I promise I’m almost through with General Synod elections but I want to thank various people for emails and other messages about ways to make the process simpler, more informative and transparent. There’s a way to go, but a few simple steps with the right technology would go a long way to help, but not till next time round.
I just want to share finally, however something I would find it hard to believe if several people whose judgment I trust had not told me it was so. Apparently an elector at an election meeting asked candidates to state to which relevant organisations they belong. All but one candidate did the obvious and said, but one who shall be nameless simply refused to answer the question. Only having a tiny number of electors present makes this kind of sheer arrogance possible.
So the issue seems to be that a evangelical candidate declined to disclose the advocacy groups to which he belongs and that if he had done so, he would have revealed his opposition to women bishops.
Why was he not simply asked for his views on women bishops? It seems an obvious question to be asked of all candidates in the current climate.
IMO candidates are, and ought to be, free to say what they wish and electors are free to ask what they want and make whatever voting choices they prefer. Isn’t that how elections work?
As I recall Synod elections, one receives written information from each candidate, varying in length from a single paragraph to a page or so. Candidates often avoid declaring their views on controversial matters in such written material. Candidates have mentioned organizations to which they belong but as often write as much about their enjoyment of various pastimes (dog walking often seemed a safe offering).
Its a very curious article by this bishop Alan. He doesn’t really say much at all. We are left simply with the impression that he is unhappy. If this goes on, he may become a turbulent priest, and we wouldn’t want that…
One of the bloggers on his site then asks:
[blockquote] I am a candidate for General Synod. Nobody has asked me, but what organisations *are* relevant? I have one in mind that I’m pretty sure counts, but what about the other things I belong to? You might see them as relevant while I don’t, or vice versa.
Is there a list somewhere? [/blockquote]
It seems a very reasonable question, and apparently one that Bishop Alan is not prepared to answer.