Bishop Smith Dismisses Role and Authority of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Panel of Reference

In an article dated July 22, 2005, the Church of England Newspaper reports that Andrew Smith, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, has “warned” the Panel of Reference “that it will have no role in the battle for alternate episcopal oversight (AEO)” in the Diocese of Connecticut. According to the report, Diocesan Director of Communications Karin Hamilton says Bishop Smith “does not envision a role for it [the panel] in the present conflict as he wishes to resolve the present dispute ‘domestically’.”

The Rev. Canon David C. Anderson, President and CEO of the American Anglican Council (AAC), responded to the recent developments in the Diocese of Connecticut saying, “This is a staggering development in a dramatic and escalating situation. Bishop Smith ran roughshod over canon law when he seized St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bristol and inhibited their rector. Now he has reportedly challenged the Archbishop of Canterbury who established the Panel of Reference in order to deal with cases just like this one. Are their no bounds to his arrogance and challenge of Anglican authority?”

In response to an urgent request from Primates of the Anglican Communion in their February 2005 Communique, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams appointed a Panel of Reference to “supervise the adequacy of pastoral provisions made by any churches” experiencing “serious theological dispute with their diocesan bishops.” The Primates described the purpose of the Panel as protecting “the integrity and legitimate needs” of such clergy and congregations, a vision consistent with their statement of October 2003. The Panel convened last week to set guidelines and procedures.

“It would behoove Bishop Smith to take the time to read carefully the Communique of the Panel of Reference (July 15, 2005),” said Canon Anderson. “Requests for intervention are to be made directly to the Archbishop of Canterbury who will refer cases to the Panel. This process does not require the approval or even the knowledge of the diocesan bishop. Bishop Smith has no authority to dictate or to interfere with the due process of the Archbishop’s Panel.”

St. John’s as well as five other Connecticut

congregations have formally appealed to the Archbishop of Canterbury requesting referral to the Panel of Reference and have notified both Bishop Smith and his chancellor of their petition. The situation in Connecticut demonstrates clearly why Delegated Episcopal Pastoral Oversight (DEPO), a plan developed by the Episcopal Church House of Bishops, is woefully inadequate and fails to meet the standards set by Anglican Primates.

The AAC on events in Connecticut,
Will at Prydain, 7/25/2005

The American Anglican Council has issued this statement about the declaration by the Diocese of Connecticut that the Panel of Reference would not have a role in resolving the situation in that diocese. I found this comment by Canon David Anderson of the AAC to be most interesting:

“It would behoove Bishop Smith to take the time to read carefully the Communique of the Panel of Reference (July 15, 2005),” said Canon Anderson. “Requests for intervention are to be made directly to the Archbishop of Canterbury who will refer cases to the Panel. This process does not require the approval or even the knowledge of the diocesan bishop. Bishop Smith has no authority to dictate or to interfere with the due process of the Archbishop’s Panel."

I admit I am no canon lawyer, but it will be interesting to see who wins in this contest of wills. I'd bet that given the state of ECUSA today, there will be no immediate consequences for the Bishop.

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Speak the truth in love. Eph 4:15

Now he has reportedly challenged the Archbishop of Canterbury who established the Panel of Reference in order to deal with cases just like this one. Are their no bounds to his arrogance and challenge of Anglican authority?”

How 'wude'!

I'd bet that given the state of ECUSA today, there will be no immediate consequences for the Bishop.

The thugs have taken over ECUSA and all the old rules about civility, etc. have been overthrown.

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