Walking alone.

Dear editor,

Re: Who's Anglican and who's not? (January). Conservative Anglicans smugly speculate over whether the Anglican Church of Canada and the Episcopal Church in the United States will choose to "walk alone." In reality, it is the (Anglican) Church of Nigeria that is taking this route. The Nigerian church has attempted to redefine Communion to suit its own determination to undermine the ecclesiastical rights of homophile Anglicans and Episcopalians. While many continuing Anglican denominations (such as the Reformed Episcopalians and the Anglican Catholic Church of Canada) have fruitful ministries, they do not have the pretence of being "in the communion," nor should Nigeria. Let's face it; if it comes down to a global split, Canada and the Church of England will be on the same side.

If conservatives wish to mobilize against equal treatment for homophile Christians, they must be prepared to do so on their principles without deluding themselves that they will be carrying on the mission of the Communion. They will no longer be a part of it. Even better, the Communion should be proactive in combating those who seek to undermine it--and expel the Church of Nigeria.

Geoffrey McLarney

Toronto