Archbishop of Rwanda May Offer 'Ecclesiastical Protection' to Canadian Dissidents
Episcopal News Service. July 1, 2002 [2002-169-5]
Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda is offering what he calls 'ecclesiastical protection' to those clergy and parishes in the Diocese of New Westminster in the Anglican Church of Canada who are opposing a June 15 decision to offer blessings for same-gender relationships.
Kolini extended 'the welcoming hand of Christian fellowship, shared concern, ready support and tangible assistance' in his letter to the parishes of the diocese based in British Columbia. 'We fully understand that this compromise of the Gospel constitutes a serious violation of your firmly based and deeply held religious convictions and conscience. Communion has been jeopardized by the schismatic acts of that Synod.' He noted that Archbishop of Canterbury George L. Carey had already labeled the action 'a departure from Anglican moral tradition' one that contradicts a resolution passed at the 1998 Lambeth Conference of the world's Anglican bishops advising against such a move.
Kolini said that he deeply regretted 'the threats toward you and numerous others concerning you clerical licenses' and announced his willingness 'to share with others the possibility of ecclesiastical protection.' Bishop Michael Ingham of New Westminster wrote to a dozen clergy who walked out of the synod meeting, asking if they wished to remain in the diocese 'under my jurisdiction and authority as your diocesan bishop.' He appealed to them to remain in the diocese 'and continue to exercise your ministry among us' but some of the dissidents interpreted the letter as a threat.
Ingham said that Kolini's offer was 'meaningless' since the archbishop has no jurisdiction in Canada. 'He has never been in contact with me or tried to ascertain the facts of the situation,' he said, suggesting that Kolini 'is clearly being manipulated by this dissident group which is feeding him partial information.'