Bishop of New Jersey Confronts Polarization of Diocese in Reconciliation Meeting
Episcopal News Service. December 4, 1997 [97-2033]
(ENS) In an effort to move the diocese into what he called "the next phase of healing and reconciliation," Bishop Joe Morris Doss of New Jersey directly confronted criticism of his leadership that recently led the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council to call for his resignation.
"Conflict can be the sign of a growing body," Doss said in a 45-minute address during a November 15 day of reconciliation at the cathedral in Trenton, but "when conflict divides the body, then we have a problem. When conflict leads to nothing but pain...when conflict turns the body against itself....when conflict results in the exclusion and shunning of any parts of the body, then we have a problem."
Contending that he understands the pain and shares in it, and admitting that he has contributed to it by mistakes he has made, Doss said that he was sorry -- and offered his repentance. "I think most of you will agree that we have entered a radically new day, with terrible new demands, calling for very real changes," he told a standing-room-only crowd of more than 800 jammed into the cathedral.
"Nothing has been done which can separate us," Doss said. "I am not going to abandon you even if you want me to. I am committed to you. We are bound by our baptismal covenant," he added. "I am asking supporters and detractors alike to examine our motivations, our tactics, our sins and confess them and make amends -- and then go forward and be blessed with the grace of reconciliation with one another and to God."
Doss called the meeting "to begin the third stage of our healing and reconciliation." For the last two years deep divisions have emerged in the diocese, including challenges to the bishop's leadership style. An outside consultant outlined in a report to the diocese last spring some of the deep-seated tensions in the diocese and a wellness committee report October 6 outlined a strategy for healing.
In calling for the bishop's resignation a few weeks later, the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council said that they were convinced that the diocese could not move towards healing under the leadership of Doss. In a pastoral letter sent to all congregations October 31, Doss said that he would not resign. "You elected me to serve as your bishop and to lead you forward into the third millennium as a united and strong missionary diocese."
The tensions that were apparent even before Doss spoke emerged quickly during the question-and-answer period, moderated by Bishop George Hunt, retired bishop of Rhode Island, who has been asked by Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning to serve as a "mentoring bishop" for Doss. "We are here to continue the wellness process, moving towards reconciliation," Hunt said. He explained that the meeting was called by Doss. "It's his meeting, his agenda."
The Rev. Leroy Lyons, chair of the diocesan black caucus, who had challenged Hunt's explanation of the ground rules for the session, loudly objected to what he said was a blatant attempt to stifle opposition. He asked those who agreed with him to join him by walking out. About a third of the congregation quietly filed out, leaving a large hole in the middle of the sanctuary. Unable to read prepared statements, some of the detractors stood outside the cathedral, passing out their comments.
"How many times have we gone through this charade in the past four years?" said George Moore, a spokesman for the black caucus. "Your open, superficial acts of penitence and promise of reconciliation clearly meant nothing," the stinging statement said. "You are the same vindictive, dysfunctional, lying, deceitful person with the charm and coyness to fool those who have not yet had the opportunity to get to know you," he wrote.
In fielding a string of questions, most of them expressions of concern for the lack of trust, Doss said that he was "standing before you in all vulnerability, trying to be as open and frank as possible, to deal with issues of trust."
When asked why he would want to stay in such a divided diocese, Doss said that "there's much more at stake than my personal feelings....that the divisions and problems and issues won't be solved easily by my leaving." He talked about the uniqueness of the episcopal office, saying that if he bowed to pressure and resigned, "It would be the first time a bishop would be asked to resign because people don't like him." He said that "getting rid of me would be avoiding the deeper issues," arguing that "the disagreements are not between the bishop and the diocese but among the people of the diocese -- and that won't go away."
In response to a woman who was confused why the elected leadership of the diocese were critical enough of the bishop to call for his resignation, Doss said that he does not question the integrity of his critics. One man stood up and suggested that, if they had trouble relating to the bishop, the Diocesan Council and Standing Committee should resign.
Doss said that most of the allegations he hears "are simply not true." He asked everyone to "surrender the perception that people don't trust me so that we can move forward." When he said, "I am your bishop. God has called me here," he was greeted with a loud applause.
"I must find a way to earn trust -- but it is clear that some people won't be a part of the reconciliation process," Doss said in answering a question about his interpretation of the walk-out. He called the walk-out an "orchestrated moment," with buses lined up outside the cathedral with their motors running. Hunt added that he had heard some details of the demonstration several days before the meeting.
Doss expressed his confidence of "our ability to forgive each other," saying that forgiveness "is at the heart of my understanding." He said that it was not only possible, but likely. "I don't want anyone to leave the circle."
After the bruising conversations in the morning, participants gathered for Eucharist and the mood shifted. "This diocese does not need a new bishop," said the Rev. Neil Alexander of the University of the South in Sewanee in his sermon. "It needs a new heart...a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to convict us of our sin and to console us in God's mercy.
The service reached a poignant climax when a woman and her small child walked down the aisle and asked for the bishop's personal blessing. Soon others in the congregation surged forward to join her, singing familiar hymns, their tense smiles signaling a hope that reconciliation might still be possible for their fractured community.
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