100 Anglican clergy renew vows;
ALLEGIANCE TO CHURCH REAFFIRMED IN CEREMONY
Saturday, January 26, 2008

In a united show of support, about 100 Anglican clergy with the Diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador reaffirmed their allegiance to the church Monday in the wake of a rift over same-sex unions that led to the departure of their previous bishop. One by one, retired and current clergy signed declarations renewing their licences a move the diocese has not taken in at least two decades.

Rev. Cyrus Pitman, the diocese's current bishop, said he called on the clergy to attend the mandatory meeting to offer them a sense of renewal after his predecessor, Donald Harvey, left the Church in protest.

"Today, my friends, is a fresh start,'' Pitman said in his sermon at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. "It's not a power grab as has been suggested by some. the rest