Received via email:
It’s just been officially announced from the diocesan office that the Reverend Mark Davison, and an unknown number of parishioners have left the Anglican Church of Canada. Brentwood Chapel was one of the parishes scheduled for disestablishment by the diocese in the recently released Diocesan Transformation Team report.
No news on the diocesan web site.Here’s the post from the diocese:
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
This is to inform you that the Reverend Mark Davison of Brentwood Memorial Chapel has voluntarily relinquished the exercise of ministry according to Canon XIX of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada effective March 1, 2010. Mark and some members of Brentwood Memorial Chapel (it is not known how many) will join the Network.
Please pray for the congregation that remains at this difficult time.
There is a very moving podcast of Rev. Davison’s announcement which you can listen to here.
Here is more from the Brentwood Chapel site:
March 02, 2010 02:36 AM PST
Hello everyone, My heart is with you all as you sort your way through the emotions and questions of Sunday’s announcement. It seems like a very uncertain time but you can be confident that God is certain. I was so blessed to hear of the outpouring of love and support that was shown on Sunday. Bless you all. I’m sure many of you are wondering the details of the Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC) informational meeting. It will be held at 7:30pm this Wednesday, March 3 in the sanctuary at Friendship Community Church, 7820 Central Saanich Rd. Please use the north parking lot and enter the north facing door. We are blessed to have Bishop Trevor Walters of ANiC joining us to share information and answer questions about a new ANiC church plant on the Peninsula. Please come with your questions, concerns and excitement and invite anyone you feel may be interested in this information at this time. For those of you who wish to remain at the Chapel please know you have my blessings and full understanding. I understand that Gary Nicolosi will be taking the service at Brentwood Chapel this Sunday, March 7th. I also want to remind you that in response to the DTT report, there will be an open informal meeting with a neutral facilitator, Rev. Jack Rose, on Wednesday, March 3rd at 1:30pm in St. Stephen’s Church hall. The purpose of this meeting is to listen to concerns and explore possibilities of joint views or proposals which may be brought forth at Synod next weekend. These are difficult times but as we all trust in the Lord we can also trust in the paths He is leading us on, whether that be together or apart. In Him, Julie Woloschuk (People’s Warden)
I suspect that the good reverend merely gave up his license, not his orders as the Diocesan notice indicates. More abuse of canons, sigh.
Bill,
Yes, I think that is diocesan spin. As mentioned here:
Lovely to be with you all! Mark+
“These are difficult times but as we all trust in the Lord we can also trust in the paths He is leading us on, whether that be together or apart. In Him, Julie Woloschuk (People’s Warden)”
This statement has left me very unsettled. It is obvious that Julie is speaking with a spirit of love for her congregation, but can we be led in opposing directions and trust that our destinations are the same? I certainly do not envy the Warden’s daunting task, and suggest prayer support for her and her congregation.
Mark, good to have you and your “family” in our company! Blessings to you all!
Mark
Welcome my brother glad to have you as part of the Network. Look forward to seeing you at the Clergy Conference.
Brian+
Welcome aboard Mark!
When the mast of the ship is broken it is good to know the man at the helm also knows how to paddle. (I don’t know if the analogy really fits but you know what I mean.)
Blessings,
Grant
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you make this difficult decision. I am the former Rector of Cobble Hill where Martin and Irene B were supportive in ministry with me back in the early 80′s. I am grateful that you are handling the decision with great grace.
In Christ
George Rogers
It is great to see that some of the white collar crowd are at least listening in. There has been more than one time when we could have used some “Pastoral direction” on this blog. I for one would certainly think twice before starting a debate with one of my Priests.
I have listened to some of Revd Mark’s sermons at the podmatic.com site referenced above. Don’t lose that URL as the Diocese has now completely changed the Brentwood site and expunged a lot of reference to him. But the podcasts are still there. Means they can’t get to a non-Brentwood-owned site!
Blessings on the Davison family at this time.
Grant- I get the analogy! We did get 9477 sailing again though! Dave- are the the Super Dave Wilson from the TO area? Bless you guys! I hope to get a new podcast sight up soon. Are new website is http://www.peninsulaproject.info. We will mobe to a .com once we get a good Anglican sounding name for the new Church plant. Keep the faith! Mark+