Episcopal Press and News
Diocese of Montana Adopts Plan of Reconciliation to Heal Rift with its Bishop
Episcopal News Service. July 28, 1993 [93137]
Bishop C.I. Jones, who took a leave of absence after a rift within the Diocese of Montana threatened its ministry, has joined with diocesan leaders to shape a plan of reconciliation that will restore major elements of his episcopal leadership.
The plan, adopted by the diocesan council June 22, is designed to "regain and confirm a sense of unity, a common vision for ministry, a respect for one another in our diversity, a reverence for the church as the Body of Christ in a sinful and broken world, and a belief in the power of God to act in our lives in the midst of pain and struggle."
Jones began a leave of absence in February after tensions erupted over his leadership style described by a consultant as "a history of awkward and confrontative relationships with leaders in the diocese." In addition, the situation was complicated further when the presiding bishop received a complaint about a sexual relationship between Jones and an adult female parishioner prior to his election as bishop.
Under the plan, the bishop will continue therapy to reshape and modify his leadership style and confront the implications of the incident of sexual misconduct from his past. His progress will be evaluated next April and progress toward reconciliation and healing will be reported to the diocese by June 1, 1994. At that time the bishop and the diocese will "consider the future of their ministry together."
As part of the plan, the people of the diocese will attempt to build communication and relationship skills so that "differences of opinion will be exchanged openly and with mutual respect for the dignity of the other." The clergy of the diocese will also join in a period of self-examination and use clergy conferences in an attempt to move toward "accountability to one another."
Until the plan has been evaluated, Jones will confirm and ordain, visit parishes, and supervise his office staff but he will not chair meetings of the diocesan council, preside at the diocesan convention, develop the diocesan budget or initiate any disciplinary actions without consulting the diocesan council.
"Unity within the Body of Christ can be achieved only by us turning our swords into plowshares," Jones said in the July issue of the diocesan newspaper. "While this is difficult to do, the vast majority of Episcopalians in Montana want to move ahead doing Christ's ministry. I look forward to a changed and renewed relationship with you as we have many years of work fulfilling God's will for us together in this place."