Who we are:

Church address:
5350 Baillie Street
Vancouver, BC
(on 37th Ave between Cambie and Oak)

Church office address:
2325 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC V6J 3J2
604.558.4400

St John's Vancouver Anglican Church is a community of Christians dedicated to the exposition and teaching of the Word of God, to the spreading of the good news of the Gospel at home and abroad, and to the application of God's purpose in our own lives and families.

2010 legal update

“Be still, and know that I am God.
  I will be exalted among the nations,
  I will be exalted in the earth!”
                                                Psalm 46:10                                   

Background

In the last several years, when Anglican churches voted to seek temporary Episcopal oversight under ANiC (The Anglican Network in Canada) various dioceses of the Anglican Church of Canada responded by seeking to seize properties and replace elected trustees. The purpose of joining ANiC was to remain in communion with the worldwide Anglican Church and receive leadership from an orthodox bishop. St. John’s and three other local ANiC churches have asked the Supreme Court of B.C. to clarify who are the proper trustees of our congregations (the ones we elected or the ones appointed by the diocese) and for what purposes the buildings are held in trust. The trial finished on Jun 11, 2009.

The Honorable Stephen Kelleher delivered his decision to clarify who are the proper trustees of our congregation and for what purposes the buildings are held in trust on Nov 25, 2009.

Read the Nov 25, 2009 Letter from St. John's Leadership

Read the Nov 25, 2009 ANiC press release

Justice Kelleher's Reasons for Judgment: PDF

Anglican Network in Canada (ANiC) parishes Appeal Court Decision
Dec 24, 2009 ANiC press release

The Appeal

The Appeal was heard by a three-judge-panel over four days. The process leading up the Appeal Trial was as follows:

  • May 3            Appeal Factum to be filed by the Parishes.
  • Jun 28           Joint Factum and Cross Appeal to be filed by the Diocese.
  • Jul 26            Reply to Joint Factum and Cross Appeal to bbe filed by Parishes
  • Aug 9            Reply to be filed by Diocese
  • Aug 16          Joint Appeal books and Joint Transcripts are to be filed by both
                        parties
  • Sept 13-16    The Appeal will be heard in the BC Court of Appeal

Daily updates from the Appeal Court Case can be found on the links here:

‘The Factum’ has been posted here, should you like to read it.

While we continue to regret that the legal process has been necessary, we are thankful to God for his continued guidance and provision through it. We are also thankful that we have received over 80% of what is required (including remaining pledges expected to be fulfilled) to be able to pay all our anticipated appeal costs. Please prayerfully consider participating financially as well as prayerfully.

The BC Court of Appeal released their judgement on November 15, 2010. You can read the judgement here

Other background information

Read the daily trial updates from June 2009

The pages on the left answer questions that people might be having about the trial such as basic background information, helpful reminders, information for during the trial and after the trial.

If you would like to be put on an email list for updates please email Krista Friebel with your name, address and phone number.

If you still have questions please feel free to contact our office to speak to someone or pick up updates that will be made available in print form.

If you have specific questions or concerns you can call the office at 604.731.4966 and we will connect you with one of the following or you may talk to them directly:

Lesley Bentley, David Avren, Andrew Konnert, Rev. David Short, Rev. Jim Salladin, or Joanne Lawrie.