Amalgamation works.

Dear editor,

Re: British Columbia mulls fate of parishes, congregations (May issue). I was touched to read about the churches in the diocese of British Columbia that have been recommended for amalgamation and closing.

I attend a church in London, Ont., called East London Anglican Ministries, (ELAM), which was formed a few years ago from an amalgamation. Members of four small churches chose to close and create a new church with the intention of being better positioned for survival and growth in the 21st century. We had to dig deep to find courage and vision and to face down anxiety and anger. There is life after amalgamation; in fact, there is abundant life. Today, we have many new ministries and programs, a beautiful and flexible building, and a growing membership.

Amalgamation may not be for everyone, but it's working for us. A few months ago, with the benefit of hindsight, we produced a booklet about our six-year process of amalgamation, titled Good News-for a Change. We would be happy to share this booklet with any church that thinks it would be of use to them; e-mail us at [e-mail].

Sandra Coulson

London, Ont.