"Many congregations are struggling," the report said. "A significant number have been incurring operating deficits, and some are in fear for their very existence."

The 47-page profile, titled "Signs of Grace," aims, in part, to serve as a guidepost for clergy and lay people involved in the search to replace Bishop John P. Croneberger, who will retire at the beginning of 2007.

Canon Davies, who has been Precentor for 20 years, and Mr McEnery met 18 years ago at a party in Canon Davies’s house in the cathedral close. Mr McEnery, 41, moved in shortly afterwards. Initial plans for a religious service were dropped out of respect for church sensitivities. Clergy who register civil partnerships have to give their bishop assurances that their relationship is celibate.

END

Vicar's gay 'marriage' to have church blessing

Claiming Essentials supporters have no respect for "those in authority over them", Njegovan has banned the distribution of Essentials materials in his churches, along with the independent Anglican Planet newspaper, even though it is not an Essentials publication. Essentials is made up of both a Federation and a Network. Jim Cowan, Bishop of British Columbia [Vancouver Island] was particularly concerned about the Network.

Forshaw joined celebrity B.C. artist Tiko Kerr in pleading with Health Canada to release two new drugs under a program that is supposed to provide access on a "compassionate" basis to desperate, dying Canadians who are seeking drugs unavailable in Canada.

Health Canada, despite the objections of Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh, has refused to make the program available because the drugs are deemed too experimental and, taken together, might pose a health risk to the dying men.