Re: The letter of Carole Keighley, Bishop’s Warden, with respect to Saint Matthew’s.
The letter is simply a follow-up of that by Michael Ingham, inviting all members of Saint Matthew’s to remain with him. The letter totally ignores the truth.
The Diocese of New Westminster makes much of the legal arguments and the courts probably had no alternative but to allow the diocese to legally steal our property. However, the situation is akin to my purchasing a home and paying fully for it and keeping up the maintenance. Then someone who does not like the way I have done something or considers my beliefs contrary to his comes and steals it.
The diocese made no contribution to the building or property and the parishioners contributed about $300,000 several years back to eliminate the mortgage. I would ask Ingham and/or Keighley if they believe the diocese is morally correct to have seized the property and force us out of the building.
If they do, that should be a distinct warning for all members of parishes within the Anglican Church of Canada to immediately cease and desist from making any contribution of any kind to either mortgage, repairs or maintenance of the building they occupy. If the diocese is going to claim or seize the property, then let the diocese pay the costs.
It is no wonder that our Lord spoke clearly with respect to lawyers. The only truth they are prepared to accept is what will win their case, and they will seek to pervert any truth that might go against them.
Frank Wirrell