Diocese of Georgia Bishop Benhase Dismisses Parish Vestry and Rector

from Stand Firm by Jackie

Update: It appears the letter was on Calgary’s website but has been removed, however, it is on the Diocesan website here.  

This was forwarded to me via email with the note the date is an error and should read 29 March 2012.

29 March 2010 [sic]
Dear People of Calvary Church:

The events of this week have saddened me greatly. I learned on Tuesday that three of your former Vestry Members (including both wardens), while still serving on your Vestry, had on March 16, 2012 formed a non-profit corporation called “St John’s Anglican Church of Georgia, Inc.” This was a direct violation of their oath of office as members of the Vestry. Anyone, of course, is free to leave any church any time they feel so led, but we all would hope that they would do so openly, honestly, and with integrity.

This development also required me to place the Reverend Don Hutchens on Administrative Leave according to Title IV, Canon 7 of our Church Canons until I can discover what part he may have played in this action and what his connection to this new church might be. I also was required to dismiss the entire Vestry until I can ascertain who on the Vestry will keep the oath they made before God to carry out the duties of their office. As soon as is practicable, I will reconstitute the Vestry with current elected members. Temporarily, I have appointed Linda Kidd as Senior Warden and Jeffrey Waldrop as Junior Warden.

Let me assure you that Calvary Church is in good hands. The Holy Spirit will not abandon the Church of Jesus. Canon Logue will preside and preach on Palm Sunday, the Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. We have also arranged for the Reverend Kedron Nicholson to preside and preach for all of the mid-week Holy Week liturgies and Wednesdays and Sundays for some weeks to come. Calvary Church will continue to worship God, serve Jesus, and be a witness to the Holy Spirit’s ongoing reconciling work in the world.

I know for many of you there is a mix of pain, sadness, and anger. That is understandable when we experience such loss. My fervent prayer is that our actions going forth will give God the glory; that we all will act with compassion and mercy; that grace will prevail in all our interactions with one another; and, that in spite of any anger or sense of betrayal we might have, we will follow the way of Jesus.

With much love and with many prayers for all of you, I remain, Yours in Christ,

The Right Reverend Scott Anson Benhase, Bishop of Georgia