Category Archives: Diocese of Algoma

Diocese of Algoma will perform same-sex marriages

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With all the excitement about contagion and racism, it almost seemed as if the Anglican church had forgotten that which is most dear to it: sex.

Fear not, the obsession still lives! Archbishop Anne Germond has announced that the Diocese of Algoma will start conducting same-sex marriages.

Things are finally returning to normal.

From here:

I have weighed the matter of same sex marriage in the church carefully and prayerfully, only too aware of the heavy burden that lies on me as the time arrives to make a decision for the Diocese of Algoma. I believe that the decision I have made is the result of my prayerful and attentive listening to Algoma’s corporate discernment over many years and reflects the position and desire of the majority of people in this diocese. I am,therefore,granting permission for duly qualified same sex couples who are part of ecclesial communities and who intend to live in faithful and committed relationships to celebrate the sacrament of marriage in our diocese.

Here is an updated list of dioceses that will marry same-sex couples:
Diocese of Saskatoon
Diocese of Algoma
Diocese of Ontario
Diocese of Central Newfoundland
Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador
Diocese of Western Newfoundland
Diocese of New Westminster
Diocese of Toronto
Diocese of Niagara
Diocese of Montreal
Diocese of Ottawa
Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island
Diocese of Rupert’s Land
Diocese of Kootenay
Diocese of Edmonton
Diocese of B.C.
Diocese of Huron

Pastoral statements from the Dioceses of Central Newfoundland and Algoma

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Mainline churches used to fear the Charismatic movement because of what they considered overly emotional displays seen during worship. Just as the liberal church has stolen much of the language of successful conservative churches – as if success is somehow embodied in the language – so, finally, liberals have appropriated Charismatic emotionalism. Except the emotions are throbbing waves of shock, pain, deep hurt, sobbing, anger, frustration, confusion and fear as you can read in the following pastoral statements. Along with enough hand-wringing, cloying, obsequious, grovelling apologies to be the envy of Uriah Heep.

Central Newfoundland’s  complete statement is here:

And Algoma’s complete statement is here:

Neither diocese has decided to proceed with same-sex marriage yet but, from these statements, it seem likely that they will. Among the many absurdities in the statements we find the inevitable “walking together”. Just as it is physically and spiritually impossible for two people of the same sex to marry, so it is physically impossible for two people to “walk together” when they are going in different directions.

Perhaps the bishops are relying on quantum entanglement to remain connected with each other as they drift further into the abyss.

Diocese of Algoma approves closing 16 churches

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That’s 16 churches out of total of 35, or 45%.

I think it’s fair to conclude that an organisation that closes 45% of its outlets is tottering on the brink of extinction.

Any business in this position would do the decent thing, declare bankruptcy and try something different. Not so in the Anglican Church of Canada: even though it uses business euphemisms – churches are rationalised rather than closed – its mouldering corpse continues to be propped up by bequests from dead Anglicans and the sale of buildings belonging to ejected congregations.

This excerpt is a rather sad testimony to the inevitable consequence of clergy promoting a parochial culture of loyalty to a denomination and building rather than to God:

According to a clergyperson within the deanery, who requested anonymity, the problem is exacerbated by an unwillingness among some parishioners to drive to a different congregation if their church is closed.

From here:

The Muskoka region in the diocese of Algoma is famous for its idyllic lakes, rocky shorelines, and—in Anglican circles—its rich history of missionary activity by the Society of St. John the Evangelist (SSJE).

But following years of declining membership and ongoing disagreement among its clergy about how best to adjust to shifting patterns of religious affiliation and church attendance, the bishop and the diocesan executive committee have approved a set of recommendations for reorganization that, if adopted, will lead to the shuttering of 16 of the deanery’s 35 churches.

[…..]

Andrews said he did not believe the financial situation in Muskoka to be significantly different from that faced in other parts of the church, and stressed that the reorganization is more about ensuring that full-time ministry be maintained in as many places as possible.