St. John's, USA - Anglican parish priests in Newfoundland and Labrador who may hold conservative views are being unfairly targeted by church officials, says a former bishop who led a fight against the recognition of same sex marriage and the ordination of gay or lesbian ministers.
Donald Harvey of St. John's, who is affiliated with a conservative breakaway group, the Anglican Network in Canada, stepped down three years ago after expressing frustration with what he saw as the church's liberal agenda.
"What's a sad reflection of the Anglican Church of Canada as a whole is that they are very strong on talking about inclusivity and reaching out to all people with all kinds of views, unless you happen to be a conservative," Harvey said in an interview.
Cyrus Pitman, his successor in the diocese of Labrador and eastern Newfoundland, has called on priests to disclose any involvement with Harvey's organization and resign if they do.
Harvey said he doesn't believe there are any priests affiliated with his faction who will have to give up their licences, but he said he is concerned about the message being sent to Anglicans.
He said many church followers will be left confused by what is going on.
Pitman issued a statement late Thursday saying that in the "spirit of renewal" all clergy residents in the diocese would receive a licence to continue working in the diocese.
The head of the Anglican Church of Canada, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, issued a letter earlier this week emphasizing the church has not yet changed its doctrine on marriage, but added there is federal legislation that allows for same-sex marriages.