be submitted to referenda," Mr. Duceppe said. "A society has to be excessively vigilant of the rights of its minorities."
Mr. Layton said most Canadians would vote for same-sex marriage.
Mr. O'Brien, who has emerged as the chief spokesman for opponents of same-sex marriage within the Liberal caucus, said that he will ask other Liberal MPs to consider the idea. "Is changing the definition of the most fundamental institution in our society a time when one might consider such a direct vote by Canadians?" he asked. "I think a case can be made that it is of that magnitude."(...)
Mr. O'Brien said he knows at least one cabinet minister who has told him that he or she would quit before agreeing to vote for same-sex marriage, and that others are very uncomfortable with the prospect.
"I would doubt this," Mr. Martin said yesterday when told of Mr. O'Brien's statements(...)
4e) http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=0fd4ce2f-00b7-4c8a-ae22-6fe930a36512 Vancouver Sun, Dec 13th Monday 2004 (Subscription required) Martin dismisses demands for same-sex referendum OTTAWA - Prime Minister Paul Martin has brushed aside intensifying demands from both Liberals and Conservatives for a national referendum on same-sex marriage, saying the question must be decided by the House of Commons.
4f) Klein pushes for same-sex plebiscite http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20041211/SAMESEX11/TPNational By BRIAN LAGHI OTTAWA BUREAU CHIEF; With a report from Katherine Harding in Edmonton Saturday, December 11, 2004 - Page A1
Alberta Premier Ralph Klein placed his considerable political weight in opposition to same-sex marriage yesterday as part of a renewed push that includes a call for a national referendum on the issue(...)
Mr. Klein's remarks could prove to be another headache for Conservative Leader Stephen Harper, who is facing division within his caucus on the matter(...)
Sources said individuals who support the referendum idea include Saskatchewan's David Anderson and Maurice Vellacott, and British Columbia's Russ Hiebert. None of the three could be reached for comment yesterday(...)
Mr. Harper is also reticent about advocating the use of the Constitution's notwithstanding clause to get around lower court decisions that have allowed for gay marriage in several provinces.
"Politically, we are aware of the sensitivities of using that," the source said.
At most, a handful of Tories plan to vote for the legislation that the Liberals intend to introduce in the new year. They include MPs James Moore, Bev Oda and Belinda Stronach(...)
MP John McKay, who is against gay marriage, said the issue has become divisive, with opponents being made to feel like bigots(...)
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