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Dear Sir:

After a very long time of coping with press releases, I have come to realize that very often the writer of an article will try to put slants on certain actions that might cause unnecessary speculation. My actions throughout my ministry have always reflected the highest moral and spiritual order. Therefore it is unbecoming to daub me as a "Strong supporter" of any one person. I am a strong supporter of "truth and the dignity of all persons regardless of race, religion, or place of origin". Yes, I am a strong proponent of Bermudianization, but I will support the rights and dignity of any expatriate working in the same environment as myself should he be unjustly maligned.

On most occasions when I speak, I do so as the "voice of conscience of the Diocese of Bermuda". So how did Fr. Carl find himself worshipping in Sandys Parish? Well, it happened like this. After the announcement of his suspension, and because it was just before Easter, I wrote to the Bishop this email:

"Bishop Ewen, I pray that the resurrection day will be a blest day for you and all who on this day shout Hosanna. I am reflecting on the renewal of my priestly vows, and I realize that you and I are of the same school in that we realize that every priest should have an altar on Resurrection Day. I am thinking of Carl. I have not spoken to him and I will not speak to him unless I hear from you. However, I am willing to offer him an altar tomorrow so that he can celebrate the paschal mysteries. He could celebrate the Mass at St. Michael's. Please let me know your disposition and I will act accordingly. Yours in our Lord, Arnold."

The Bishop replied: "Dear Arnold, Thank you for your message, I pray that you too will have a glorious celebration of our Lord's Resurrection. By all means offer your Altar to Carl, I have no difficulty with that. Sincerely, Ewen."

On Easter Day, I told Fr. Carl that he and Melinda should be a part of a "worshipping community" in this time of uncertainty, and I told him that they were welcome to worship with us in Sandys. However, I insisted that he inform the Archdeacon of the invitation I had extended to him and Melinda.. Fr. Carl wrote to Archdeacon Doughty by email, thus: "Dear Ven Doughty, Archdeacon Emeritus the Ven. Dr. Arnold Hollis, indicated to me that no priest should be without a worshipping community. Therefore, he has invited me to worship in Sandys Parish for the time being. Sincerely, Fr. Carl Williams."

The Archdeacon of Bermuda answered thus: "Dear Fr. Williams, Thank you for your email of Saturday 5th April. It is very kind of the Archdeacon Emeritus to offer you an altar. I am pleased to give my permission for you to minister within the parish of Sandys under Fr. Hollis's direction. ..........................

You are advised to keep yourself available for any other responsibilities across the Diocese that I, as Archdeacon and Commissary, may direct you to undertake.......(a few personal directives followed)....................................

Respectfully yours, The Ven. Andrew W. Doughty.

Fr. Carl Williams is not filling in at St. Michael's. He has taken up my offer of having a worshipping community to which he may resort, and that includes St. Michael's. It is interesting to note that the writer of the article in the June 18th edition of the Bermuda Sun did not make any contact with me to verify her story. Sincerely,

Arnold T. Hollis

Rector and Archdeacon Emeritus[[In-content Ad]]

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