The Anglican Diocese of Niagara pleased with Court decision

 Hamilton, Ontario - - - The Anglican Church of Canada’s Diocese of Niagara today responded to the decision of the Ontario

Superior Court of Justice. Madam Justice Jane A. Milanetti found that three Anglican parishes, St. Hilda’s

in Oakville and St. George’s in Lowville, and The Church of the Good Shepherd, St. Catharine’s should be

shared by both the departing congregants and the members loyal to The Diocese of Niagara. The Diocese

was pleased in the decision, and is now anxious to move forward.

Spokesperson for the Diocese, Archdeacon Michael D. Patterson, stated: “We are obviously very pleased

with the decision, Madame Justice Milanetti accepted our proposal for sharing and joint administration as a

logical interim solution. We feel that we were completely justified in resorting to the courts after

negotiations failed. We can now provide ministry for loyal members of the Diocese and move forward to

safeguard the physical heritage of the Churches, which were built by and have served generations of

Anglicans.”

Members of the Diocese indicated that they are still anxious to pursue constructive dialogue with those in

the Church who have taken a different view throughout this matter. Said Patterson, “There has always been

room for a range of views within the Church. We seek unity, not uniformity. We wish to ensure dialogue

continues in the hopes that the resolution of this matter will be acceptable to all.”

Patterson further addressed the issue of ministering to all those in the affected parishes, “We will continue

to minister to the whole faith community, to ensure that no one is abandoned, even those who may have

taken a different view throughout this matter. This should be the most important goal for all of us.”

The Synod of the Diocese of Niagara’s mission is to ensure that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is accessible and

proclaimed to all people by ensuring vibrant and healthy faith communities. The Diocese of Niagara, one of

thirty dioceses in the Anglican Church of Canada, was formed in 1875.