22 March 2012
To
All Clergy and Laity
in
the Diocese of Pretoria
Update on the Diocesan Leadership/Cathedral relationship
In our capacity as leaders in the Diocese and Cathedral
Chapter, we write to give you a summary report on where the impasse between the
Diocesan leadership and the Cathedral Parish stands at the moment.
Firstly, we thank you for your
ongoing prayers for resolution of the breakdown in relationship between the
Diocesan Leadership and the Cathedral community. Please continue to pray for
the resolution of the problems and restoration of relationships between the
Cathedral community and the Diocesan leadership. As the Diocesan Leadership
(the Bishop, Chapter, and the Diocesan Standing Committee) we reiterate that we
remain committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the impasse that has
developed.
Secondly, our present journey
with the Cathedral Parish contains the following elements:
At the Diocesan Standing
Committee (DSC) meeting on Saturday 3 March 2012 it was resolved that the
priestly services (Sacramental ministries) suspended in November 2011 are to be
restored; that Archdeacons take turns to conduct Sunday Eucharistic services;
and that a sub-committee of Diocesan Standing Committee meet with the Parish
Council to deal with the issues raised by the Cathedral Council on behalf of
the Parish; that a special Vestry meeting to elect new leadership be held; and
that the Bishop appoints a senior priest to take pastoral responsibilities at
the Cathedral until such time as matters are resolved. This decision was
communicated, along with relevant dates, to the Cathedral Parish Council on
Monday 5 March 2012.
On Sunday 11 March 2012 the
Bishop, Chapter and members of Diocesan Standing Committee attended the 09:30
Service at St Alban’s Cathedral and reinstated the Eucharist, formally
reclaiming the Cathedral for the Lord and restoring priestly ministries. This event
was marked by the continual and loud singing of choruses throughout the service
in an attempt to disrupt the Eucharist, along with a demand that the
congregation be addressed by the Bishop on the issues raised by the Parish
Council on behalf of the Parish. Despite this chaos the Eucharist continued
around the High Altar, and a number of parishioners joined the Bishop, Chapter
and members of Diocesan Standing Committee in receiving Holy Communion. The
disrespect shown to the Office of the Bishop and to the Sacrament of Holy
Communion was difficult to stomach. Some people left disappointed by such
behaviour in Church and in the presence of the Eucharist. At the end of the
Eucharist the Diocesan leadership and those who participated in the celebration
of the Eucharist processed out. Those who sought to disrupt the service
remained behind and conducted their own service of Morning Prayer.
On Saturday 17 March 2012 the
sub-committee of Diocesan Standing Committee convened at St Mary’s DSG under
the chairmanship of Judge Tati Makgoka in expectation of a meeting with the
Cathedral Council to discuss the issues raised by them on behalf of the
Cathedral Parish. We were disappointed as a letter, received late the day
before, was tabled by the Diocesan Administrator indicating the Cathedral
Council would not attend. The letter said, “The
Council might consider a meeting with DSC on a mutually agreed future date and
venue provided DSC agrees on the appointment of a mutually agreed, external
independent mediator to facilitate the process.” The meeting agreed to
either of the two Archbishops’ Emeritus, as suggested in the Cathedral Parish
plan received by Diocesan Standing Committee on Saturday 3 March 2012, being
invited to facilitate such a meeting. The meeting also agreed that the
resolution of the DSC to restore the Eucharistic ministries at the Cathedral,
and the appointment of a senior priest would continue as planned. However, it
was agreed that the special Vestry to elect new leadership be postponed.
On Sunday 18 March 2012 the
decision of the sub-committee of Diocesan Standing Committee was communicated
by letter, which was read out to the Cathedral Parish during the 09:30
Eucharist service by the present chairperson, Judge Tati Makgoka. Archdeacon
Elias Lekoro presided over the Eucharist, and reports that the Eucharist went
ahead with some limited disruption during the prayers. Notwithstanding, there
was a substantial participation by members of the Cathedral Parish in receiving
Holy Communion.
Finally, the Diocesan leadership have purposely not invoked
the Canons or Diocesan Rules as a method of dealing with the present impasse,
believing that such a step at this time is not conducive to dealing with the
issues raised, or with possible underlying issues. Recent emails, from an
anonymous Gmail address claiming to represent the Cathedral Parish, received by
the Bishop and Chapter members, suggest there are other issues at play. It is
the Diocesan Leadership’s belief that the present journey will yield fruit and
that true reconciliation will be brought about.
Please continue in prayer and fasting, that the Holy Spirit
of God will truly embrace the process as it continues to unfold, along with all
involved.
Yours in the service of Christ and his Church
The Archdeacons and Canons: Cathedral
Chapter
on behalf of the Diocesan Leadership:
Diocese of Pretoria
