Dear Editor,
Bravo to Kieran Wilson for his well-researched and excellently written article on Bishop George Hills’ resolute opposition to racial segregation in Anglican churches in BC in the 19th century (Bishop George Hills and Anglican opposition to segregation in early Victoria). This story recounts one of the better instances of episcopal leadership in our province and beyond.
During our tortuous debates in recent years on the full inclusion of LGBTQ Christians in the ceremonies and sacraments of the church, I had numerous occasions to speak to the national House of Bishops about Bishop Hills’ shining example of courage in the face of prejudice.
His comment to the Black former slaves that he would not himself belong to any organization that excluded them is a searing testament to the priority of gospel over popular opinion. It should be engraved on the walls of our churches.
Hills stood against the public mood in Victoria on this matter, and it had a direct bearing on his historic dispute with Dean Edward Cridge, whose supporters chased the bishop around the diocese when he tried to visit his parishes. The effects of that dispute have deeply shaped Anglicanism in this province and remain with us still.
Hills was not ahead of his time in everything, of course. His opinion of Roman Catholics is a bit shocking to modern sensibilities. He could hardly be called an ecumenist. And his attitude to First Nations might charitably be described as benevolent paternalism.
Despite this, Hills was a leader about whom Anglicans should know more. Thanks to Kieran for re-introducing him to us.
Michael Ingham
8th Bishop of New Westminster (retired)
Qualicum Beach, BC
