When people from parishes that objected to the Diocesan Synod's decision in 2002 to ask the Bishop for a rite of blessing for same sex unions walked out, it was a sad day. Now that the last of the dissidents (for they called themselves that) have decided to formally leave the Anglican Church of Canada, the feeling returns. No one should be happy to see anyone leave.

There is a bit of relief, however. Maybe we can devote more energy to our mission: spreading the Gospel, caring for parishioners and communities. Disputes over property may continue, though one hopes not. They may go to civil courts, which may be expensive, though any lawyers' fees will be paid from reserve funds not current contributions for ministry, the Diocese has determined.

Still an end to the public nature of this dispute-which injures everyone-may be in sight. The result will diminish all parties to our dispute. The Anglican Church of Canada, and this Diocese, will miss the evangelistic energy and enthusiasm that parishes like St. John's Shaughnessy and St. Matthew's Abbotsford and other have brought. They have been lively, spirit-filled, places.

But they, sadly, may miss more. For what's happening is that a relatively small group is joining the 85 or so other groups that call themselves Anglican which have broken away from the main body in the last couple of hundred years. Those who leave usually remain small, often obsessed with ancient issues, prone to splitting even further-theological purity is very difficult to maintain.

It's likely the presenting issue will be forgotten: will anyone 133 years from now recall how sharply the debate has been about homosexuality? Does anyone really remember the 1874 dispute about "ritualism" that set that lovely Church of Our Lord apart, at the bottom of the hill, at the top of which sits Victoria's Christ Church Cathedral?

Of course time will tell whether this schism follows the pattern of other Anglican schisms. What we believe is certain is that the Anglican Church of Canada will continue on, the home of most Anglicans in this country, with formal ties to Archbishop of Canterbury and all that, a "big tent" Church, complete with all the advantages and tensions implicit in being diverse.

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On a lighter note...

The Editor of TOPIC wants to go on record as saying that it wasn't his idea to nickname the Communications Exchange Awards "Nealies." But he is a servant of the Diocesan Communications Committee, and if they think the name increases participation, so be it, embarrassed as he is. Good communications are important.