THE Clergy Discipline Commission has expressed disappointment at bishops’ infrequent use of conciliation in disciplinary cases, in an annual report that also warns that their “lack of attention” has resulted in a “greatly diminished” pool of tribunal members, the Provincial Panel.
The Commission’s annual report for 2024, included among the many General Synod papers for next February, says that bishops infrequently used their power to refer complaints for alternative dispute resolution through conciliation, although there are “an ideal many individuals throughout the church with expertise in conciliation and it was a shame that this formal mechanism was being underutilised”.
In 2024, there have been three complaints referred to conciliation — 4 per cent of the entire. All were unsuccessful after which needed to be determined by the bishop.
The report also notes that the Provincial Panel (the clergy and laity eligible to take a seat on a disciplinary tribunal) were “greatly diminished” in 2024, owing to “the shortage of attention given by some diocesan bishops to renewing the terms of those members representing their diocese on the Panel, and delays in appointing substitute members when a panel member indicated they were now not available to take a seat.”
The Commission “strongly encourages diocesan bishops to periodically check with their nominees that they’re still willing and eligible to serve”.
It expressed “disappointment on the poor attendance by the representatives from the House of Bishops at meetings during 2024”. In the autumn of that yr, each the Bishop in Europe, Dr Robert Innes, and the Bishop of Liverpool, Dr John Perumbalath, resigned from the Commission.
This week, Dr Innes cited his “heavy commitments to the national Church”, particularly his appointment as chair of the Faith and Order Commission. “At the identical time, I’m bishop of an enormous European diocese and for much of 2024 and into 2025 was and not using a suffragan colleague. This meant that it was difficult to provide the CDC the commitment I felt it needed, and within the autumn of 2024 it was with regret that I took the choice to resign from it.”
It is known that the 2 vacancies have been filled by the Bishop of Dover, the Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, and the Bishop of Fulham, the Rt Revd Jonathan Baker.
The Commission endorsed a pastoral-accompaniment scheme for parties in CDM proceedings which was began within the diocese of London, and commended it to be used in other dioceses. Under this scheme, when a CDM is lodged, the Bishop of London asks her chaplain to alert the relevant area bishop and discover an appropriate accompanier from the list of those trained for this work. Another may be suggested if the respondent isn’t comfortable with the primary offer. Once the archdeacon has been alerted, the realm bishop may also offer support.
The task of the accompanier is to supply pastoral support, prayer, and a listening ear. The accompanier may also offer to attend meetings regarding the CDM grievance, look over letters or responses, and take notes for the respondent.
