The Tribune

By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

ANGLICAN Diocese Bishop Laish Boyd has denied that his decision to remove I Ranfurly Brown as archdeacon was because he would not apologise to Prime Minister Perry Christie for comments he made last year, instead claiming that Mr Brown committed “several notable infractions” that resulted in his dismissal.

Bishop Boyd also said he no longer has “confidence” in Fr Brown’s capability “to perform the function of an archdeacon.”

In a letter to his clergy dated January 21, 2016, Bishop Boyd said Fr Brown had previously engaged in “open disrespect” for the office of bishop and had been the source of “words and actions that were grossly inappropriate and injudicious.”

Bishop Boyd said as diocesan bishop, he deserves to have persons “in my Advisory Council who are supportive, cooperative whose behaviour represents the office of bishop well, and in whom I can repose confidence.”

Bishop Boyd’s statements came after reports that Fr Brown was recently dismissed due to comments he made after the funeral of businessman A Bismark Coakley in August 2015.

Fr Brown wrote in the church’s Sunday bulletin, shortly after the funeral, that each speaker at the funeral was to speak for three minutes.

However, Fr Brown said speakers at the funeral, including Mr Christie, showed “disrespect” by not adhering to the three-minute time limit.

According to initial reports, it was Fr Brown’s failure to apologise for his comments that ultimately resulted in his removal as archdeacon.

However, in a letter penned to the clergy on Thursday, Bishop Boyd said Fr Brown’s dismissal was “far larger” than what has been speculated.

“Over the years, the archdeacon has committed several notable infractions; he has engaged in open disrespect for the office of bishop, and he has been the source of words and actions that were grossly inappropriate and injudicious,” Bishop Boyd’s letter read.

“These are all in the public domain and their cumulative effect is untenable. It is not an exaggeration to say that this has brought disrepute to the church, and hurt too many of the faithful.”

He added: “None of us is perfect nor do I expect perfection, but as bishop, I no longer have confidence in him to perform the function of an archdeacon. As diocesan, I deserve to have persons in my Advisory Council who are supportive, cooperative, whose behaviour represents the office of bishop well, and in whom I can repose confidence.”

Bishop Boyd added: “It is most unfortunate that information about this diocesan administrative matter has hit the public domain prematurely, with the accompanying embellishments and interpretations, that is, stating that the sole reason for my decision was archdeacon’s failure to apologise to the prime minister. Nothing could be further from the truth.

“…We as clergy would want to advise people that the bishop has his reasons for his actions. This, of course, is in keeping with Anglican polity whereby the bishop makes certain appointments. And I believe it is true to say that all of us know the veracity of the issues and concerns I have raised.”

According to Bishop Boyd, he advised Fr Brown of his intent to appoint a new archdeacon of the West Central Archdeaconry on Thursday, January 7. The naming of the new archdeacon will take place in “early to mid-February,” Bishop Boyd said.