Bishop confuses Act of Synod

Sue Careless

A bishop who reluctantly gave his public assent to a motion that was passed by clergy and lay leaders at his diocesan synod has now, in his private correspondence, thrown the Act into confusion.

The 43rd Synod of the Diocese of Brandon voted in favour of allowing Essentials Manitoba to meet in individual parishes where the local Corporation (minister and wardens) would permit. However, just twelve days later, in his private correspondence to clergy only, Bishop Jim Njegovan would seem to instruct his parish priests not to agree to such meetings.

In the letter obtained by the Anglican Planet, dated Nov. 2 and addressed “Dear Clergy family,” Bishop Njegovan writes:

“I also feel I need to comment on Resolution #14 concerning ‘Essentials Meetings’ in parishes with consent of the Corporation. I hope that I do not need to remind you that in your ordination promises you state that you will respect and be guided by the pastoral direction and leadership of your bishop. As licensed clergy you also swear Oaths and Subscriptions, one of which states, ‘I will pay true and canonical obedience to the Bishop of Brandon in all things lawful and honest. So help me God.’ I also trust that you are all fully aware of my position and pastoral direction with regard to Essentials Manitoba; if you are not, please feel free to speak with me about it. To date no one has shown me any example of how Essentials Manitoba or Essentials Canada is building up the family of God within this Diocese of Brandon or within the National Church and I see it doing just the opposite. From my perspective, it operates from [a] secular political model, not a Church one, but enough said.”

He concludes by saying that the letter is intended as “private correspondence” to the clergy of the diocese and “is not to be considered a public document.”

Lay delegate Michael Waldron told the Planet: “Having made the motion in question at the recent Synod, and having seen Bishop Jim’s humble decision to accept the will of Synod and not withhold his concurrence to the motion, I am profoundly disappointed that the Bishop is undermining the motion now in secrecy, and attempting to avoid having his letter brought to the attention of the laity. I find it hard to understand how the Bishop can hug me in brotherly acceptance at the conclusion of Synod, and days later address a letter to his clergy intimidating them in private to follow his lead in dealing with Essentials Manitoba.”

The Rev. Canon Charlie Masters, National Director for Anglican Essentials Canada, also responded: “I would have thought a diocesan bishop would see our goals as compatible and supportive of the Church’s mission and would welcome Essentials rather than accusing us of being “political” and treating us as outcasts. We are seeking to be faithful to Scripture and build unity in the truth, not unity at the expense of truth. Essentials is committed to upholding established Anglican doctrine – the supremacy of Holy Scripture, the Book of Common Prayer as the standard of doctrine and worship, the Ordinal, the Articles of Religion and the Solemn Declaration of 1893 as the foundation of Anglicanism in Canada.”

The bishop, who was also invited to comment said only: “My intention was that it was a confidential letter between bishop and clergy. My assent to the Resolutions of our 43rd Synod was given and has not been withdrawn. If there is confusion, my clergy are welcome to speak to me directly.”