In the face of opposition from conservative clergy, Vancouver's Anglican Bishop Michael Ingham has postponed same–sex blessings for gay and lesbian couples in the Lower Mainland.
Eight parishes in the Diocese of New Westminster are withholding almost $30,000 a month from the diocese. That financial boycott represents about 20 per cent of the diocese's budget.
The dissident priests say marriage–like ceremonies for homosexual couples have no place in the Anglican Church.
Last month, the Canadian House of Bishops told Ingham to begin a reconciliation process with the eight ministers. Ingham announced the postponement while setting up talks with the dissident parishes.
The split was created back in June when delegates to the Diocese's annual meeting voted to go ahead with blessing same–sex couples
At least three parishes have asked Ingham for a church–authorized rite, so they could start to bless homosexual couples.
There are 80 parishes and about 25,000 churchgoers in the Lower Mainland diocese.