by Jonn Lavinnder
The world is becoming more and more polarized, and the result has been international terrorism. Likewise, the church has become more polarized: the result has been a widening division between "conservatives" and "liberals" over the same-sex blessing. Some Anglican and Episcopal churches in the US and Canada have broken away and have made a new alliance with the "Southern Cone." Here is the Kootenay Diocese we have been relatively unaffected by these momentous changes. However, we may have friends whose churches have been embroiled in legal proceedings over property due to their church splitting from The Anglican Church of Canada.
Last year, both Peter Davison and Bishop John wrote articles in The HighWay reflecting on the current situation in the church. In their articles they described apparent rifts, as well as hope for restoration. This month, Peter Davison tackles the definitions of such words as "liberal" and "conservative," so we understand that they do not mean the same as in politics. Bishop John, on the other hand, in his column, is preparing us for upcoming AGMs.
With regard to what camp one might belong, either "conservative" or "liberal," I have often felt that too much "inclusiveness" makes the liberal position weak, in as much as it gives its opponents the right to exist. This is like allowing communists to participate in free elections: if they got into power there would only be one party. Bishop John early this year made his position clear regarding parishes joining breakaway factions; and like a good parent gave strong guidance. This has probably been the reason why the Diocese of Kootenay has come away unscathed.
I can accept that congregations have the right to follow their conscience, but not necessarily agree with their conclusions or methods. When people, even Anglicans, are pushed too far, they say, "enough!" But it depends on what side of the via media one stands, as to what action one takes.
This edition of The HighWay also includes a day-by-day account of the Mission to Mexico. Members of the Diocese helped destitute families in the Baja region of Mexico to build homes, and gained more from their experiences than what they gave in time, skills, dedication and materials.
Like the villages in Baja, the parishes in the valleys here, nestled between the mountains of "Beautiful British Columbia," are relatively protected from the outside world. But as Randall Fairey encourages us to do in his monthly CoGS column: get out there and become more aware of the wider world of Anglicanism.
