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| New Archbishop of Wales John Davies after his election in 2017 Source: Church in Wales |
The maxim Actions speak louder than words is not one that can be readily associated with the Church in Wales when observing the actions of its bench of bishops.
A recent Provincial press release advised readers: Archbishop endorses new Lent course, Generosity and the inheritance of Lent.
The course is designed to encourage participants to share their stories and thoughts on generosity and inheritance in relation to a number of different topics including the environment, the economy, justice and peace, openness to others and neighbourhood. [My emphasis - Ed.]
There was no openness about the bishop of Monmouth's absence from duty until his absence was picked up by the media. Seven months later the bishop of Bangor is rumoured to be overseeing events in Monmouth but there has been no official statement other than that mediation is taking place.
In the real world that is mushroom management: keep in the dark and shovel in manure when necessary.
Contempt for the faithful runs deep. The Bench uses loaded questions and farcical consultations to get their way while claiming democratic decision making by the Governing Body. No generosity has been shown to orthodox Anglicans dismayed that faith handed down from the Apostles has been set aside to satisfy secular whims.
Although Governing Body rejected same sex marriage proposals favoured by the Bench the bishop of Bangor has issued an Episcopal Letter, presumably with the blessing of his colleagues, which again comes out in favour of same sex marriage even after admitting it would be contrary to scripture.
Bishop Andy's proposals have been firmly rejected by Dr Martin Davie, a leading Anglican theologian who served until recently as theological adviser to the Church of England’s House of Bishops.
As for inheritance, scripture and tradition have been rejected in favour of moving with the times. The bishop of Bangor ends his letter with: "This debate cannot be ignored but neither can it take place without wisdom, generosity and grace."
There is no wisdom in extending generosity to other faiths and none when Christianity is under threat. A member of the House of Lords has expressed fears that telling other people about the Christian faith could soon become a crime. Also, it is beyond reason when the traditional family comes under threat not only for our children but for the continuity of church life.
Speaking after his enthronement archbishop Davies said that he wanted to "refresh" the Church in Wales. "It is not business as usual", he said. 'Refresh' has been "more of the same - but speedier".
On the heels of so-called gender equality promotion came the LGBTQIA+ chaplaincy in St Asaph followed by the first transgender priest. Meanwhile the Bench have renewed their push for same sex marriage.
First impressions given by the newly appointed women bishops in the Church in Wales were that the main thrust of their ministries was the advancement of the LGBT aganda - see Barry's gay legacy. We have since had ageism and misandry in St Davids and profligacy in Llandaff.
In Monmouth there has been rumour and speculation. The latest twist is the rumour that the bishop of Bangor has been given oversight of Monmouth. Interestingly the Rev Caroline John has been employed as a hospital chaplain by the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board in jolly June's diocese.
If the bishop of Bangor were to be translated to Monmouth it would leave open the way to amalgamate Bangor with St Asaph, one of the few recommendations of the Harries Review [Section 15] which has yet to receive attention.
As the next senior bishop to the Archbishop and ten years younger, if Buggins turn comes around bishop Andy would be well placed to become the 14th Archbishop of Wales.
The Pope of Bangor, who has taken to issuing his 'infallible' ex-cathedra statements (don't make me laugh!) cannot simply take control of the Diocese of Monmouth. The senior staff of Monmouth might not want to work with Dick Pain, but he has the canonical rights to the Diocese until the day he resigns the See. Then an electoral college would have to be convened to appoint a successor. The bunglers on the Bench might think that they have it all sewn up, but the electors of Monmouth might think differently. Perhaps Jeffrey John might get the chance to wear his purple cassock after all - but going on past performances of the Electoral College and the Bench - I wouldn't put the order in for it just yet.
ReplyDeleteSeymour
Y si am Mynwy - ('si' or murmurings - subtle Welsh language joke) the si re the see of Monmouth is that the the bishop will not be appearing for LEAST a few more months ... some say quite a few months ...
ReplyDeletePP A sorry sight for Monmouth clergy and laity, rudderless and still suffering the aftermath of the failed coo. I do hope, the rising tide of descent continues and Bishop Richard is welcomed back to his rightful cathedra.
ReplyDeleteThe two women bishops seem in this photograph to be taking a back seat. Maybe the next Archbishop of Wales will be either Joanna or June rather than Andy? Maybe Joe Coral will open a book to see who will succeed Archbishop John and will a woman become Archbishop of Wales before Sarah goes to Canterbury?
ReplyDeleteAs for diocesan amalgamations - isn't the diocese of Leeds experiencing financial difficulties now that Ripon, Bradford and Wakefield have been amalgamated? A salutary warning, perhaps!
Back seat drivers? Paul
DeleteDid people know that Wales now has THREE women bishops? Rev. Jill Duff (wife of the head of St Padarn's) is associate bishop in St Asaph diocese. That means we have six 'active' bishops again - with full gender equality. (Perhaps this is readying Gregory for the expansion to merge with Bangor)
DeleteTonge, Williams and Mason are still trying to oust Bishop Richard by continuing to refuse mediation.
ReplyDeleteThey now have Pinnington and Bishop Andy in their camp.
Bishop Richard clearly has the support of the vast majority of clergy and laity in the Diocese. However, they need to act quickly if they are going to get him re-instated.
The Archbishop appears to be playing for time and still hoping that Richard will give up and go quietly.
On what basis does Bishop Richard "clearly have the support" of the vast majority of clergy and laity in the Diocese? Others would disagree.
DeleteAre his supporters privy to the complaints made against him or simply currying favour?
As Bishop of Monmouth he should have acted decisively, returning to duty as soon as it was determined that he had no case to answer.
Bishop Richard has lost credibility by sitting on the sidelines for seven months watching his diocese become paralysed.
He should now retire and let the diocese move on.
The basis of Bishop Richard’s support is in the published letters of Area Deans, Clergy, Diocesan Officials and “hundreds of letters of support” sent by parishioners.
DeleteI am not aware of any such support for the Dean or Archdeacons.
The complaints were about “style” (he enjoys a drink and a laugh with parishioners) rather than “substance” which is why they were readily dismissed.
I agree that he should have acted more decisively but unfortunately he has misplaced trust in the Archbishop.
And if he retires who will manage the disfunctional Archdeacons and Dean?
You have been misled Monmouth Observer. Enjoying a drink and a laugh with parishioners are not among the grounds for instituting the procedure for alleged misconduct or poor performance under the Constitution of the Church in Wales.
DeleteMy understanding (from a source in Callaghan Square) is that there were “concerns” raised about Bishop Richard’s behaviour but a formal disciplinary process was never started and he was not suspended. He was asked to voluntarily refrain from work while an investigation took place. The investigation showed that there was no case against him but because of the “concerns” raised by the Dean and Archdeacons a mediation process was recommended. However, the complainants did not like the decision of the investigator and refused to participate in the mediation process.
DeleteThis would be consistent with concerns about the Bishop’s informal style which is most unpopular with 3 of his senior colleagues.
Using high fives and cavorting in Eucharistic vestments may be regarded as appropriate behaviour for a bishop in the Church in Wales today but there have also been reports of inappropriate remarks which are unacceptable. A lack of openness has served only to muddy the waters. John
DeleteIn the meantime the Diocese of Monmouth is paralysed. The Archdeacons have gone into hiding. More clergy are leaving. There are numerous vacancies but no new appointments. Services are being cancelled. The Archbishop has refused to talk to parishioners. How much worse can it get?
ReplyDeleteAndy's overseeing role is now discussed openly in the diocese of Monmouth and has been mentioned 'formally' in recent parochial meetings ...
ReplyDeletePP well instead of Llandaff clergy going for a jolly to learn mission, perhaps they should drop into Monmouth and give a helping had to sort the mess out. I'm sure June can handle three ADs and a wayward Dean. How long can the status quo go on. I guess not long.
ReplyDeletePerhaps a better solution PP would be to put the six bishops, their deans and archdeacons on the plane to Santiago with a one way ticket, but then that would do Ancient Briton of anything to talk about! Besides which, if we inflicted that lot on Spain, it could lead to unwelcome hostility for Welsh holiday makers and pilgrims.
DeleteSeymour
PP. Great idea Seymour but I agree it would do nothing for relationships.
DeleteGeraint my reference to 3 ADs is that Mon has 3 now.
Grumbles on the Green report that at last Sunday's evensong at Llandaff where Mark Preece was appointed Canon Precentor, June waxed lyrical about her plans to modernise the Chapter. She wants a smaller number of residentiary canons working on-site rather than "priests with large parishes in places like Porthcawl" - an open dig at Masson!
DeleteAnyway, this was no surprise to blog readers in the congregation as they'd heard it here first. Time will tell whether having some adults around will keep the narcissistic little Dean in check.
I just went to the Church in Wales website to be greeted by the words, "Oops! something went wrong" At first I thought it was the Bishops owning up to their appalling behaviour over the last few years, but it appears that the web hosting service has expired. A pertinent comment on the Church in Wales perhaps. SD.
DeleteIt's news to Porthcawl that there is a Canon working in Porthcawl!
DeleteTo single out a priest for such a remark, from the pulpit of all places, sums up the sort of person Mrs Osborne clearly is.
DeleteMaybe it was not unconnected with certain parties' support for rival candidates as Bishop of Llandaff...?
DeleteAhh... hell hath no fury like a...
DeleteI don't think that's it at all Simon and Fr David.
DeleteMasson didn't 'scorn' June as she was not even a candidate for consideration in the first round of the Llandaff Electoral College.
Her name wasn't thrown into the sorting hat until long after Jeffrey John's chances had been sabotaged by +Swansea & Brecon.
The words on The Green and from Salisbury is that Caiaphas is simply a nasty bitchy piece of work, full stop.
I have neither seen nor heard anything to contradict that point of view thus far.
Point taken Ruth, Masson's allegiance to JJ isn't relevant here.
DeleteBut mention of the Canon raises an interesting question. He is the current Precentor of Llandaff Cathedral. On what legal basis was a new Canon Precentor installed in the Cathedral last Sunday afternoon, with a new stall, a salary and a house on the Green?
The existing Scheme of the Cathedral Chapter provides for 13 canons including a Precentor, our friend Masson.
In other words, is the new Canon Precentor in a post that does not legally exist?
June's statements in the pulpit about the new arrangements for the Chapter lead to another question. Is there any provision in the Constitution of the Church in Wales to extinguish an existing Chapter? It seems June's proposal is for an entirely new Chapter consisting of a limited number of canons and lay people. How is this done under the Constitution?
Ruth, from my happily limited acquaintance of the divine Mrs O, I can concur with your description and perception of her wholeheartedly. I suspect she dislikes Fr M because of his frankness, honesty and refusal to "brown nose" his way into her circus of horrors. ;-)
DeleteCome come Simon, how naiive are you?
DeleteDone by the Constitution?
In Llandaff?
The Constitution went out of the window years ago - the Llandaff Chapter has been operating unconstitutionally since the dud in the Deanery sacked the deputy Chapter Clerk and Sir Donald kicked the bucket!
For those interested, here are the relevant extracts
Deletehttps://www.churchinwales.org.uk/resources/constitution-handbooks/constitution-of-church-in-wales/volume-2-section-3-schemes/
THE SCHEME OF THE CATHEDRAL CHURCH OF LLANDAFF
Section I
THE PREFACE
1. The Constitution, Statutes, Ordinances and Customs of the cathedral church of Llandaff which are operative at the present time are hereby confirmed and continued, save only in so far as they may be contrary to or inconsistent with the following.
2. This Scheme shall come into operation on 19th September 2001.
Section II
THE CATHEDRAL BODY
1. The cathedral church of Llandaff shall be governed, as heretofore, by the Cathedral Chapter (commonly called the Dean and Chapter and hereinafter referred to as the Chapter), subject always to the ecclesiastical law as received or enacted by the Governing Body of the Church in Wales.
2. The Chapter shall consist of the Dean and sixteen Prebendaries or Canons, of whom:
(a) the Archdeacon of Llandaff shall rank first always next to the Dean and the Archdeacon of Margam and the Archdeacon of Morgannwg shall rank next to the Archdeacon of Llandaff in order directed by the Bishop;
(b) the Treasurer, the Chancellor and the Precentor shall rank in this order or in such order as may be directed by the Bishop always next to the Archdeacons;
(c) the ten other Prebendaries or Canons, namely of Llangwm, Fairwell, Warthacwm,
Fairwater, St. Nicholas, Caerau, St. Dyfrig, Holy Cross, St. Andrew and St Teilo shall rank in the order of their admission to the Chapter next to the Treasurer, the Chancellor and the Precentor.
3. The first stall on the south side of the Choir, reckoned from the Nave, shall, as at present, be the Dean’s and the first stall on the north side of the Choir, exactly opposite the Dean’s, shall, as in times past, be assigned to the Archdeacon of Llandaff. The Archdeacon of Margam, the Archdeacon of Morgannwg. The Treasurer, the Chancellor, the Precentor and the ten other Prebendaries shall be assigned stalls in the Choir by the Dean after consultation with the Bishop.
4. After collation and on presentation of the Bishop’s Mandate, each member of the Chapter shall be installed by the Dean and admitted into the Chapter, having first read aloud and signed a declaration faithfully to observe the Constitution, Statutes, Ordinances and Customs of the cathedral, and this Scheme, and diligently to perform all that shall be required of him or her by the Chapter in respect of his or her membership therein.
5. Every Prebendary or Canon holding an incumbency or other office in the diocese shall resign the prebend or canonry when he or she ceases to be an Incumbent or to hold such other office, unless the Bishop shall otherwise determine.
6. The Bishop, in conferring a prebend or canonry upon a cleric who holds some office outside the cathedral other than a parochial benefice, may provide in the letters of collation that the individual who receives such collation shall forthwith vacate such prebend or canonry when he or she ceases to hold such office.
7. If at any time additional emolument (including for example remission or reduction of house rent) shall have been assigned to any Prebendary or Canon solely in virtue of the prebend or canonry the Bishop shall have power, with the consent of the Chapter, to assign to such Prebendary or Canon, by a letter of which a copy shall be deposited in the Chapter archives, such additional duty within the cathedral, under the direction of the Dean, as the Bishop shall think reasonable.
(Part 2)
DeleteSection III
THE BISHOP
1. The existing powers of the Bishop as Visitor, and his Ordinary Jurisdiction over the cathedral and the Chapter, shall continue as in times past.
2. When the Bishop comes to be enthroned, the Dean shall summon every member of the Chapter to be present and take part in the proceedings from the beginning to the end thereof.
3. The Bishop may hold Ordinations, Confirmations, Synods and Visitations in the cathedral at such times and in such manner as he shall determine; with the consent of the Dean he may also hold other special services in the cathedral, but not so as to interfere with the ordinary services of the cathedral.
4. The Bishop shall have the right to take such part in Divine Service and to preach at such times in the cathedral as he shall think reasonable, after consultation with the Dean.
5. It shall be the duty of the Dean, Prebendaries and Canons, to assist the Bishop, if he so require, at all services or administrations in the cathedral at which he is the principal officiant.
6. The Bishop has the right to hold a Consistory Court in the cathedral.
7. The Bishop may, as occasion arises, summon the Chapter to meet him in the chapter house; at such meetings with the Chapter the Bishop shall preside, but he may retire while the Chapter determines its response to his proposals or questions. It shall be the duty of every member of the Chapter to attend such meetings.
8. The Bishop may, with the consent of the Chapter, abrogate, alter, abridge, enlarge, interpret or add to the Constitution, Statutes or Ordinances of the cathedral, or abolish any Custom thereof, provided always that such power shall not extend to anything contained in this Scheme.
Section IV
THE DEAN
1. The Dean is the principal member of the Chapter, as being the first in the number thereof, and is technically styled its Numeral Head.
2. The Dean shall keep residence for at least eight months in every year. To the keeping of such residence two things are requisite: first, that he live and sleep in the official house attached to the deanery, and secondly, that he give attendance at Divine Service in the cathedral regularly throughout his period of residence.
3. The Dean, during his period of residence, shall officiate at such services and preach on such occasions in the cathedral as he may from time to time arrange with the Chapter.
4. The Dean shall preside at all meetings of the Chapter, and in case of equal voting shall have a second or casting vote.
5. The Dean shall instruct, advise, or admonish any of the Dignitaries, Prebendaries or Canons, Chaplains, servants or employees of the Chapter in order that they may the better discharge their respective duties, but he shall not take further proceedings without the consent of the Chapter.
6. The Dean shall be responsible to the Chapter for seeing that their regulations are made known to all parties concerned and are performed by them.
7. The Chapter shall from time to time nominate a member or members of the Chapter who shall be empowered to act in the Dean’s stead whenever the Dean happens to be out of residence, or incapacitated by sickness or other urgent cause from the performance of his duties.
8. During a vacancy in the office of Dean, the Bishop may from time to time nominate a member or members of the Chapter who shall act in the Dean’s stead.
(Part 3)
DeleteSection V
THE DIGNITARIES, PREBENDARIES OR CANONS
1.
(1) The Chapter, with the concurrence of the Bishop, shall at all times adopt one of the systems respectively set out in Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the Schedule hereto.
(2) The Chapter, with the concurrence of the Bishop, may from time to time adopt the system set out in Part 3 of the said Schedule in addition to one of the systems respectively set out in Parts 1 and 2. If the Chapter adopts Parts 2 and 3 of the said Schedule, the non-requirement of residence contained in Part 2 shall not extend to the Residentiary Canon for whom provision is made in Part 3.
2. The Treasurer or Sacrist, being in residence, shall be responsible to the Chapter for the custody and good condition of all the moveable or fixed furniture of the cathedral; otherwise his or her duties shall be carried out by the Dean.
3. Until the Precentorship be adequately endowed, the duties of this office shall be carried out by a person appointed by the Dean, and under his direction.
4. Until the Chancellorship shall, in the opinion of the Chapter, be adequately endowed, the duties of this office shall be carried out, under the direction of the Dean, by the Chapter Clerk or such other person or persons as shall be appointed by the Chapter for this purpose.
5. It shall be the duty of each member of the Chapter to attend all meetings thereof, and take due part in the business of the Chapter.
Section VI
THE CHAPTER
1. There shall be four ordinary meetings of the Chapter in each year on dates to be approved by the Chapter, but the dates of such meetings may, for adequate reason, be altered at the discretion of the Dean.
2. Special meetings of the Chapter may be summoned at any other times when, in the opinion of the Dean, the business of the cathedral so requires, and likewise on the written requisition of any four members of the Chapter.
3. To form a Chapter meeting the presence of five members of the Chapter shall suffice, but they shall not conclude any business for which the consent of the majority of the Chapter is requisite.
4. The Chapter being a College or Society, the decision of the majority of the members thereof shall be accepted as being the decision of the whole and shall bind all.
5. Every resolution which has received the consent of eight members of the Chapter present and voting shall be accounted an Act of the Chapter.
6. The Chapter shall make such orders, regulations and bye-laws as may be necessary to give effect to this Scheme, and shall have power to revise, annul or add to the said orders, regulations and bye-laws.
7. The Chapter shall appoint a Chapter Clerk who, in person or by a deputy approved by the Chapter, shall attend all meetings of the Chapter and take minutes of the proceedings thereof, and shall perform such other duties as are set forth in the orders, regulations or bye-laws aforesaid.
8. Subject to the provisions of clause 5 of section V of this Scheme, the Chancellor of the cathedral shall be responsible for the safe custody of all the books, deeds and papers within the cathedral and belonging to the Chapter, except such as are entrusted to the Chapter Clerk.
Section VII
THE MINOR CANONS
The Minor Canons shall do such work, within or without the cathedral, as the Dean may direct, subject to any regulations made by the Chapter.
(Part 4)
DeleteTHE SCHEDULE
Part 1
The Prebendaries or Canons shall each reside for such period in every year, and in such rotation, as the Chapter may from time to time determine. Such residence shall mean: to live and sleep in such place as the Chapter shall from time to time require, to attend Divine Service in the cathedral regularly throughout the period of residence, and to preach as often in the cathedral as the Chapter may prescribe, but the Prebendary or Canon in residence may preach additional sermons in the cathedral at the request or with the permission of the Dean.
Part 2
1. Residence at the cathedral shall not be required of any of the Prebendaries or Canons.
2. One Prebendary or Canon, nominated from time to time by the Chapter, shall be present at the cathedral services on every Sunday, and shall take such part therein as the Dean may direct, in accordance with the regulations of the Chapter.
3. The Prebendary or Canon so present in the cathedral shall preach as often on that Sunday as the Chapter shall from time to time prescribe, but may preach additional sermons at the request or with the permission of the Dean.
4. The Chapter shall endeavour to ensure that at least one of their number is present at Morning and Evening Prayer in the cathedral, daily throughout the year.
Part 3
1. There shall be one full-time Residentiary Canon, who shall hold office for a period or periods not exceeding twelve years in all.
2. Such Residentiary Canon shall live and sleep in such place and for such period or periods in each year as the Bishop may determine.
3. Such Residentiary Canon shall undertake such work in the diocese and in the cathedral as the Bishop, after consultation with the Dean, may determine.
A source of particular amusement to me is the fact that the sections referring to Dean & Bishop still suggest there is no place in Llandaff for Deanesses and Bishopettes.
Well spotted Llandaff Pewster.
DeleteOnly "he" and "his".
No "she" or "her".
Oh my, golly gosh, no "Ze" to satisfy the non-binary transgender crowd either.
Someone in Callaghan Square will be for the order of the boot with a special place in Hell reserved for such blatant discrimination and lack of inclusivity.
There'll be a Rainbow LGBTQIA++-/%$£@*! picket outside the RB on Monday morning.
With specific reference to THE SCHEDULE, Part 3 paragraph 1, I have two questions.
Delete"There shall be one full-time Residentiary Canon, who shall hold office for a period or periods not exceeding twelve years in all."
First, how long has the existing Canon Residentiary been in post?
Second, since there is one full-time Residentiary Canon in post, on what basis has the Vicarette of Thornbury in Gloucestershire, Rev Dr Jan van der Lely, been appointed already?
Whoever is responsible in the RB and DBF for equality, inclusivity and diversity is well and truly screwed.
DeleteThe Capon and the Toad have been trying to get rid of the Canon Residentiary for years and so has Caiaphas since she arrived.
DeleteThey'll all be kicking each other's backsides when they realise they have all overlooked the twelve year limit to his appointment. ��
If memory serves LG, Holcombe was originally installed as Canon at Llandaff and only in recent years translated to Canon Residentiary.
DeleteThe three ADs !! CinW, like Facebook, experts in the four 'Ds' - see Appleyard in today's Sunday Times: deny, delay, deflect and dissemble. These are, according to Roger McNamee, the tactics Facebook has consistently deployed to deal with the deluge of criticism ... maybe Anna & Co are true fans!
ReplyDelete"And the word became flesh, and his name was Gregory. Or was it Barry Bangher"? ( Source - 'Wynne and the Willows' by Cathy and the Curate of Blaenau 115th edition)
DeleteBerwyn of Anglesey
Good morning! And "what a good morning it is". The much despised Berwyn of Anglesey, blamed by the infamous 'immature, trigger happy bishop of Bangor, for the demise of the 'Llan' Welsh church newspaper during 1993-94, is hopefully making a return within the public arena. Mind your step all you editors out there. No editorial fees of the
ReplyDeletedark Dr Bangher (Bob Monkouse) can compete with the circulation of this blog by Ancient Briton . Check and see for yourself.
How, with Christian joy and laughter we all remember the saintly, but brave late Canon Glyndwr, theologian, pastor and hymn writer, under cover of 'natural darkness', would smuggle copies of the 'Llan' under the nose of a pompous Dean Eurwyd into the Cathedral Church of St Deiniol Bangor each Saturday evening. Few they were, who received invites to the 'Zulu war dance sessions' held at Ty'r Esgob in those days. God Bless Berwyn and God Bless Grecian 2000.
Wil ap Nefyn
"Congratulations Comrade Archbishop; with 99.9% of the votes cast in your favour, it was one of the closest democratic elections we have ever managed".
ReplyDeleteSLG