Canada news briefs: Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbia and Yukon

New parish in New Westminster

The new millennium will welcome a new parish into the Diocese of New Westminster. On Jan. 1, 2000, the Church of Emmanuel in Richmond will change from being a Chinese-speaking mission to an official parish of the diocese. The mission was launched three years ago as a way of reaching out to the growing number of Asians taking up residence in Richmond. The congregation has become self-supporting in just more than three years, 18 months ahead of schedule. Bishop Michael Ingham called the new parish “one of the most exciting initiatives the diocese has undertaken in recent years.” From its core of 50 members, attendance at the Church of Emmanuel has grown. Sunday service is now attended by more than 200 people. Topic

Safe from abuse lawsuits

The chancellor of the Diocese of New Westminster, George Cadman, reassured the diocese that ongoing litigation by former students of residential schools will have no financial impact on the diocese. Recently, the B.C. Supreme Court found the Anglican Church of Canada and the Diocese of Cariboo liable, along with the federal government, for sexual abuse at a school in Lytton. (Mr. Cadman represented the church and the diocese in the lawsuit.) Mr. Cadman said the Diocese of New Westminster is separately incorporated and its assets can’t be appropriated to pay settlements to abuse victims. Mr. Cadman said he doesn’t anticipate any lawsuits to be filed against the diocese. Topic

Five staff laid off at Sorrento Centre

The board of directors at the Sorrento Centre, located north of Kelowna in the Diocese of Kootenay, have announced big changes in its operation. Five employees were laid off because of a reorganization. The staff cuts were viewed as unfortunate and ironic by many in the diocese because the centre had its largest enrollment of participants and visitors this past summer. The Sorrento Centre runs ministry programs for Anglicans. The cuts are part of an effort to reduce debt. Dan Meakes, executive director of the centre, said “We cannot continue to incur new debt while we are receiving funds to tidy up the past. We owe it to our associates and supporters to act in a responsible manner to ensure the future viability and success of Sorrento Centre.” High Way