Letter to the editor: From the heart

Notes: "I am compelled to write regarding Mr. James Cowan's letter to the editor ('Let my people worship', Oct. 2011, p. 4). It is an integral part of our life as people of faith that we speak the truth from a place of humility. I am a deacon in the diocese of New Westminster. Bishop Michael [Ingham] is my bishop and I speak from the heart. Bishop Michael did not persecute anyone. The leadership of the four dissenting congregations launched the legal actions. Several thousand Anglicans were not thrown out of their church buildings. Rather, several hundred chose to leave the Anglican Church of Canada. Thousands chose to stay. Time and time again, the bishop and his staff offered dialogue and exploration as alternatives to legal manoeuvres. ... All offers were rebuffed. .... Please know, if you are a past or present member of any of the dissenting congregations, you are welcome in any of the parishes in the diocese. You are welcome to worship freely. We'd love to to welcome you home. We have much to share and learn from each other as we all move towards being the people God knows each of us can be".

Subjects: Anglican Church of Canada. Diocese of New Westminster; Anglican Church of Canada. Diocese of New Westminster - Trials, litigation, etc; Homosexuality - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Same sex unions - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Anglican Church of Canada - Parties and movements; Conflict management - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada; Ingham, Michael (Michael Colin), 1949-; Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC)