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| Bishop Richard Pain Source: Twitter @ChurchTimes |
Glowing tributes from the bishop's supporters after the story broke along with current publicity suggest a concerted effort to reinstate the bishop as the victim of unfounded allegations.
No details of his absence were made known until an article appeared in the Western Mail forcing the story into the open and ending a curious silence which gave rise to much speculation and damaging rumours.
Given the almost saintly qualities poured on him by his supporters it is difficult to imagine how any possible grievance could have been raised against such a bishop, a procedure which is not used lightly.
According to the Church Times the bishop is "spoken well of by his flock", presumably following a statement by 'six area deans and eight ministry area leaders in the diocese' who described their bishop as "a deeply kind and caring pastor to his clergy" and "much loved and respected not only among the clergy of the diocese but also amongst the lay members of the church from across the diocese in the parishes and communities amongst which he has served."
Appointed assessors 'exonerated' the bishop of unspecified wrongdoing but he remains absent at the archbishop's request while mediation is in process.
The bishop of Monmouth along with the bishop of St Asaph and bishop of Swansea and Brecon (now archbishop) were together at St Michael's College, Llandaff 1982-83.
Appointed assessors 'exonerated' the bishop of unspecified wrongdoing but he remains absent at the archbishop's request while mediation is in process.
The bishop of Monmouth along with the bishop of St Asaph and bishop of Swansea and Brecon (now archbishop) were together at St Michael's College, Llandaff 1982-83.
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| The bishops of Swansea and Brecon, Monmouth and St Asaph Photo: South Wales Argus |
To avoid any suspicion of an old boy's network in operation, clarification of the grievances made against the bishop of Monmouth is needed to eliminate any doubt and restore confidence if he returns to episcopal ministry.
If the Church times report ('on good authority' - which probably means unattributed confirmation from the Bishop himself) is correct, and +Richard is returning to work in February, it is to be hoped that this will also mean a clearing-out of the dross from the senior staff so he can start with a clean sheet.
ReplyDeleteThe simmering mistrust among the foot soldiers towards the self-appointed assassins needs to be calmed if unity is to be restored to a fractured diocese. Lister Tonge's self-promoting tendencies have already been chronicled on a previous thread (and some of my friends with Mirfield connections have told me much more). Jonathan Williams is hardly the brains of the operation and, like Lister, is rather too full of himself.
This is has been a shameful episode, compounded by Shirley's lack of leadership. His transparency hasn't been exactly commendable, either. Anyone who hides behind Anna Morrell makes himself look automatically suspect.
Talking of suspect, I hear there are rumblings in Llandaff about Mr Toad's moonlighting as (what I understand is euphemistically known as) a 'Door Steward' at Llandaff Cathedral over the festive season of goodwill, and exceeding his authority (as usual) by ejecting worshippers, not least of whom is an upstanding member of the judiciary. Is what I am hearing correct? If so, I can't imagine the Bishop is very comfortable about it, given her close connections to the legal profession.
Your information is correct Alwyn.
DeleteThe Toad evicted Judge Jonathan Furness QC and family en masse for the alleged crime of "reserving" seats for other family members for the Service of Nine Lessons and Nine Carols on Christmas eve afternoon.
I seem to recall quite a few comments about it on a previous thread.
I am reliably informed it was all the talk at another Judge's party in Fairwater later the same day.
Llandaff Cathedral is run as a social club for Capon and his little friends. As Christianity becomes a niche pursuit or a means to get people's kids into a better school, churches devolve into special interest groups.
DeleteLike Theresa May, Capon is a useless leader who was appointed by default. Llandaff Cathedral only survives by dint of the annual £67,000 bung - sorry, "grant" - it gets from the Diocese.
When other parishes lose their priests and their churches, they should remember this largesse and withhold their Parish Share. Likewise, members of the Llandaff Cathedral community who are unhappy with its awful management should stop their giving. Many have already.
It may well be Club Capon but the man himself hasn't been seen for two weeks now. Another absent cleric to add to the list?
DeleteIf one of my staff was so frequently on holiday as the Dean of Llandaff seems to be, I'd ask them if they would like a longer and more permanent holiday.
DeleteIn Bangor, the Boy Bishop is in no danger of a similar coup. He has avoided any risk by meekly handing authority over to the former cottaging archdeacon. The bishop says what he wants, knowing that it doesn't make any difference because it is the archdeacon who actually decides what happens and makes appointments etc.
ReplyDeletePP. It's now February I wonder if the Bishop will resume his duties as noted in recent comments.
ReplyDelete