Anglican Mainstream

By Toby Cohen  CEN, 2nd May 2008
THE Rev Dr James Packer has been licenced to preach under the jurisdiction of the Primate of the Southern Cone, the Most Rev Greg Venables, to a standing ovation at a conference in Vancouver. Dr Packer, named by Time magazine as one of the 10 most influential theologians of the 20th century, left the Anglican Church of Canada after breaking with the Bishop of New Westminster, the Rt Rev Michael Ingham, following his blessing of same-sex unions. Dr Packer prayed that God would purge the old west of its “poisonous liberalism”. He said: “God’s way of purging is letting a thing grow to its full stature so that its real nature can be seen so that finally it is squeezed out. Dr Packer is part of the Anglican Network in Canada, which has attracted 15 churches so far. Two of their bishops were commission by Archbishop Venables despite protests by the Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Most Rev Fred Hiltz. He said: “Stop interfering in the life of this province,” to the undeterred Archbishop  Venables. Dr Packer was one of nine clergy to write to Bishop Ingham on April 21 in answer to his Notice of Presumption of Abandonment of Ministry. The priests said: “With deep reluctance and regret we have concluded that we cannot continue the Anglican ministry to which we were ordained under your jurisdiction. The Diocese, under your leadership, has departed from historic, orthodox Anglican teaching and practice.” 

You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.