Rev. Ed Hird, rector of St. Simon’s, Deep Cove, B.C., now takes his orders from four African primates. Hird is one of four priests to resign from the Anglican Church of Canada because their former bishop, Michael Ingham, approved the blessing of same-sex unions. The four remain in fellowship with the worldwide Anglican Communion and will receive episcopal care from an American bishop appointed by the African primates. On March 29, Hird wrote Ingham, “I am now canonically resident in the Province of Rwanda. The primates have invited Bishop T.J. Johnston from Little Rock, Ark. to act on their behalf as my bishop. I have now come under his authority. I have left the Anglican Church of Canada, terminating all my benefits.” While the four congregations fully support their priests, diocesan chancellor George Cadman said, “All parish properties within the diocese continue to be owned or controlled by the diocese.” Rev. Paul Carter, of Immanuel Westside, Vancouver; Rev. Barclay Mayo, of St. Andrew’s, Pender Harbour; and Rev. Silas Ng of Church of Emmanuel, Richmond, are also clergy in the newly formed Anglican Communion in Canada (ACiC).
Photo: Sue Careless