Who we are:

St John's Vancouver Anglican Church, Vancouver 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.

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                                   

In the last year, 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

 

Legal Update - Appeal Filed
The Appeal date has been set for Sept 13 and will be heard by a three-judge-panel over four days.  The process leading up the Appeal Trial is 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

‘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.

As we go forward, specifically pray for our legal team as they prepare for Sep 13 and that God will provide three faithful and fair judges on the panel of appeal.

Other background information

Read the daily trial updates

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, Christine Klukas, Krista Friebel, Andrew Konnert, Rev. David Short, Rev. Jim Salladin, or Joanne Lawrie.