Bishop of Montana Takes Leave of Absence to Heal Conflicts in Diocese
Episcopal News Service. February 24, 1993 [93031]
Bishop C.I. Jones of the Diocese of Montana announced in a February 19 letter to the diocese that he was "undertaking a 30-day medical leave to undergo an evaluation process at the Menninger Clinic" and would then seek a sabbatical leave before determining whether or not to continue as bishop.
Prior to the announcement, Jones and the diocese were involved in efforts to resolve conflicts between them and "provide growth and healing," said diocesan chancellor, Mark Cadwallader.
The bishop had encountered criticism in recent years over "a history of awkward and confrontative relationships with leaders in the diocese" that had not been resolved, according to Speed Lees, a consultant from the Alban Institute in Washington, D.C. As part of that process, the consultant had recommended that the bishop "separate himself from the diocese" by taking a leave of absence to "evaluate his leadership style (with professional assistance) and develop a plan for enhancing his leadership skill." The consultant also recommended that both the bishop and diocesan leadership work together to "identify the current patterns and behavior which inhibit healthy ways of dealing with difference and practice new ways of conflict management."
Tensions between the bishop and the diocese were complicated even further following a February 10 complaint sent to Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning about a "sexual relationship with an adult female parishioner" prior to his election as bishop. Although Jones admitted his involvement in the relationship in his letter to the diocese, no legal charges have been filed against him at this point.
Following a sabbatical, "the bishop, the standing committee, and the presiding bishop will then review the appropriateness of the bishop and the diocese continuing in mission together," the consultant advised.
"This process provides the necessary elements and safeguards to allow us to seek God's will in coming together in a renewed and healed relationship," Jones said in his letter. He asked for "forgiveness for the pain that I have caused in this diocese and elsewhere," and said he was praying that "my behavior and openness in this process exemplifies the willingness we must all exhibit to submit ourselves to healing."
In the bishop's absence, the diocesan standing committee will assume ecclesiastical responsibilities and make arrangements for episcopal functions.