HAMILTON -- The Anglican Diocese of Niagara for the first time has been denied access to two of its local churches - albeit temporarily - after a growing divide crept into an Ontario courtroom yesterday.
An Ontario Superior Court judge rejected a bid by the diocese to hold two separate services this Sunday and next at St. George's Anglican Church in Lowville, Ont., and St. Hilda's Anglican Church in Oakville, Ont., until the courts decide who owns the properties.
Yesterday's ruling that effectively gives the congregations exclusive use of their church facilities will be in place until the parishes and diocese return to court later this month for a hearing on a longer-term arrangement for Sunday services. The bigger legal issue of who owns the properties will likely take some time to be sorted out.
The two congregations are among a growing number of parishes across the country that have voted to break ranks with the Anglican Church of Canada in a dispute over theological issues that include the blessing of same-sex unions, which they oppose. So far, 15 parishes have left the national church and sought to place themselves under the authority of a conservative South American archbishop, a move that could lead to more legal battles over church buildings, which some congregations want to retain.
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But the diocese says that between 25 and 40 parishioners at St. George's, for instance, do not want to split with the Anglican Church of Canada.
"What I feel most disappointed about and most sorry for are the faithful parishioners of St. George's and St. Hilda's who are not going to be able to worship in an Anglican Church of Canada service this Sunday in the church where they should be in," Bishop Michael Bird told reporters outside the courtroom.
"In the case of St. George's, there's been an Anglican Church of Canada service for over 150 years, and it would seem that that's not going to be the case this Sunday and that's disappointing to us."
Reverend Charlie Masters, who voted with his parishioners at St. George's to break away from the Anglican Church of Canada and align themselves with a more conservative group, said he appreciates having exclusive use of the parish building for at least a couple more weeks.
"People will be very joyful," Mr. Masters, who has been the parish rector for 27 years, said outside the courtroom. "They will know that this a temporary thing, but they will be very grateful."
The two sides met earlier this week to try to stave off legal proceedings. While they were able to reach an understanding on a number of issues, they couldn't agree on who should have possession of the church properties.
The diocese says the buildings belong to the Anglican Church of Canada. But the Anglican Network in Canada, formed by conservative Anglicans who oppose a more liberal interpretation of doctrine, argues that its members remain Anglican and so have claim to the property.
In the meantime, the diocese plans to provide alternative services at sites near the two churches for parishioners who want to remain part of the Anglican Church of Canada.
