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Bishops

Mar 27th, 2009 by

The subject of how Anglicans have traditionally selected bishops (in North America, anyway) has come up in the comments recently, and I think it deserves a dedicated discussion. In my local experience, it seems to me that the process has selected for “nice” people, rather than people who are suited to the position. I believe that bishops need to be people who can speak truth in love and are able to make difficult decisions. It seems to me that in the system that North American Anglicans generally use, it is the exception to find that sort of person consecrated bishop rather than the rule. What do you folks think? What could be done about it? How should bishops be selected?

Posted in Anglican Church of Canada

20 Responses to “Bishops”

  1. 1
    Brian Ellis - Ottawa says:
    March 27, 2009 at 8:37 am

    Kate
    The ANiC Canons Committee has gathered information on the various methods used throughout the Anglican world. The methods vary greatly. However, Canada and Australia tend to be the places where local interest, i.e., a virtually totally diocesan, process is used. Other places use the form of an electoral college made up of representatives of the diocese and the wider church gather together to elect/select a bishop. What seems to be as important as the actual electoral process (and virtually all Anglican provinces have an election process of some sort, including the Church of England) is the nomination process. The real question on that is how “open” that process should be to input from all members of the Synod or local churches.

    What we do need to recognise is that there is no perfect system. Each one of them is only as good as the people involved and their individual and collective willingness to adhere to the qualifications found in the Scriptures and to listen to how the Holy Spirit may be guiding the church.

  2. 2
    Kate says:
    March 27, 2009 at 8:52 am

    What you say about the nomination process is very true. When I was involved in politics, it became very obvious that the power lay with the committee that decided which motions would make it to the floor of convention. It is really that committee that decides the direction of the party (at least, the party I was a member of worked that way).

    So Brian, are you willing to share your personal opinion on the direction we should go (re bishop selection) with us?

  3. 3
    Gordon Arthur says:
    March 27, 2009 at 9:55 am

    The ideal would be election by the laity and clergy, with each person having a single vote, after a period of prayer and discernment.

    However, I’m not convinced:

    (1) that Synods that actually elect bishops are representative of the laity (all the clergy are automatically members of Synod),

    (2) that either the laity or the clergy as a whole here are sufficiently theologically literate to make a Godly choice, rather than just voting for someone they like (there are, of course, exceptions in both categories), or

    (3) that they would take into account the fact that bishops serve the whole Church, not just their diocese, and appoint accordingly.

    It almost (but not quite) makes me wish we had something like the Crown Nominations Committee here.

  4. 4
    Michael says:
    March 27, 2009 at 11:07 am

    There is no perfect system of electing a Bishop in the Anglican Church of Canada. Perhaps we should elect a Bishop for a term of five years, eligible for re-election every five years afterwards.

  5. 5
    Kate says:
    March 27, 2009 at 11:37 am

    I don’t think so. I actually think that the selection of bishop ought to be less democratic, not more.

  6. 6
    Gordon Arthur says:
    March 27, 2009 at 1:31 pm

    Kate [#5], you won’t get any argument from me that democracy is no basis on which to run a Church (I have said this in print).

    My interest is in discerning the will of the Holy Spirit, which is why I want to widen the base as far as possible. It is much easier for a small group of people to delude themselves than it is for a larger group.

  7. 7
    Liz says:
    March 27, 2009 at 3:21 pm

    I agree with Gordon and Brian. I think there needs to be input from the wider church as well as the Diocese. Possibly each Ecclesiastical Province could form such a search/selections committee for all Episcopal elections held in the Province?
    I would like to see laity as well as clergy involvement from the wider community and a very thorough Diocesan profile developed for them and potential candidates to review proir to prayerfully discerning the call upon each person and the appropriatness of the Spiritual gifts they offer to the Diocese.

  8. 8
    Brian Ellis says:
    March 28, 2009 at 7:52 am

    Essentially there are two points in any selection process where there needs to be a balance between an “open” and a “closed” process. Those are the nomination point and the election process. For example does a diocese/synod go for a detailed nomination process where a group/committee through a variety of inputs selects up to, say, four names to go on a ballot of the entire synod? This type of process would usually involve a bunch of “town meetings” where the electorate can meet and question the selected nominees. This type of nomination process can work with any type of election system.

    On the other hand is a completely open nomination process where any member of synod can nominate any clergy person and there is no limit on the number of nominees. This process could work with an election by either the full synod or by a smaller but broader based electoral college.

    Personally I prefer a fairly controlled nomination process as long as the nominating committee is broadly based and canvasses the church extensively to seek out appropriate nominees. I am not as concerned about who does the election after that. I guess that I would still go for an electoral college in our current ANiC situation as the costs of a special electoral synod are prohibitive. I also am in favour of a very formal ratification or consent process to the election from some group beyond the diocese such as the House of Bishops.

  9. 9
    Michael says:
    March 28, 2009 at 9:25 am

    I was involved in electing eleven Bishops in the past and I will not participate in any more episcopal elections. Very often conservative clergy become more liberal once they become Bishops. Why are worrying about the process of electing Bishops since the Anglican Church of Canada may cease to exit forty years from now?

  10. 10
    AMPisAnglican says:
    March 28, 2009 at 10:02 am

    I agree with Gordon (6). Church is not a democracy. Also (as I have said in another place), having the Bishop elected by the Clergy and Laity is like have the teachers and students elect the principal. It simply does not make sense.
    In response to Michael (9). ACoC might cease to exist, but ANiC and ACiNA most certainly will. It will be important for ANiC and ACiNA to ensure that the process of selecting (not electing) a Bishop works for God.
    We should be willing to consider other options. For example, the manner in which Colleges and Universities select department heads. Could something similar be done within ANiC? Or, in the United States, the President “nominates” an individual for a Cabinet position, and Congress then says yes or no. Perhaps our Primate could “nominate” one individual to become a Bishop, and then have the nomination approved or declined by majority votes of both Clergy and Laity. Point is, there are many options, some of which must work better than how ACoC is doing it now.

  11. 11
    Jonathan says:
    March 29, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    Having the clergy hire their boss is not a good idea, we will end up with whoever will bend to the majority of peoples wishes. I like the idea of non-working (i.e. retired) priests doing ir, people familier with the church and with scripture but non tainted by the political ramifications of voting for or against one of their colleagues that may be their new boss.

  12. 12
    siena says:
    March 29, 2009 at 5:57 pm

    It would be helpful if people were given the biblical as well as the canonical guidelines for a bishop and a prayerful reminder before an election. (The same applies to priests and deacons.) With an average of 10% who read the Bible or attend a Bible study in some places, probably fewer have read the synodical guidelines. The actions of a bishop reflect on the whole Christian church, not just one denomination. Do Synod delegates make a prayerful and informed, or an emotional decision? A representative short-list from the Selections committee with background before the Election would be helpful. Also suggest a renewable term and covenant.

  13. 13
    Stuck in Toronto says:
    April 7, 2009 at 12:38 am

    1 Timothy 3
    1 This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
    4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;
    5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
    6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
    7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
    10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
    12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
    13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

    For brevity I have only quoted partial instruction. of all of this the first verse is the most important in my estimation. “If a man desireth the position of Bishop” – this is a good thing. OK so if we need a Bishop let those who desire put their names forward. This eliminates stage one, selection. Now depending on the portion of the church were the Bishop will serve let all involved, be it regional, diocesan, or Provincial, enter a period of fasting and prayer say three days, not for discernment but for divine intervention. At the end of that period some or all but one (this would be a good sign) of the candidates may drop out. If not a second period of three days begins immediately. At the end if no clear result has been determined than the seventh day is spent in joy and celebration. for a new Bishop will be named the following day.

    How? During the seventh day a child will be chosen and on the first day of the second week a wonderful celebratory service will be held, you know with massed choirs priests and Bishops in processional and servers from various churches will be involved. Lets say there are four candidates left. Four servers will carry four golden and lidded bowls with the name of each candidate. These four will escort and be escorted by the chosen child throughout the service. After communion all will depart the Sanctuary. The five will solemnly approach the sanctuary with the Crucifer leading. after he has moved aside (as in a normal processional) The Four servers will enter the sanctuary while the chosen child kneels at the altar rail. Joined by all in silent fervent prayer. The four servers will deposit the four containers on the altar. on equally spaced pre-positioned
    markings. Then they will depart the Sanctuary and join all in prayer. When the chosen child is ready She or He will approach the altar pick up a single bowl turn and move to the edge of the sanctuary and hold the container above her or his head. At this moment all will sing. “Praise God from whom all blessings flow”. When this is finished the chosen one will be approached by the senior Bishop in attendance and one server. He will stand at the sanctuary entrance and receive the container He will open it and pass the empty container to the server receiving His staff at the same time. He will turn to the congregation and read the name Bishop ___ _____ the new Bishop will come forward and traditional rites of consecration may continue or be determined at a later date. All will retire for praise and thanksgiving through fellowship. This ends the service of the children for picking a Bishop.
    Well Kate you asked for it.

  14. 14
    Stuck in Toronto says:
    April 7, 2009 at 9:02 pm

    C’Mon Anglicans were are ya!
    Sure it may need some fine tuning, but it as sound as a grain of mustard seed.
    and I’ll suggest this to you. If we do not get our young people involved noooo immersed in the life of the church NOW
    WE WILL LOSE THIS GENERATION. If we haven’t all ready.
    I mean fully. Province wide Server (to the church) program junior and senior. Expansive training and facilities. weekend training conferences / summer camps. A clear and concise easily taught Sunday School Curriculum, again province wide. (Which can be augmented by senior Servers that are Qualified)Oh yea! Remember Confirmation? Boy did we blow that concept. Lets bring it back, bigger better, a year long course say, first semester once a month, second twice a month, third semester, once a week, Fourth semester first two months with increasing one on one mentoring (again qualified senior servers certain adults any ordained who do not have candidates that year and visits from their Bishop. Last month- no hockey, no movies, sacrifice and dedicated preparation. Fine tuning, and bingo the great day. In the cathedral, yep good fer you -massed choirs, a Spirit of excitement – anticipation The Priests and Deacons present their charges to their Bishop He examines them, then presents them to the Archbishop. This Is the moment that the last year has been for, that the young people have been taught to anticipate. The Archbishop, himself prepared with fasting and prayer in the witness of all the candidates will Lay hands on his Bishops. They will receive again, the blessing and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. And with The Archbishop’s witness will pass that (dare I say) second baptism to these new adult members of our family. That is the Family of God Selah.

  15. 15
    Kate says:
    April 7, 2009 at 9:09 pm

    My son was nervous enough on his confirmation day, all that fuss would have made it very much harder for him. As far as I am concerned, the basics for confirmation are all that are really necessary. In other words, this is where you stand up in front of your community of faith and you take a vow that you will follow Jesus for the rest of your life; you say yes, I agree with what my godparents promised for me, and I take these promises on for myself. If he hadn’t been prepared to mean that promise, I wouldn’t have allowed him to be confirmed.

  16. 16
    Stuck in Toronto says:
    April 7, 2009 at 11:18 pm

    Kate I mean this with love and respect, why was he “nervous”.
    Perhaps this is an unfair question it is not made for debate.

    Our church has failed miserably in it’s responsibility to the young, particularly at the difficult swing time between childhood and adult. The church has abdicated her responsibility in presenting a “right of passage”. Consequently we are faced with the secular “rights”, drivers license, Grad parties, legal drinking age. None offer any serious preparation for adulthood. It is interesting to note that the more primitive the culture the greater the “Right of passage”.

    Perhaps in fairness, Confirmation was not designed as a gateway to adulthood. If so and if it is only a “vow to follow Jesus for the rest of life” how would you describe its overall success in the past 50 or so years. What about the laying on of hands. I have spoken to many Anglicans over the last 10 years and I have not found one that received the Holy Spirit and “daily increased in the Holy Spirit” as was imparted to the Candidates by the Bishop. The way I see it our young people are largely left on their own to weave and dodge and struggle their way through a minefield that is puberty. Many don’t recover for a long time. some don’t recover at all, and it IS getting worse.

    In saying you think the basics of confirmation is all that is necessary, is, I pray, sufficient for your son. I do not believe it comes any where near sufficient for our children in the culture that our children have to be exposed to.

    Love to you in Christ Jesus

  17. 17
    Kate says:
    April 8, 2009 at 7:21 am

    My son was taught well enough to understand what he was doing. I thought I implied that, though I guess I didn’t. No argument from me that more thorough preparation is necessary – I just don’t necessarily see the need for all the pomp and circumstance.

    As far as the nervousness goes – the poor lad suffers from stage fright. He hates having to say anything in front of a group of people for any reason.

  18. 18
    Stuck in Toronto says:
    April 8, 2009 at 10:42 am

    There is no need for pomp and circumstance for you, me and many others. To offer ceremony and participation to young people is giving them what they most lack at this vulnerable time, IDENTITY. Identifying with their church as an active participant will (with proper up-bringing and teaching) give them awareness and faith growth in their Lord, and with the attendent disciplines prepare them for adult-hood. Of course there would be time for AYPA, Pizza nights, etc. but first and always comes the Great Commission. As for the Pomp and Circumstance (and his stage fright) I am going to take a chance here and suggest that you ask your son (if he is still in that age bracket) if he is interested in Drama (club etc.). You may be surprised. In any event had he been exposed to these things from childhood I’m willing to bet “Stage fright” would not be an issue.
    Your Brother in Christ.

  19. 19
    Kate says:
    April 8, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    I think the reason that Confirmation means nothing to many kids who go through it is because it has become an empty ceremony. The solution to that is better teaching.

  20. 20
    Stuck in Toronto says:
    April 8, 2009 at 8:06 pm

    Hey Kate I think we are moving toward the same page. Here’s a thought I think the new AciNA should stop all legal action immediately. Render unto ceaser whatever he wants. That of course will leave all God’s stuff to us. Including, I’m thinking more than just a couple of “mustard seeds”. Than…..move a mountain here, move a mountain there, I can see it know. Virtie on Line, dateline ……… the most amazing thing is happening, children are going to church. All over North America children are inundating the Anglican church and dragging their parents with them. Its a phenomina that has never………….. What’s that noise oh… the alarm clock.

    Kate in could well be church bells ringing all over the world.
    Love – Stuck

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