Once were Anglicans

Posted on July 22, 2014 
Filed under New Zealand

The Rev Michael Hewat“‘If anyone else thinks they have reason for confidence in their Anglican heritage, I have more.

Baptised an Anglican at three months, confirmed at 11 years, my parents are Anglicans, both sets of grandparents were Anglicans, my father is an Anglican priest, I attended Anglican schools. An Anglican of Anglicans, I studied theology for five years, have served as a curate and vicar for the past twenty, have sat on two General Synods. As to zeal… no one has ever questioned that.’…

Last Friday my licence from the Bishop to serve as vicar of the West Hamilton Parish was withdrawn. It was withdrawn because I had withdrawn my submission to the authority of General Synod. …

In deciding to withdraw my submission to the authority of General Synod I have asserted that the Bible is the Church’s supreme authority.”

– The Rev. Michael Hewat, until now the Vicar of West Hamilton Anglican Church – explains his departure from the Anglican Church – in the Waikato Times.

Related: Update following meeting with Bishop Helen-Ann, 11 July 2014 (PDF at West Hamilton Parish).

“In view of the overwhelming majority supporting Vestry’s and my refusal to submit to the authority of General Synod, Kimberley and I will offer ourselves as pastors to all who wish to remain with us – either here or on another site.”

(and other documents here.)

Church sex ‘obsession’

Please pray for Michael and the congregation in this uncertain time – and give thanks for their obedience to the revealed word of God.

Update, 25 July 2014: “Church defectors forming new flock in funeral home.”

“Former manager of the Diocese of Waikato Russell Armitage said Michael and Kimberley Hewat’s decision was ‘almost incomprehensible’ and took them down a ‘no-exit route into the religious wilderness’. [Oh yes – just like Hebrews 13:13 – ed.]

(Photo: Affirm.)