The recent challenges faced by clergy and parishioners at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist—and, more broadly, throughout the Diocese of Western Newfoundland—have once again brought into focus long-standing issues within the structure of the Anglican Church of Canada.
The heart of this issue lies with the concentration of power in the role of the bishop. Both at the diocesan level and through synod voting procedures, this power dynamic sidelines the voices of clergy and laypeople. Despite being the ones most intimately connected with parishioners—the very lifeblood of the Church—these individuals have little real say in decision making.
This is not a truly democratic system. It is a hierarchy that perpetuates control by a small minority, disconnected from the everyday realities of parish life. As long as this imbalance remains unaddressed, the church risks further decline—alienating its base, losing parishioners, and failing to attract new ones.
If the Anglican Church is serious about renewal, it must begin by sharing power. Bishops cannot continue to exercise veto power that overrides the collective wisdom of those working on the ground. Without meaningful reform, the Church’s relevance—and future—remain in jeopardy.
Glynda Seaborn
Corner Brook, NL
