Absinthe & Cookies (a bit bitter, a bit sweet)

Bishop Orders Closing Of Church

"An Anglican bishop in British Columbia has ordered a church closed after it refused to support same-sex unions and declared itself independent, Canada's National Post newspaper said Tuesday.

Despite the decision by Bishop Michael Ingham to close the Holy Cross Church in Abbotsford, the Rev. James Wagner said his congregation would celebrate Mass on Christmas as planned.

"As far as the diocese is concerned, we do not exist. We are a non-entity," Wagner was quoted as saying, "but I will not abandon these people. I will continue to pastor and pray for them in the midst of this crisis."

He said Ingham's decision to close the church was a surprise because "it's so close to Christmas."

Ronald Harrison, executive archdeacon of the Diocese of New Westminster, was quoted as saying Holy Cross brought the closure upon itself by seeking episcopal oversight from another bishop. "

Posted by Ithildin at December 30, 2003 5:29 PM | PROCURE FINE OLD WORLD ABSINTHE