Bishop Smith Defies Rowan Williams’ Anglican Panel of Reference

The Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, Andrew Smith has given a sharp warning to the Anglican Panel of Reference "that it will have no role in the battle for alternative Episcopal oversight (AEO)" in the Diocese of Connecticut.

In a February 2005 Communiqué within the Anglican Communion an urgent request was placed by the Primates, and in response the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rev Rowan Williams created and appointed a Panel of Reference to "supervise the adequacy of pastoral provisions made by any churches (that were experiencing) serious theological dispute with their diocesan bishops."

The Anglican Primates stated that the purpose of creating the Panel body was to protect "the integrity and legitimate needs" of the clergy and congregations; all this coming from the vision given in their statement of October 2003.

Diocesan Director of Communications Karin Hamilton, said that Bishop Smith "does not envision a role for it [the panel] in the present conflict as he wishes to resolve the present dispute ‘domestically’."

Rev. Canon David C. Anderson, who is the President and CEO of the American Anglican Council (AAC), responded to the arising situation in the Diocese of Connecticut saying, "This is a staggering development in a dramatic and escalating situation. Bishop Smith ran roughshod over canon law when he seized St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bristol and inhibited their rector. Now he has reportedly challenged the Archbishop of Canterbury who established the Panel of Reference in order to deal with cases just like this one. Are their no bounds to his arrogance and challenge of Anglican authority?"

Guidelines and procedures were discussed last week as the Panel convened.

Canon Anderson said, "It would behove Bishop Smith to take the time to read carefully the Communiqué of the Panel of Reference (July 15, 2005). Requests for intervention are to be made directly to the Archbishop of Canterbury who will refer cases to the Panel. This process does not require the approval or even the knowledge of the diocesan bishop. Bishop Smith has no authority to dictate or to interfere with the due process of the Archbishop’s Panel."

In all, six Connecticut congregations have now formally requested and appealed to the Head of the worldwide Anglican Communion, Dr Rowan Williams, for referral to the Panel of Reference. In addition these congregations have notified Bishop Smith and his chancellor of their petition.