A time to reconcile

ALEX WEAVER 21 Jun, 2010 12:00 AM A LOCAL religious leader has invited parishioners to embrace Christian values while moving on from a momentous weekend synod.

Father Richard Silk, parish priest of Hamilton Anglican Church, said he was hopeful the exit of Bishop Michael Hough would be treated with sensitivity.”I think it’s very true to say there’s been a very mixed reaction (to the resignation),” he said.”In some places Bishop Michael is absolutely loved, and in other places it’s different.”There had been no immediate discussion or debateamong synod members following the news, Father Silk said.”Everything was very calm, and in fact synod concluded its business half-a-day early,” he said.”First and foremost we are a group of Christians following Christ’s teachings, and at times they become very real for us.”They’re there to help us continue our life together as a church.”Father Silk conceded the bishop’s departure and allegations of his misconduct were difficult to deal with.”We are a church about love and reconciliation and negative publicity of Christian values does damage us,” he said.”We feel very sad; everyone must feel sad about this. It’s difficult.”The Hamilton priest expected many Anglicans to lament the bishop’s decision.”I think there will be a time of grieving, almost, for some people. It’s true to say that Bishop Michael has been a real figure of love and renewal in rural communities right around the Western District,” he said.”What we really hope is that we can calm anger and allow grieving to happen. The church takes a long time to do things, so there will not be a replacement bishop for a long time now.” 

From the Warnambool Standard