Thursday, December 9, 2010

Parish Unrest Warrants Bishop’s Intercession


From Texas-

During a recent visitation at Trinity, Houston, the Rt. Rev. Andy Doyle confronted the vestry for continued attempts by some to undermine the rector’s authority. The congregation worked with a mediator during the spring and summer to address dissention between the rector, staff and parishioners.

The bishop assured the rector, the Rev. Hannah Atkins, of his support noting her commitment to follow recommendations of the mediator, along with numerous lay leaders who were “setting about the corrective measures called for.” Bishop Doyle said however, he was “saddened” by the continued destructive behavior of some and promised to remove current or future vestry members unwilling to work with the rector in good faith.

“The roles and responsibilities of vestry members are clearly defined in our Canons,” Bishop Doyle said. “We cannot expect that there will never be conflict, but we do expect that our clergy and elected lay leaders will focus their energy to build a healthy congregation that welcomes new members and responds to its neighbors with compassion and caring,” he said, adding, “The congregation at Trinity is vibrant and welcoming. I’m sure they will continue their outreach to the Midtown Houston area and become one of the outstanding congregations in the diocese.”

More here-

http://www.epicenter.org/edot/NewsBot.asp?MODE=VIEW&ID=705&SnID=1453889738

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