Sylvia Keesmaat Empire Remixed What ever happened to the Bible in the Marriage Canon Debate? A Look at the Classic Texts
Meg Munn Chair of the National Safeguarding Panel Safeguarding and the Clergy Discipline Measure
Andrew Lightbown Theore0 Speaking of liberalism
Hayley Matthews ViaMedia.News Does the Bible Really Say….that Families Need a “Mummy and a Daddy”?
In regard to Hayley Matthews excellent piece, let me note that even in her example of a “nuclear family,” the Cunninghams obviously treat Fonzie as a family member; he lives with them, eats with them, goes on vacation with them. They treat him as one of their own.
I leave others to comment on the long list of points made by Meg Munn about the CDM. But it’s paradoxical to note that she states that the Bishops of Salisbury and Lincoln undertook a survey of their fellow bishops to gain information about their experience of “using” the Measure, while reflecting that the Bishop of Lincoln has been suspended (purportedly) under the provisions of the CDM. Personally, I was also very unhappy that she felt fit to say that the Bishop of Chester should consider resigning in advance of the results of an official inquiry. Bishop Forster also faces… Read more »
Just a point of note: Peter Forster Bishop of Chester is attending the IICSA hearing this Wednesday morning.
In the light of Bp. Peter’s evidence to IICSA on Wednesday, the CDM is entirely understandable.
I’m surprised to read that. He gave pastoral reasons for the 20 years prohibition, having consulted and being supported by the President of Tribunals. It is still open for the prohibition to continue after the 20 years period, if that is felt to be appropriate. The Bishop has accepted that he made an error of judgement in relation to Peter Dickenson’s 2009 letter and renewal of PTO, but in the event subsequent enquiry has confirmed that Dickenson had a clean record in the 30 years after Bishop Whitsey (mis)handled the original disclosure of abuse. We must await the outcome of… Read more »
My reaction to the Meg Munn piece is that Satan has won as the Church retreats ever-further into legalism. Survivors need to be assisted and ongoing risks mitigated, but the Church isn’t content with that and now seeks to judge and discipline rather than reform and forgive.
I’m not inclined to the use of such terms as ‘Satanism’ in an attempt to make sense of what is going on.
To my mind, failing institutions in death throes use “legalism” as one of their last resorts for survival.
The Church of England, as an institution, is in deep crisis – and it is pitifully unaware of it.
If there were a “like a lot” button, I’d press it. There is deep-seated evil sustaining the protect-the-organisation-at all-costs mentality. The last days of the Soviet Union come to mind – think Chernobyl cover-up.
Kate, my concern is about legality which is important and essential. As an example, was the suspension of the Bishop of Lincoln lawful? I can’t offer a categorical answer to that question, but have grave doubts that it was. I’m sure Diocesan Registrars and Chancellors all round the country rubbed their chins when that was announced.