CANADA: CALEDONIA BISHOP TO FACE DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Conservative prelate licensed a priest outside his diocese

Solange De Santis, Anglican Journal

March 9, 2004

Bishop William Anderson of the northern British Columbia diocese of Caledonia is facing potential disciplinary action after licensing a conservative, former Episcopalian priest in the United States diocese of Wyoming.

“Bishop Anderson is acting improperly,” said Archbishop David Crawley… “The canons of our church state that a bishop is not allowed to interfere in another diocese.”

On Jan. 18, Rev. Hume “Skip” Reeves… started a congregation in Cheyenne — St. Peter the Apostle and Confessor, a parish of the diocese of Caledonia. “Bishop Anderson… has in fact licensed (Mr.) Reeves and is assuming oversight of the congregation. This action is clearly in violation of church order.” — Bishop Bruce Caldwell, Wyoming

Bishop Anderson said Mr. Reeves left the Episcopal Church because he disagreed with Bishop Caldwell’s approval of the consecration of openly gay bishop Gene Robinson. “I got a request… that an orthodox priest wants to preach the gospel… and is looking for an orthodox bishop to support him.”

He wrestled with the issue of jurisdiction… but believes that it is Anglicans with more liberal views who are “playing fast and loose with the canons.”

Bishop Anderson declined to participate fully in the Jan. 25 consecration of Bishop James Cowan… Though listed… as a co-presenter, he remained in his pew rather than stand with Bishop Ingham… “is doing profound damage to the church and I couldn’t pretend everything is all right.”