Alternative episcopal ministry in Montreal

November 16, 2011
by George Conger

The Bishop of Montreal has agreed to allow the former Bishop of Western Newfoundland to provide alternative episcopal oversight to conservative clergy and congregations in the diocese. Proposed by the Windsor Report, “shared episcopal ministry” was endorsed by the Canadian House of Bishops in 2004. However, last week’s announcement from Montreal marks its first trial use in Canada.

In his opening address to the diocesan synod meeting on 27 Oct 2011, Bishop Barry Clarke of Montreal said a tentative agreement had been reached whereby Bishop Leonard Whitten would offer episcopal ministry to conservatives . While legal jurisdiction would remain with the Bishop of Montreal, the diocese was offering a “pastoral response to a need that needs to be addressed,” Bishop Clarke said.

“I would continue to be the diocesan bishop of both the bishop and the parishes,” he explained.

Conservative clergy and congregations have been at odds with Bishop Clarke since the 2007 meeting of synod requested the bishop authorize rights for the blessing of same-sex marriages. On 31 Oct 2008, Bishop Clarke announced he would go ahead with the blessings, even though the Canadian House of Bishops had requested the church honour the wishes of the 2008 Lambeth Conference and not proceed with the innovation. the rest