CANA Responds to Diocese of Connecticut’s Attempt to Seize Control of Bishop Seabury Church

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HERNDON, VA (April 17, 2008) – The Convocation of Anglicans in North America (CANA) issued a response to the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut’s attempt to seize control of Bishop Seabury Church in Groton, Conn. Earlier this week, the Diocese demanded the key to the building, financial records, and appointed a new priest-in-charge.

“Sadly, the Diocese of Connecticut seeks to undermine the faithful work of the parishioners at Bishop Seabury Church, which unanimously voted to affiliate with CANA since the Diocese and The Episcopal Church decided to walk apart from the Anglican Communion by choosing to redefine and reinterpret Scripture,” said CANA Missionary Bishop Martyn Minns.

“Despite our continued willingness to settle this matter amicably, the Diocese of Connecticut has refused as long as we remain with CANA . We are sorry the Diocese and The Episcopal Church have chosen to go their own way. We hope they understand that their choice to be a prodigal church does not give them the right to take our house of worship with them,” said The Rev. Ronald S. Gauss, senior associate rector of Bishop Seabury Church .

At each annual meeting from 2004-2007, the Bishop Seabury Church congregation had unanimously, in total parish unity, given its vestry full authority to stay in the Anglican Communion, to stay in the church property and to affiliate with CANA.

“There is clear division between The Episcopal Church and the rest of the Anglican Communion. Recently, a Virginia court affirmed that a division does indeed exist within The Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion. Pitting Christian against Christian in court does nothing to save one soul, strengthen one family, or help one person in need and CANA parishes keep getting pushed into this situation,” said Bishop Minns.

“We will continue to share the life-transforming power of the Gospel in mission and ministry with our community and beyond. We hope and pray that the Diocese and The Episcopal Church will work with us instead of against us,” Fr. Gauss said. CANA Website

Episcopal Priest denied Access To church In Groton