Letter writer comes to the defense of Bishop Boyd to suspend Brown

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Archdeacon I Ranfurly Brown suspended as Rector of St. Agnes.

Dear Bahamas Press,

Please let the idiot who wrote that silly letter several days ago regarding Bishop Laish Boyd know that he should be ashamed of himself. He can be as appalled as he wishes. The fact remains Brown shows  no respect for authority. The issue is not about the vestry member and the petty issues he and Brown have. As far as I and many in the church are concerned both the Rector and the vestry member are wrong. They both have arrogant attitudes and have dragged our bishop into a war that embarrasses the church as a whole. This is not the first time the Rector and the said vestry member have caused problems and rumour in the church. Both men talk too much and can’t seem to show humility.

With regards to the church’s finances the writer needs to get a grip. No church can function without its members. I never knew any priest to bring personal investments to any church. So please spare us the rubbish about what the Rector gives to the Diocese. Whatever he gives to the wider church is provided by the people of our church. Its not his personal funds and the Diocese needn’t be grateful to him personally. He donates on our behalf and with our resources.

I am sick of people defending poor behaviour and leaders who act as if they answer to know one. Like it or not L. Boyd is our Bishop and I respect him. You may not agree with all of his decisions but at least respect his authority. The Rector publicly disrespected the office of the Bishop and the man himself. If the Bishop did not act he would certainly lose the respect of his clergymen. Especially after recently reprimanding younger priests in the fold. The Rector and Vestry member have put to Bishop in a bad position. And who cares how long the writer was a member. I was baptised and raised in St. Agnes as were my parents and grandparents. There are many others with the same story I’m sure. But I cannot and will not defend my Rector in this case. He needs to man up and apologise. Besides, one must really question how can he expect to lead if he can’t be humble enough to follow? Isn’t that a part of the story of Jesus? See in this country, we like to overlook people’s attitudes and behaviour because of who they are.

We can all agree that he has done a stellar job of managing the tangible affairs of the church. On the other hand, his personal issues and poor behaviour puts a damper on his successes. He frequently comes off as uncaring and aloof to many members of the church. We are tired of his brow beating, personal insinuations and snide remarks. We appreciate the work you do and will support your ministry. But we demand more from you and we ask that he and anyone else who becomes our Rector in the future to lead by example. The vestry needs to stop being yes men and tell the Rector when he’s wrong.

Signed,

Royal T.


4 COMMENTS

  1. That’s the reason for the church having a chancellor to interpret what is lawful. You are correct the facts may not all be public knowledge regarding the situation. But it still does not negate the fact that the Rector has behaved like a child. He may disagree with the bishop and he is within his right to do so. But I am certain there is a sensible way to show your disagreement. Instead he goes brooding and puffing like a child. People are not upset about the situation that has sparked this mess. Members are annoyed that once again Brown believes he is above the law. However wrong he may feel he needs to show some humility and respect. He demands respect but isn’t prepared to give it.

  2. Dear Mr. O’Brien, What is the real issue at St. Agnes. What the Bishop did to aggravate Brown?
    Was there a resignation on the Vestry or not. Did the bishop ask Brown to do domething that was unlawful and he refused? There are five appointed members to the Vestry…Less than the elected. Why are there so many lies on Brown? Ask the Bishop to deal with the REAL issue. Did the man resign? Why does the Bishop want Brown to do something against Brown’s conscience. Please tell the Bishop as the question is asked to you. Tell the public the truth
    Thanks!

  3. BP, PLEASE ADVISE THE WRITER THAT NOT ALL OF THE VESTRY MEMBERS ARE AFRAID TO LET THE RECTOR KNOW WHEN HE IS WRONG, UNFORTUNATELY HE HAS STACKED THE VESTRY WITH MORE APPOINTED MEMBERS THAN THERE ARE ELECTED MEMBERS, THESE ARE THE ONES WHO CONDONES AND SUPPORT HIS ACTIONS AND BEHAVIOR.
    AS A MATTER OF FACT THEY ARE STILL IN DISAGREEMENT WITH THE BISHOP, EVEN THOUGH OUR RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE VERY CLEAR. THEY ARE NOT EVEN CERTAIN WHAT THE ACTUAL FACTS ARE, BUT THEY ARE GATHERED AND ARE DIRECTED HOW AND WHAT TO SAY IN VESTRY MEETINGS.
    OUR RECTOR GOT UP IN TWO ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS EARLIER THIS YEAR DEMANDING THAT ALL OF THE MEMBERS OF THOSE ORGANIZATIONS GIVE HIM RESPECT, SOMETHING THAT IS EARNED AND JUST NOT GIVEN BECAUSE OF AN OFFICE HELD, BUT THIS IS THE WAY HE ACTS TOWARD THE HEAD OF OUR CHURCH
    WELL I WAS APPALLED AT HIS TOTAL LACK OF RESPECT TOWARD OUR BISHOP, YET SOME OF THESE SAME APPOINTEES SEE NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS AND AS A MATTER OF FACT SUPPORT HIM.
    WITH OUR RECTOR ITS HIS WAY OR THE HIGHWAY, HE ALWAYS THINKS THAT HE IS THE AUTHORITY ON ALL THINGS, SOMETIMES I WONDER WHY THERE IS A VESTRY AT ALL, ONCE HES MADE UP HIS MIND ON SOMETHING THATS ALL THAT MATTERS AND YOU CAN NEVER SHOW HIM OTHERWISE.

    • Sounds quite pig headed and bullish. This explains his many arguments with people. Leadership is quite different than being a bully.

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