An online petition was launched on 7 September calling on the Bishop of Sodor and Man to resign: Bishop Stop the Bullying!. The petition is now closed with 194 signatures.
The Manx media picked up the story earlier this week.
John Turner Isle of Man Today Online petition calls for Isle of Man’s Bishop and Archdeacon to resign
Manx Radio Petition calls for bishop’s resignation
It is also reported that the bishop had a heart attack on Monday, although he appears to be well on the way to recovery.
Adrian Darbyshire Isle of Man Today Bishop recovering from heart attack
Isle of Man Today Bishop speaks to iomtoday about heart attack ordeal
Goodness. The people taking their bishop to account? Whatever next?!
This petition is obviously a follow up petition to those submitted by Rev Jules Gomes to Tynwald earlier this year (although the current petition clearly and cleverly does not mention Jules name). Given that that is the case, I think it appropriate to want to know more about Jules Gomes, where he feels he has been wronged, and his history of working within the Church of England. A brief ‘google’ on the internet indicates that his previous position was as Canon Theologian (and theological educator) in Liverpool Diocese and Hope University, but that his tenure there was remarkably brief. For… Read more »
Bishop Paterson is a very nice and godly man and he has a lovely wife. They once ministered in the largest parish in Llandaff. He was the first bishop to ordain Anglican women priests on the Isle of Man. He is an excellent preacher.
The Canon explains himself here:
http://www.manx.net/tv/mt-tv/watch/73180/tynwald-day-petitioner
People have changes in their careers, and are entitled to. Rev Gomes gained a CMS/Langham scholarship to undertake his PhD at Cambridge. It was announced on 8th August 2008, in The Church Times, that Rev Gomes was to be Assistant Minister at Harefield St Mary’s. However, he resigned with effect from 20th June 2009. In the 2009/10 prospectus for The London School of Theology he is listed as a Lecturer, and he lectured there simultaneous with his appointment at Harefield from 2008. In September 2010 he is reported moving to Liverpool. He has voiced disagreement with ‘homosexuality’: “Not a single… Read more »
Is this the bishop Paterson who voted against extending pension rights to Church of England clerics in civil partnerships? I believe it is.
When in the York province he had a reputation as an uncompromising evangelical and not very ecumenically minded, so I wonder what he finds difficult in this cleric?
Susannah Amen to your prayer but please, a ‘fairly standard evangelical preacher and teacher’ is an unflattering generalisation that in no way reflects the diversity and mix of this tradition in the church today. And is any comment on his theological tradition even relevant?
Okay, having watched Canon Gomes being interviewed via the link above, he and the Bishop *definitely* need independent mediation.
The Canon is making very strong accusations against the Bishop, and someone needs to get to the bottom of the substance behind the charges, as well as listening to the Bishop too.
Sad.
I think that comment on this case should be approached with great caution. All is not as alleged.
Having also watched that video interview, I agree with Pete. And am therefore closing comments on this article, at least for the time being.