Phil Little, Ladysmith

Yesterday afternoon, Sunday November 7, 2021 Chris Diamond died after a very short time being in palliative care at The Summit residence in Victoria BC.

Chris began living at The Summit only a few month ago, as his mental condition deteriorated with dementia making it difficult to live safely in his wonderful home in the Cherry Point area overlooking Saltspring Island.

Chris and Naomi just celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary in October. Chris had been an Oblate missionary serving in the north of BC among the Indigenous peoples with whom he developed life-long friendships.

Originally from Northern Ireland Chris had the interest in learning some of the languages and the nuances of dialect. Chris was a pioneer in many ways but a life-changing decision came with his marriage to Naomi, who was an American nurse volunteer with the Frontier Apostles. Chris was at the beginning of the wave of clergy who opted for the 7th sacrament – marriage and relationship.

At one time on Vancouver Island in the late 20th century there were apparently more than 60 married priests – most whom had officially renounced or sought dispensation. Some left the old life 100 percent, not wanting to be associated with church in any way.

Chris was quite different. His past as an Oblate and as an ordained minister was treasured and incorporated into his married and family life. He of course had to find employment, and education proved to be a natural direction. On the Island Chris was instrumental in the formation of the local CORPUS married priests group which had two sections Victoria and Peninsula and the mid-Island group.

The CORPUS group tried, largely unsuccessfully, to maintain open channels of communication with church leaders. Some CORPUS members were willing to fill in at parishes without resident clergy, without cost to the diocese, as the CORPUS men could, like St. Paul, maintain themselves through their own sources of employment. However those doors remain closed, perhaps because it would rattle too much those regular clergy following the tradition, or perhaps out of fear of retribution from Rome under the ultra-right dogmatism of John Paul II and Benedict XVI.

When one door closes another opens, and Chris found ministry in different ways. He maintained for decades a scripture study group in the Duncan area. The CORPUS ministry evolved into a larger format called Xristos Community Society.

Under the auspices of Xristos, a Journal format was published 4 times a year with a diversity of articles by members, and always a contribution by Chris and Naomi. Chris was the main editor and remained the main force behind the Journal until it ceased formal publication only in the last few years. Those Journals are still available on line. The Xristos society was registered and enabled members to officiate at weddings providing civil registration and a religious ceremony, an alternative to persons otherwise turned away by traditional parishes.

Xristos expanded its membership to include clergy from other Christian communions and early in the 21st century CORPUS became involved with the Roman Catholic Women’s Priest movement (RCWP). François Brassard and Connie Kurtenback were asked to mentor Dr. Michele Birch-Conery, a professor of English. Michele became the first Canadian woman ordained according to the Roman Catholic ritual and following her three other women on the Island and the mainland were mentored, supported and ordained.

Perhaps the most defining aspect of Chris Diamond was family. He and Naomi were blessed with three daughters and eventually a number of grandchildren, some now adults. Their home was built and expanded, with full windows to the east overlooking Cowichan Bay towards southern Saltspring Island. There was little wall space left bare with the many photos of daughters and grandchildren proudly displayed.

His journey done. Those who knew Chris and shared in his life story are blessed to have received his friendship, his counsel, and wisdom.

Our condolences to Naomi, daughters and grandchildren who most will experience the absence of this most loving man. We who knew Chris also grieve his passing. He will Rest In Peace!