Bishops protest priest’s deposition
As they did last week in protesting the inhibition of the Rev. Mark Hansen of Connecticut, bishops of the Anglican Communion Network have protested the deposition of the Rev. Eugene Geromel of Swartz Creek, Michigan.
The Diocese of Eastern Michigan’s coverage of the deposition is available through Episcopal News Service’s weekly Diocesan Digest.
Forward in Faith North America provides several documents and reports on Geromel’s deposition, including “Bishop faces opposition from fellow bishops,” “Fr. Gene Geromel deposed but not rejected,” “Fr. Gene Geromel: Background timeline and information,” and “FiF NA Council statement on deposition of Fr. Gene Geromel.”
Statement Read at the Deposition of Father Geromel, Eastern Michigan
August 4, 2005
We, the undersigned bishops of The Episcopal Church USA, reject as invalid the declaration of deposition by the Right Reverend Edwin M. Leidel Jr., the Bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Michigan, against the Reverend Gene Geromel under Canon IV.10 [Of Abandonment of the communion by a priest or deacon]. We reject this deposition on its spiritual, moral and canonical content and find it reprehensible use of episcopal authority by a fellow bishop of this Church.
The inhibition and deposition of Father Geromel pronounced by Bishop Leidel contradicts the expectation of the Primates when a matter has been referred to the Panel of Reference. We find no restraint by Bishop Leidel “to those requesting a stay on any civil or ecclesiastical proceedings.” [First Plenary Session — Panel of Reference] Father Geromel has been deprived of due process, and has not been afforded any manner of appeal, which likewise occurred in the actions of the Bishop of the Diocese of Pennsylvania against Father David Moyer, and the Bishop of the Diocese of Connecticut against Father Mark Hansen. These actions are a deliberate misuse of Canon IV.10. We believe no credible case has been made that Father Geromel has “abandoned the communion of this church.” The pattern of abuse of our canons is alarming.
As a witness to our solidarity with Father Geromel, and in keeping with the spirit of the Windsor Report, and as witnesses against this injustice which compromises the bonds of affection as of August 4, 2005, the Reverend Gene Geromel is granted license to function in each of our dioceses as a priest in good standing, and we welcome him to continue his service as a brother priest of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
Keith L. Ackerman, Bishop of Quincy James M. Adams Jr., Bishop of Western Kansas Peter Beckwith, Bishop of Springfield Robert Duncan, Bishop of Pittsburgh John W. Howe, Bishop of Central Florida* Jack L. Iker, Bishop of Ft. Worth John-David Schofield, Bishop of San Joaquin
David J. Bena, Suffragan Bishop of Albany Stephen H. Jecko, Assisting Bishop of Dallas Edward H. MacBurney, Diocese of Quincy (Retired) Donald J. Parsons, Diocese of Quincy (Retired) Henry Scriven, Assisting Bishop of Pittsburgh William C. Wantland, Diocese of Eau Claire (Retired)
*Bishop Howe has since changed his mind.
For more information, please contact:
The Rev. Keith Acker Communications Director Forward In Faith North America Upholding the Faith and Order of the Undivided Church
Posted at 8:18 am 8.4.2005 | Permalink