Episcopal Press and News

OHIO: Bishop says Kenyan archbishop does not have his permission for planned ordination

Episcopal News Service. January 24, 2007 [012407-03]

Mary Frances Schjonberg

Bishop Mark Hollingsworth of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio, has told Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi of the Anglican Church of Kenya that he is "profoundly disappointed" that Nzimbi plans to officiate at an ordination in Cleveland January 27 without his consent.

Hollingsworth sent a copy of the January 20 letter to diocesan clergy on January 23.

"I am profoundly disappointed that you intend to do this having neither sought nor received my consent. As bishops, we are bound by a mutual respect of diocesan boundaries and jurisdictional authority that is an ancient practice in the Church, consistently and recently affirmed by the Windsor process and the Archbishop of Canterbury," Hollingsworth wrote. "Please understand that you do not have my permission to exercise any episcopal or sacramental ministry within the geographical boundaries of the Diocese of Ohio."

Hollingsworth also told Nzimbi that if he maintains his plans to visit the diocese for the ordination, he and Ohio Assisting Bishop David C. Bowman would like to meet with him as "fellow bishops of the church."

Hollingsworth's letter refers to Bowman, retired bishop of the Diocese of Western New York, as Nzimbi's "long-time colleague and friend."

The ordination is due to be held in a non-Episcopal Church property.