December 4, 2002

Bishop Michael Ingham of the Vancouver-based Diocese of New Westminster (Canada) has agreed to delay implementation of a rite for blessing same-sex relationships to honor a mediation process with eight parishes that are withholding funds in protest and asking for a "flying bishop" as an alternative to Ingham's oversight.

At an October meeting, the House of Bishops in the Anglican Church of Canada urged Ingham to seek reconciliation with the clergy who walked out of the June diocesan synod meeting where the rites were authorized and delay action until the church's General Synod meets next May.

Ingham told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) that he is not backing away from his decision while agreeing to meet with those in opposition. "Hopefully they can see there is nothing to fear in this as we move forward," he said. "I've invited them to meet with me and others in the diocese and I hope when we get there we can resolve this as well as we can."

In an interview with the CBC, Ingham compared the international controversy over the blessing issue with the one provoked over the ordination of women to the priesthood. He said that the "Anglican Communion worldwide is showing the same diversity of reaction that we're finding locally."

A special diocesan synod will convene on January 18 to deal with the financial situation. The eight dissenting parishes contribute about $330,000 a year or 19 percent of the diocesan budget. "Financial prudence speaks to the need of a review of diocesan finances," said treasurer Jim Stewart.

Episcopal News Service