An open letter to the people of St Matthew's Anglican Church from the leadership of Mountain Park Community Church . . .

From time to time all of us face adversity. It is even more challenging to face adversity when it comes from those who are your family.

St. Matthews Anglican church is under adversity from their own family simply because they sought to stay true to the historically accepted and globally embraced convictions of their Anglican tradition.

At these times of adversity it is important to have people stand with you for support, encouragement and strength.

The following is a letter of support from Mountain Park Community Church to Saint Matthews Anglican Church:

To our brothers and sisters in Christ at St Matthew's Anglican Church,

Please know that the Mountain Park Community Church continues to stand with you as you go through these difficult times.

As our brothers and sisters in Christ, we support you and continue to pray for you in the midst of uncertainty regarding your future worship space.

We respect the principled stand you took two years ago when you decisively voted to stand on the authority of scripture in spite of the attendant consequences.

Your grace under fire, your indomitable spirit, and your joy in the midst of suffering are an inspiration to all of us.

We are deeply saddened by the unnecessary ill-treatment you have suffered as a result, and are grieved that your stand might cost you the building you have built, paid for, worshipped in and maintained for many years.

As you stand for truth, the authority of God's unchanging word set out in the Bible, the teaching of the church as it has been understood and taught throughout Christian history, and for the life-transforming good news of Jesus Christ, know that we stand shoulder to shoulder with you.

Like our city and country, our church community is enriched by diversity - with different histories and distinctives.

However, as a church, we are united by one common faith that demands we order our lives according to the clear teaching of God's holy word as it has been understood since the beginning of the Christian church.

Abbotsford has been - and continues to be - blessed by St Matthew's faithful ministry through the years.

We deeply value and are very grateful for your contribution to our community.

We believe that God has amazing things in store for St Matthew's and that He will use this adversity to grow and prosper your ministry for your good and His glory - regardless of the building you worship in and carry out your ministry from.

Know that we as a sister congregation in Abbotsford support you, and are praying for you, as you continue to stand for the truth of God's word and seek justice, and not eviction, from your church by the courts.