From the ANiC Newsletter:
The Diocese of Ottawa has commenced legal action against two ANiC parishes in Ottawa. Both St Alban’s and St George’s received notice on May 26, 2010, that the diocese is suing them for ownership of their church buildings so they can evict the faithful congregations that became members of ANiC in 2008.
St. Alban’s is my parish. Father George told us yesterday. I can’t say that this turn of events surprises me, but I am saddened by it. We will, as a parish family, prayerfully discern our way forward. Please pray that we reach consensus on what we should do.
I wonder if this has anything to do with ANiC synod coming to Ottawa to celebrate St. George’s 125 anniversary. I half suspected something like this would happen once they learned of the synod plans.
Maybe. St. George’s will still have a 125 anniversary, even if it is in another building. The parish is the people, after all.
I don’t understand their hurry as the New West case will probably go all the way to the Supreme Court so why spend more money trying individual cases, it makes sense to let this decide for all. I guess the rest of the Anglican Churches in Ottawa are so full they need the extra room.
Ah right, I hadn’t thought of that – it’s obvious, really.
ROFL In fact, that was almost a tea through the nose rofl.
I note that David’s link says that the Dio of Ottawa “strategic planning report” recomends opening a new church in Barrhaven. We have a plant in Barrhaven, actually….
This is regrettable. I’m sure I wasn’t the only person who urged the bishop to set a peppercorn rent or even just turn a blind eye. If there’s two things the D of O doesn’t need, it’s two more big heritage buildings in downtown Ottawa.
Since both parishes are older than the diocese, the legal proceedings will be complex. I know that St. Alban’s holds a deed to its property in the “wardens and incumbent” format. I’d expect that St. George’s does, also.
A recent ruling in North Carolina came down hard on “the parish never recorded transferring ownership to the diocese; hence the diocese’s claim is not supported.” Now there is not here – but it’s not sensible for the diocese to spend money on lawyers for this.
We’ve been trying to negotiate. It’s been trying. Maybe people who think like you should be more loud about it?
Honi soit qui mal y pense !
That English (Norman French) motto has always struck me as being pretty weak (shame on those who think badly of it). At least the Scottish motto has some backbone: nemo me impune lacessit (no one provokes me with impunity).
Kate,
Since when has there been a plant in Barrhaven?
Brian
Isn’t that where Karen Bergenstein and Pat Coloumbe’s plant is?
Karen and Pat are in Blackburn Hamlet, not Barrhaven. There is an Diocese of Ottawa church in Barrhaven as a joint Anglican/ELCIC congregation.
Oh, that’s right, my mistake. I get Blackburn Hamlet and Barrhaven mixed up all the time.
#10 Hello Gordon, my translated understanding (military) is much stronger “evil be, to him who evil thinks”.
PS Gordon – mine also has relationship to certain scripture 1 Tim 1:20, as well as the experience of Annanias and Saphira