I write to you on behalf of the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada and the Anglican Diocese of Niagara. Further to our last meeting in March of this year, I want to keep you informed of any current information that has arisen.

As you are aware, this meeting will include one very controversial debate on the issue of Same-Sex Unions. We suspect that Saturday May 29, Tuesday June 1 and Wednesday June 2 may be of particular interest because these are the days this topic will be discussed and latterly a vote taken.

For your information, we have need made aware that another interested party who was unable to get accommodation in the Brock residences was able to get into Concordia Lutheran Seminary during this time. Although we do not anticipate any difficulties from this particular group, their presence represents an indication that we should expect more than a passing interest in such a controversial issue.

We have also learned, albeit second-hand that we can expect protests from both local and distant origins, including the possibility of one organized group from as far away as Texas. Although we would prefer to keep things in an in-house family discussion forum, others will undoubtedly take a different viewpoint. People will often do things in the presence of the media they might not otherwise consider.

I have written to the Niagara Regional Police to inform them of this potential because it could affect the traffic and possibly some other forms of disturbances beyond the Brock premises.

Should you wish to meet with me or require further information I will be available after April 26, 2004.

Thank you

The Venerable Bruce A. McPetrie
Archdeacon of Lincoln
Co-chair of the local Arrangements Committee