Tag Archives: Rev. Jacob Worley

Primate Fred Hiltz responds to Jacob Worley firing

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Rev. Jacob Worley was hounded out of the Anglican Church of Canada by liberal bishops. In retrospect, it might have been the best thing that could have happened to him since he is now rector of St. Andrew’s Church in the ACNA Diocese of Fort Worth.

Primate Fred Hiltz has responded to a request for an impartial inquiry into Worley’s firing. Here is the letter from Hiltz and the response from  Rev George Eves, which makes the point that Worley’s offence was a thought crime: he disagreed with Canon (IV.2) but was willing to abide by it. Definitive proof that, notwithstanding its claim to the contrary, the Anglican Church of Canada is unwilling to tolerate opinions that run contrary to its liberal ethos.

April 5, 2018
The Rev. Canon George Eves
30 Saunders Drive
Quispamsis, NB E2E 1J7

Dear Canon Eaves,

I hereby acknowledge receipt of your letter of March 6th and the correspondence urging Anglicans to write letters, to sign a petition calling for “an impartial inquiry into the Worley affair”, and to make a Love Offering for Mr. Worley and his family.

I have thought much about how to respond and I pray that what follows reflects the clarity and charity with which I was intent in writing.

As you know Canon Eaves, in the polity of The Anglican Church of Canada, the Primate has no jurisdictional authority anywhere. All such authority resides entirely in the hands of the diocesan bishops and the metropolitan archbishops of the ecclesiastical provinces.

You will know too, that the election of bishops is an entirely provincial matter. Each ecclesiastical province has its own Canon on The Election of Bishops. Within the said Canons, there is reference to the necessity of consent to an election.

In Canon 4 on The Election of Bishops in the Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbia and Yukon, Section (b) reads as follows.

(b) Objection to the election of a Bishop may be taken on any of the following grounds:

  1. That the person elected is not thirty years of age.
  2. That he or she is not a Priest in Holy Orders of the Anglican Church of Canada or of some church in full communion therewith.

iii. That he or she is deficient in learning, training or experience.

  1. That he or she has either directly or indirectly secured or attempted to secure the Office by an improper means.
  2. That he or she is guilty of any crime or immorality.
  3. That he or she teaches or holds or has within five years previously taught or held anything contrary to the Doctrine or Discipline of the Anglican Church of Canada.

In the case of The Rev. Jacob Worley, consent to his election was withheld on a matter of discipline, not doctrine. Mr. Worley’s view on marriage was not the issue. What was at issue was his view that it is acceptable and permissible for a priest of one Church of the Anglican Communion to exercise a ministry in the geographic jurisdiction of a second Church without the permission of the Ecclesiastical Authority of that second Church. Mr. Worley gave the bishops of the Province no indication of a willingness/readiness to change that view. That was the ground on which objection to his election rested. The section with respect to “objection” in Canon 4 (BCY) concludes with the statement, “The decision of the House of Bishops shall be final.”

Notwithstanding this decision, there was at a subsequent Electoral Synod, a move to place Mr. Worley’s name on the ballot and the Archbishop had to declare that the nomination was not in order.

With respect to the termination of Mr. Worley’s ministry in Smithers, it is a matter of public record that the Archbishop acted only after consultation with diocesan leadership. In a written statement to the diocese, he described the severance package offered by the diocese as “beyond the minimum requirement of the law”. I am not convinced that Mr. Worley was treated as unjustly as some claim.

I believe that in withholding consent to Jacob’s election, the bishops of the Province acted in the best interests of the Church; and that in terminating Jacob’s ministry in Smithers, the Archbishop and those in leadership roles within Caledonia acted in the best interests of the diocese.

Accordingly, I will not act on the call for an inquiry into these matters.

In closing, I want to address the claim that some are making that within our Church those who hold a conservative view on matters of doctrine and orthodoxy are being increasingly marginalized. Some claim that opportunities for ministry are discouraged or denied. I challenge that view on the grounds of the very spirit and ethos of Anglicanism. Within our tradition, there is a broad range of theological perspective on any number of matters of faith and order. That is our heritage. It is who we are. Within The Anglican Church of Canada conservatives and liberals, evangelicals and Anglo-Catholics, Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples strive in marvelous ways to embrace their unity in Christ. Within the household of faith, we all need to make room for one another. As St. Paul would say, we need to be “forbearing in love making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3) I see these kinds of efforts being made with integrity within our National House of Bishops, and I believe current work among the bishops is exemplary for the whole Church.

Grateful for your care and concern for our beloved Church, I assure you of my obligation and joy with you to lift its life heavenward, day-by-day.

With respect,
I am,
Sincerely in Christ,
Fred J. Hiltz
Archbishop and Primate

Here is the response:

The Most Reverend Fred Hiltz Aug. 27, 2018
Primate,
Anglican Church of Canada

Thank you for your letter of April 5, 2018 in response to mine of March 6.
I am sorry not to have gotten back until now but I will use a long absence from home as at least part of my excuse. I also wanted to wait until ample opportunity was given to all who wished to sign the petition.

I am attaching a list of the names and dioceses of those who did so. While I am disappointed at the numbers, it is somewhat heartening to know that support came from across the country. I have heard from a few that they did not sign the petition because they felt that further dialogue with the powers that be would be pointless.

To me this was even more disappointing!

Therefore, I appreciate your taking the time for a detailed response. Although it was indeed clear and charitable (for which I also thank you), I find that it almost completely fails to address my main concern. Perhaps this was  because, in part, I did not make myself entirely clear, hence I will try once again to do so.

You make it plain that you agree with the actions taken in regard to Mr. Worley both by the provincial House of Bishops in annulling his election and the Archbishop in dismissing him from his parish. These were taken, you affirm, “in the best interests of the Church” but you made no effort to explain why you think this to be the case.

According to all accounts, including your own, “the ground on which objection to his election rested”, was that “Mr. Worley gave the bishops of the Province no indication of a willingness/readiness to change his view” that it is  “permissible for a priest in one jurisdiction of the Anglican Communion to exercise a ministry in the geographical territory of a second Church without… the permission of that second Church”.

In other words, Mr. Worley’s election was annulled because he disagreed with a disciplinary Canon (IV.2). Although he committed to abide by this Canon, this was not enough for the House of Bishops (or yourself, apparently). It was demanded of him that he change his view as well.
In your letter you make much (and rightly so) of our Anglican ability to embrace a broad diversity of theological opinion. I myself have benefited greatly from this in my own career. However, Mr. Worley’s opinion on Canon IV.2 prevented his being acceptable as a bishop. No diversity allowed here.

In the case of Mr. Robertson, we have the opposite result in what seems to be a parallel situation. He was elected and confirmed, it being known full well that he did not agree with the present Marriage Canon, a matter of doctrine, no less. Objections were raised but swept aside as Mr. Robertson was deemed a “priest in good standing” (as was Mr. Worley) and his consecration allowed to proceed.

How can this not be clear evidence of a double standard? Why was it demanded of Mr. Worley alone that he both conform to Canon law and also agree with it? This is an extraordinary and unprecedented requirement, totally out of step with the Anglican way. It was clearly not required of Mr. Robertson regarding the Marriage Canon.

If the intolerant action of the House of Bishops in B.C. is allowed to stand unchallenged, unexplained, and, indeed, supported by leaders like yourself, reassuring words regarding our Church’s rich heritage of toleration will ring hollow.

To many they will instead sound like the death knell of a great tradition.
Yours truly,
The Rev. Canon George R. Eves

The ejecting of Rev Jake Worley

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First, he was ejected from his duly elected position of bishop by the Diocese of Caledonia for preaching the gospel outside of the confines of the Anglican establishment – you know, the one that trumpets its inclusivity.

Second, he was ejected from his position as rector in the Diocese of Caledonia by bishop John Privett. No one who knows is admitting why but it seems likely the second reason is the same as the first.

Third he has been ejected from Canada, the country which proudly boasts its welcome of countless jobless migrants, because he is a jobless alien.

It just goes to show that, when it comes to liberalism, the church and their bishops and state and their politicians are one in character, belief and practice: intolerant, callous, hypocritical and corrupt.

From here:

Jacob Worley, who worked at St. James Anglican Church in Smithers and in Houston, was relieved of his position as priest effective Nov. 30.

Diocesan administrator Rev. Gwen Andrews, who could not be reached for comment, said in a statement Worley was terminated without cause by Archbishop John Privett of the ecclesiastical province of British Columbia and Yukon.

“I was told in the termination letter that my termination did not reflect on the work I have done as a priest in the Bulkley Valley,” said Worley. “While the national church — the Anglican Church of Canada — likes to say that they tolerate a wide range of theological perspectives, my termination can only be understood as a response to my outspoken orthodox, biblical, and traditional position as an Anglican priest.”

In an interview with the Anglican Journal, Privett said he made his decision in consultation with the diocesan leadership and declined to elaborate on why Worley was relieved.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate to speak about personnel matters. Those are confidential,” said Privett to the Anglican Journal. “What I can say, though, is that it was not precipitous. I thought about it carefully, I discussed it with others, and I do believe the decision was in the best interests of both the diocese and the Worley family.”

The Worleys left the country last week and are currently in America. Worley, who is American, had residency in Canada that was contingent on his employment. He and his family were given 10 days to leave the country after his last day of employment.

“We don’t know what we are going to do. It takes time to find another position,” said Worley. “We need to pray and seek the Lord’s direction.”

This seems to be the final chapter in a saga that lasted just over half a year.

In April, Worley was elected bishop of Caledonia but was not consecrated as a bishop after a ruling by the House of Bishops of the ecclesiastical province of British Columbia and Yukon. Caledonia covers most of northern B.C.

The House of Bishops said a driving factor in their decision to overrule the election was because of Worley’s involvement with the Anglican Mission in America, a group of theologically conservative churches that was originally a mission of the Anglican Province of Rwanda.

They claim the former priest’s involvement with a church plant in the jurisdiction of the Episcopal Church was made without the permission of the Episcopal Church. This violated Resolution 72 of the 1998 Lambeth Conference.

The bishops also said Worley held views that run contrary to the Doctrine of Discipline of the Anglican Church of Canada.

“It’s been a long seven months,” said Worley. “We were hurt, very concerned for the diocese, and fearful of what the future looks like at the hands of those have all the power but none of the transforming love that Christ gives.”

A new election was held in late October, and Rev. David Lehmann was elected bishop.

Members of his former parish Pierce and Anita Clegg started a GoFundMe page to assist the Worleys in their move.

“We were and remain very humbled by Pierce and Anita’s support,” said Worley. “We are amazed at the support from across North America but also of how so many from the Christian community in Smithers and Houston, across denominational lines, have shown us love and care. I’m so thankful that we are a part such a community.”

Rev Jake Worley experiences Anglican compassion

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In his statement announcing the firing of Rev. Jacob Worley, bishop John Privett, said:

I can say, we don’t want to create hardship for the Worley family, so we’re trying to act as compassionately as possible.

The Anglican Planet has this update on what is happening to the Worley family:

For those of you who have been following Jake Worley’s situation, we want you to know that one of his (former) parishioners has started a fund to help the Worley family. Jake and family were packed up and ready to leave Caledonia, but have run into more trouble. We are posting this as they really need our prayer and support. He and his family have packed up their house and rented a Uhaul to move themselves south. Regrettably, due to the conditions in Northern B.C. the RCMP have grounded all of the Uhaul trucks until spring for not having snow tires (apparently this is their company policy). Apparently there are no other truck rental companies in the region, and so they are at a bit of a loss. Their plan is to drive south and leave their possessions in their rental house and hope that some better plan will come up before their rental term is over December 31st. The only other option is to hire movers, and the lowest estimate they had was $17k, which they simply cannot afford. Please continue to pray for the Worleys and if you can afford to be generous, please support their moving fund.

I shudder to think what a bishop not acting compassionately looks like because images of being burned alive at the stake spring to mind.

The Gofundme page for the Worleys is here.

Archbishop John Privett tells us why he fired Rev. Jacob Worley

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First of all, he informs us that, although he is reluctant to spill the beans, his hand has been forced because of all the attention his despicable action (not exactly his words) has generated on social media.

He goes on building the reader’s anticipation – you are probably salivating already – by declaring that he really is going to reveal “the specifics of the termination”. Wait for it……

” Mr. Worley’s termination was not based on any particular theological point of view.”

Note the “Mr.”

And, other than more blather about the meaning of “Without Cause” and some self congratulatory remarks about a meagre severance package, that’s it. No explanation at all.

The letter is posted on the diocesan website for the edification of its readers, who Privett obviously believes are gullible idiots.

I know Anglican bishops regard obfuscation as a vocational calling, but surely even the most inept specimen in the area of rational thought would not try to pass off a claim that something was not done for a particular reason as an explanation for why it was done.

Yet, that is exactly what Privett does.

The letter also discusses the move of Bishop Bill Anderson to ANiC, an announcement that, I trust, stung Privett et al. no more than they deserve; I can almost feel the gnashing of teeth from here. In that section, Privett declares: “we seek to have positive ecumenical relationships with them [ANiC] as brothers and sisters in Christ”, a piety whose sincerity is not exactly confirmed by the string of lawsuits launched against said brothers and sisters in Christ.

November 23, 2017

To the Beloved People of God in the Diocese of Caledonia:

You will no doubt know that I have made the difficult decision to terminate the position of the Rev. Jacob Worley. Generally, it is inappropriate to talk about individual personnel matters and the specifics of the termination, but because Mr. Worley’s termination has been made a subject of wide comment on social media, to my regret I think it necessary to make an exception in this case.  Firstly, let me assure you that Mr. Worley’s termination was not based on any particular theological point of view. Our church and this Diocese will always welcome clergy and parishioners from a wide range of faith perspectives and theological views that fall within the breadth of our Anglican tradition. Our unity always rests in our love for Christ and Christ’s love for us.

Mr. Worley’s position was terminated “Without Cause” on November 20. This is a legal phrase which means that rather than a termination without pay, the Diocese is providing Mr. Worley with a severance payment which includes paid leave, accommodation and an additional money payment which will provide a severance package equivalent to remuneration through February 28, 2018. His total severance package will be the equivalent of stipend, benefits, pension contribution, car allowance and housing allowance. The severance package is subject to withholding for all applicable taxes.  I want you to know that the severance package that the Diocese is voluntarily providing is beyond the minimum required by law. This severance package leaves Jacob free to apply for other positions in the future. It is now my understanding that there is no immediate need for the Worleys to leave Canada. I anticipate this severance package will assist with the Worley’s transition.

It is with great sadness that I also write to inform you that I have received a letter from your retired Bishop Bill Anderson relinquishing the exercise of his ministry in the Anglican Church of Canada. This means that he will no longer function as a bishop in our church. After many years of faithful service, Bill has left The Anglican Church of Canada. With many of you, I feel a great loss, but respect his decision.  Bishop Bill has indicated that he will hold a service for ANiC (The Anglican Network in Canada) in the coming weeks. ANiC was established in recent years after significant theological disagreements between members of the Anglican Church of Canada. Some felt they could no longer walk together and left our church. Although ANiC uses the name Anglican, it is not a church with which we are in communion nor is it part of the Worldwide Anglican Communion. Nevertheless, we seek to have positive ecumenical relationships with them as brothers and sisters in Christ.

In accordance with Canon 1 of the Diocese of Caledonia, I have Episcopal jurisdiction and oversight until such time as a Bishop for the See is chosen and consecrated, and possess all the powers of the Diocesan Bishop. In that capacity I have worked alongside your Executive and the official Diocesan leadership to guide the life of the diocese during this past year. We have faced some difficult decisions and gathered for two Electoral Synods. I am grateful for the financial assistance of the Ecclesiastical Province and the General Synod in helping support the Diocese.  In all things I have been aware of your care and respect for one another and the desire to bring honour and glory to God.

It has been my unique privilege to get to know many of you and to experience something of your life in this Diocese.  I give thanks for your faith and your faithfulness and pray that you will continue your witness to the love of Christ in all that you do. You have a promising future with a strong history, gifted lay and clergy leadership, a rich variety of cultures and a shared commitment to the Gospel.  I look forward to welcoming your new Bishop-elect David Lehmann in a service of consecration which will be held on the Feast of the Confession of St. Peter, January 18, 2018 at 1:30 pm in the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew in Prince Rupert. All are invited to attend.

Faithfully,

Archbishop John Privett

Bishop William Anderson moves to ANiC

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Received via email:

Bishop Charlie Masters has just welcomed Bishop Wm. Anderson and his wife Margaret into the Anglican Network in Canada.

They continue to reside in Terrace, in Northern British Columbia. Bishop Bill has recently retired as Bishop of Caledonia. He has relinquished the exercise of ministry in the Anglican Church of Canada as of November 16, 2017.

As a retired bishop in ANiC, he will be given a General Permission from Bishop Charlie to exercise all the priestly functions such as preaching, teaching, and celebrating communion.

Bishop Charlie stated, “We are delighted to welcome such a godly orthodox bishop into our midst. His partnership in the Gospel, his supportive friendship, and his many years of experience in Christian service, will be a blessing to the future of the Anglican Network.”

This is excellent news for both ANiC and bishop Anderson.

I interviewed the bishop in 2010 and in that interview, he was still a little optimistic for the ACoC’s future:

At the same time, God has raised up some Godly new bishops in the church – and I don’t use that phrase lightly. They are really trying to be faithful and to do the right thing. What will happen? I don’t know.

I don’t know whether the shabby treatment that Rev. Jake Worley received at the hands of Anglican adherents of dogmatic liberal tolerance has evaporated that optimism but, considering this letter from bishop Anderson to archbishop Privett, the person who fired Worley, it seems likely. Another fine example of the all-inclusive Anglican Church of Canada hard at work driving out the last few real Christians from its midst:

Dear John;

I am writing to you further to the matter of the PHOB’s consideration of whether to confirm the Rev. Jake Worley as Bishop of Caledonia and the subsequent decision to withhold consent of his election.

As I reviewed the letter to Jake and the subsequent press release that you issued, I could not help but be so deeply disappointed in both the process and the way this matter came to a close.

Following a process in which Jake was subjected to a series of questions crafted by two chancellors of the church working behind the scenes, and in which the bishops made little direct contribution to the conversation, it became clear that both the questions and Jake’s responses were being analysed by the chancellors, and the national chancellor in particular. At no point was it suggested that Jake might avail himself of legal counsel.

The fact that the PHOB met and voted on May 12th, and waited until Monday the 15th to advise Jake by mail and a press release is shameful beyond words. It speaks to a process that was clearly politicized and crafted to place both he and the diocese at a disadvantage.

The reasoning outlined in the press release was dishonest, and deceitful for it alleged a position of which Jake was not directly and specifically asked. It also mischaracterized his affirmation of the oaths of our Church which he not only took, but clearly articulated his intention to honour.

As I noted in my previous letter to you, I am astounded at the line of reasoning that Chancellors McAdams and Jones set forth citing Resolution 72 of Lambeth 1988 as outlining the general teaching of the Church, in support of withholding consent of Jake as Bishop. By that standard most of the current bishops of the PHOB should not have been confirmed because of their public positions contrary to Lambeth 1:10. And as you know, notwithstanding that I personally registered my non-consent in those cases, not once were my objections given any due consideration, let alone the type of court on enquiry that Jake has been made to endure.

John, when I met with you a year ago to discuss my plans for retirement, I was given to understand that you would honour the canons of the Church and would ensure that the diocese would be able to elect their next bishop without political interference. My trust continued in spite of when the attempt to elect a coadjutor bishop went astray, in spite of my having cleared the process and the wording of the canon with you and the provincial chancellor. I expected that, given the care that was taken in convening the electoral synod, by having nominees provide detailed CV’s a month in advance, and in following the common practice in our province of having those details shared with the bishops, that the mind of the synod would be honoured and respected.

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard bishops say, particularly when they faced motions from within their synods to act contrary to Lambeth 1:10, that they had to concur because of the sanctity in which we hold a synod’s decisions.

And yet in this instance, no effort has been made to do anything other than to ignore the electoral synod, and to mischaracterize events around Jake’s ministry. I appreciate that the House must exercise due diligence. But as I said last week, it deeply troubles me that such straining at gnats with Jake whilst ignoring the broader damage and the blatant disregard of the canons and discipline of our Church by many of our episcopal colleagues is, to say the least, something I doubt Our Lord would look on with approval.

I am saddened beyond words, and my trust in the honour and spiritual integrity of the PHOB is irrevocably broken.

+William

The Rt. Rev. Wm. Anderson

(Retired)

More on the firing of Jacob Worley

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In a extraordinarily hypocritical statement – even for an ACoC archbishop – John Privett still refuses to reveal why Rev Jacob Worley was fired, hinting that to do so would be to reveal something “personal” – a hint that is dripping with the innuendo of a dark and shameful secret – about Worley. I suspect it would actually reveal something personal about the bishops who made the decision, namely that there are none whose intolerance is as venomous as that of those who claim to be standard bearers of tolerance.

He goes on to note that the decision was not “precipitous”, nor was it made by Privett alone. To cap this sanctimonious tripe, he declares that those making the decision were acting as “compassionately as possible”. There is no compassion as heartwarming as Anglican compassion, a compassion that deprives a person and his family of his livelihood, home and country of residence and refuses to state why.

In a telephone interview with the Anglican Journal, Privett stated that he made the decision, as he has episcopal authority during a vacancy, but that he “did not act alone,” rather in consultation with the diocesan leadership. Privett declined to speak further about the reasons behind the termination, saying, “I don’t think it’s appropriate to speak about personal matters. Those are confidential.

“What I can say, though, is that it was not precipitous. I thought about it carefully, I discussed it with others, and I do believe the decision was in the best interests of both the diocese and the Worley family.”
Privett says the diocese is “looking into” the details of Worley’s immigration status, as they were unaware of the details of his residency before making their decision.

“I can say, we don’t want to create hardship for the Worley family, so we’re trying to act as compassionately as possible.”

The firing of Rev Jacob Worley

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There aren’t many ways that lead to a priest being fired from the Anglican Church of Canada; in fact, providing one isn’t too enthusiastic about one’s faith, it is rather difficult. Criminal activity such as embezzlement and paederasty tend – if found out – to be frowned upon, as is trying to murder a parishioner. On the other hand, disbelief in Biblical principles and spreading that disbelief is the bedrock upon which Canadian Anglicanism rests: the less a priest believes, the more secure his job.

Flouting the wishes of the Anglican Synod, far from being a cause for censure or  termination is hailed joyously as prophetic. Providing it is liberal flouting – just look at the antics of Bird, Chapman et al. following the last Anglican synod..

Nevertheless, Rev Jacob Worley has been fired. No reason was given but it’s difficult not to suspect it is because he is that most rare clerical specimen, now almost extinct in the Anglican Church of Canada, a genuine Christian.

The writing was on the wall for Worley since it wasn’t too long ago that his election as bishop was overturned on a technicality.

Archbishop Privett did the firing without explanation, not that one is needed since it seems fairly clear that he bent to the will of the ecclesiastical zeitgeist, and behaved in the disgusting manner we have come to expect of Anglican Archbishops in Canada. The diocese and archbishop have lived down to my modest expectations in every way.

Coincidentally, Worley opposes same-sex marriage. That could have nothing to do with it, surely.

Read it all at the Anglican Planet:

THE REV. JACOB WORLEY was told by Archbishop John Privett in a phone call and a letter received Friday, Nov. 10 that Worley’s employment as a priest in the Diocese of Caledonia is being terminated. Worley says that when he asked what the reason was, Privett (who is Metropolitan of the Province of BC & Yukon) declined to give him one.  In accordance with Immigration rules, Worley has to leave Canada for the United States within ten days of his last day of employment, which is on Sunday, Nov. 19.  “I’m going to trust the Lord – who else am I going to trust?  I could say like Job, ‘Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.’ I’m going to rejoice,” said Worley when reached by phone.

In May of 2017, Worley made headlines in Church news when the House of Bishops of the Province of BC and Yukon refused to approve him as Bishop of Caledonia, a diocese that stretches across the northern half of British Columbia.  The majority decision cited Provincial Canon 4(b)vi, which states that an objection to the election of a bishop may be brought on the grounds that “he or she teaches or holds or within five years previously taught or held anything contrary to the Doctrine or Discipline of the Anglican Church of Canada.”  In a statement released by the Anglican Church of Canada on May 15, Privett was quoted as saying that “within the past five years the Rev. Worley has held – and continues to hold – views contrary to the Discipline of the Anglican Church of Canada.” These “views” relate to jurisdictional issues, as Worley had served for a time within AMiA (Anglican Mission in America) in the United States.

[……]

Reflecting on the news that he will be forced to leave his parish, Worley said, “This is how it started in The Episcopal Church, how the exodus began.  People got shoved out.  In those cases, they were given no reason…but everybody knew the reason.” But he added “I know that God will work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. He will use this for His glory and the good of His church.

The Diocese of Caledonia and the office of Archbishop Privett have also been contacted for comment but at the time of publication have not responded.

Worley and his wife, Kelly, have five children, aged 12 to 25.

Diocese of Caledonia after Worley

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Rev. Jacob Worley, was elected as the new Bishop of Caledonia by the diocese. Subsequently, he was turned down for the position by the province’s house of bishops because he held a view “contrary to the Doctrine or Discipline of the Anglican Church of Canada”, a church of such loose doctrine, discipline and morality that very few before Worley have accomplished this immensely difficult feat.

Now, the diocese is going through the whole process again.

There are two sad aspects to this: first, the fact that Worley was banned from being bishop on such a flimsy pretext and second, that the diocese is going along with it. Their accommodation to the liberal juggernaut reminds me of the rather flawed advice that politician Clayton Williams gave to potential rape victims: “if it’s inevitable, just relax and enjoy it.”

The Anglican Church of Canada loves to have a few tame conservatives on hand to be conveniently paraded whenever extra evidence of inclusion is needed; Caledonia has been tamed. The diocese should be wary, though: after rape comes pillage.

From here:

The diocese of Caledonia has decided to accept last month’s ruling by the provincial House of Bishops to block the consecration of the Rev. Jake Worley as bishop, its administrator says.

Worley was elected bishop of the diocese April 22, but on May 15 the House of Bishops of the ecclesiastical province of British Columbia and Yukon announced it was objecting to his election, citing ministry he had performed in the United States for the province of Rwanda. As specified in provincial canons, the bishops said, their decision was final.

On May 16, the Rev. Gwen Andrews, appointed to manage the diocese’s day-to-day affairs since the retirement of Bishop William Anderson last December, announced she was “shocked and saddened” by the decision, adding the diocese’s clergy and executive committee would be meeting May 25-26 to discuss how to respond to it.

In an interview with the Anglican Journal Thursday, June 2, Andrews said both the clergy and executive council had decided to put the decision behind them and begin planning for a second election, to be held some time before October 31.

Retired Bishop of Caledonia responds to the barring of bishop-elect Rev Jacob Worley

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Bishop William Anderson doesn’t think much of the Provincial House of Bishops’ decision to overturn the election of Rev Jacob Worley. The unravelling continues.

From the ACA:

In answer to our questions Bp. Anderson said that in his opinion the Provincial House of Bishops “conducted an unprecedented investigation that was predetermined from the outset.” He also said that the statement in their press release was at odds with Rev. Worley having “repeatedly stated that he had every intention of following the discipline and doctrine of the ACC” and that the questions asked by the Province “were crafted behind the scenes by the provincial and national chancellors and they were also involved in giving their analysis of Jake’s answers.”

Bp. Anderson continued,

“Furthermore they rejected him on the basis of a charge for which he has never been formally accused or disciplined by anyone.

“I think that the fact that they chose to override the electoral synod’s decision is appalling. There was a full month before the synod when all the delegates and the bishops had the CVs for all nominees and had the chance to raise concerns. Yet at the synod the archbishop and chancellor told the synod there were no canonical objections.

“This is a terrible development and should leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that the much lauded promise of a conscience clause in the proposed new marriage canon is completely worthless.”