Members of the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist in Corner Brook, Newfoundland staged a protest today outside the church, demanding the Bishop of Western Newfoundland resign.
Approximately three dozen members of the church marched in the snow holding placards demanding the Rt. Rev. John Organ be dismissed for bullying. Last month Bishop Organ removed the cathedral dean, the Rev. Catherine Short, and revoked her license to officiate. No public reason for the dean’s dismissal has been given, though parishioners state the dean and bishop had been at odds for some time.
Protestors told NTV television news that members of the chapter had attempted to meet with the bishop to seek an explanation and to restore the dean to office, but he had so far snubbed them. All nine members of the vestry and chapter have subsequently resigned.
A note in the bulletin for February 16, 2025, from the bishop stated: “As a way to move forward that may allow for a peaceful and positive outcome, I have appointed the Venerable David Taylor as Interim Rector of our Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and as Interim Diocesan Dean, effective February 10, 2025. I ask your prayers and support for Archdeacon David and Elaine who feel called by God to offer themselves to our cathedral and diocese at this time.”
A statement from the diocese noted that mediation options have been proposed, but so far had not been taken up. Former vestry members counter the bishop never responded to their requests for mediation, and have called into question his truthfulness.
The Rev. Canon Paulette Budgen, a retired priest in the diocese who joined the protestors, told NTV in her dealings with Bishop Organ, she found him to be a bully, who would yell at those with whom he was displeased.
Protestors have taken their case to the Metropolitan of the Ecclesiastical Province of Canada and the Acting Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, but have been told they have no jurisdiction to intervene in this matter.
