Sir, —
Bishops are an integral part of the structures of the Church — bishops, priests, and deacons being the orders of ministry.
It has become part of our inheritance that clergy from all three of these orders tell the laity how to behave — they have a teaching role. Unfortunately that has also accrued, over the years, an element of power — socially and in the Church — that suited men. All the more reason why, when electing the new Bishop of Cork, the Episcopal College might have looked for a female priest to be promoted.
I sent Bishop-elect, Andrew Orr, my congratulations on his election. And that is now a fait accompli. I suspect that the College included a few females, but not 50%. The other matter that has historically raised concerns for me is the number of clergy who are members of the Freemasons. I sincerely hope that the new Bishop is not one — or that if he is, he chooses this moment to step down and stand in the Church free from the influence of an external secret male society.
For too long we have accepted that men participate in this organisation as though it is ‘harmless’ and ‘charitable’. When I was a curate in these dioceses in 1974, I was warned by a parishioner of St Luke’s that I would never get a parish in this diocese unless I joined the Masons! The old man was himself a Mason, as were most of the clergy, including the Bishop at the time.
I believe that membership of the Masonic Order compromises the role of the Bishop in her or his service to the diocese, not just in the male nature of the organisation, but also in the secrecy and exclusiveness afforded to its members. In the same way I believe that northern clergy who are members of the Orange Order are compromised, in that their Christian faith is subverted by the political aims of that Order.
Our Irish ‘Ah, well!’ allows us to excuse these conflicts of interest and make light of the negative impact such exclusive bodies have on our society. I believe it is time to clear the air, and clear the decks — to usher in an era of transparency that will make all our leaders in the Church more accountable to the whole.
The work of a deacon is to serve the people of God. An ordained priest continues to be a deacon, to serve the people of God. A bishop continues to be a priest and a deacon, to serve the people of God. Long may our new Bishop serve!
Yours, etc.,
Peter Tarleton
(by email)
