Discussions

The Anglican church was founded over 300 years ago by King Henry VIII after the then Pope Clement VII criticized him over his practice of taking his vow, “Until death do us part” to a premature conclusion.  
 
Membership in the Church has declined slowly over the centuries, but not as much as the devastating numbers of recent years when the congregation has divided over the blessing of ceremonies for Gay couples.  
 
Over seventy individuals alone have severed their ties with the Brandon Anglican churches, to protest these ceremonies, and meet regularly on rented premises around town. This has left the future of the church buildings in jeopardy.  
 
In a court case held in Ontario over the ownership of three churches  
Judge Jane Milanetti of the Ontario Superior Court wrote in her decision that, “there will be joint possession and administration of the three church properties.” She ordered that one representative of the congregation and one diocesan administrator would manage each of the churches St. George in Lowville, St. Hilda in Oakville, and Good Shepherd in St. Catherine’s, all in southern Ontario.  
 
In addition, she said, any disputes will be settled by arbitration, and the diocese will have access to each church on Sundays between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. and on other feast days. It will also have access for weddings and funerals. The two parties will apportion expenses “based on the use of each parish property by each party,” wrote Judge Milarietti.  
 
It might be too late in Brandon to save two churches and a Cathedral, if the dissident group was to divide into three, a sort of trinity, there would not be enough worshipers for three different services. The only hope for the buildings is for this group to find it in their souls to return to Gods way. They should remember that God’s commandments were not voted on at Mt. Sinai. God’s rules for Christian living are not based on the opinion of the majority. His command to “live in harmony with one another” has the same divine authority. It is not a suggestion that can be ignored.  
 
The bible contains several other, “One another” commandments for Christian daily living. These include: “encouraging, admonishing, and accepting one another.”  
 
The Brandon dissidents should consider the commandment, “live in Harmony with one another,” and realize that we are all different, whether in age, skin colour, financial status, the work we do, or our sexual preference, we are all called into a special relationship with God, and with one another. The church has a vertical relationship with God and the Savoir, and a horizontal relationship with people who are different, the folks we know, and do not yet know.  
 
It must experience and demonstrate Christ’s desire for harmony.  
Jesus promised to build, as it is written in Mathew 16, “I will build my church.” Jesus cares deeply what happens to His church, and how His church members relate to one and other.  
 
Source: The Anglican Journal. June 2008.