Rwandan Archbishop Offers Encouragement, Not Oversight, to Canadian Dissidents
Episcopal News Service. July 11, 2002 [2002-177-3]
Archbishop Emmanuel Kolini of Rwanda has written to the parishes and clergy in the Canadian Diocese of New Westminster offering his encouragement in their opposition to a decision to bless same-gender relationships but backing away from his previous offer of 'ecclesiastical protection.'
In his June 27 message, Kolini extended 'the welcoming hand of Christian fellowship, shared concern, ready support and tangible assistance' to the eight parishes that walked out of the June 15 diocesan synod after the vote in favor of blessings. At the time, New Westminster's bishop, Michael Ingham, said that Kolini's offer of protection was 'meaningless' since he had no jurisdiction in Canada. Now Kolini says that his offer was meant as 'a word of encouragement, not as an offer of episcopal oversight.'
Kolini did say that he would continue to 'look into the matter' and discuss with other Anglican primates 'any counsel we can give.'
The Rev. Ed Hird, one of the clergy who walked out of the diocesan synod, said that the archbishop wanted to clarify his offer of the possibility of ecclesiastical protection, a responsibility he would share with other. 'He doesn't want to act alone, and we understand that,' said Hird, who helped dissidents form what is called the Anglican Communion in New Westminster.