Voice of the Laity - Anglican Diocese of The Murray

The Voice of the Laity - Diocese of The Murray

Who's harassing whom?

Greeting Leads to Police Complaint

On the morning of Wednesday 15th of August the Bishop of the Murray accompanied his wife to the local police station. They complained that on the previous day she had been harassed by a parishioner, who accosted her and shouted at her at a local shopping centre.

This is the security video. One parishioner, dressed in a white top, enters from the left. She walks past the bishop's wife, who enters from the right. Although the parishioner greets her, the bishop's wife does not stop. A second parishioner, wearing a baseball cap and carrying a shopping bag, enters from the left and greets her. This time she does stop, and a short conversation follows. Note this video is compressed for the web - the original is clearer.

The body language shows no signs of any conflict. There are people nearby, none of whom turns or looks surprised. Even though there is no audio, it is clear there is nothing out of the ordinary happening, no raised voices. The entire conversation lasts about fifteen seconds - just long enough to say 'Hi, How are you? How's the family?'

The complaint of shouting or harassment made by the bishop and his wife was false.

Would it be safer not to speak them at all, sad as that would be?

Unfortunately not.

Another parishioner, also a pensioner, was doing some work in the rectory garden when he glanced up and saw the bishop's wife walk by. He was new to the parish and did not know her. She did not speak to him, and he quietly continued his work. Shortly after he arrived home he received an angry phone call from the bishop accusing him of snubbing his wife.

The temptation for people to whom these things happen can be to keep quiet. After all, it's just one incident. But it isn't just one incident. There are serious matters, like making a false complaint to police, which result not only in personal distress but possibly also in a loss of credibility and reputation in the community. And there are lesser but still hurtful matters like tantrums or abusive phone calls. Cumulatively, these incidents show a pattern of behaviour which indicates serious problems.

The only way these problems will be solved in a way that allows people to have confidence that their church is a safe and caring community is for each incident to be reported and recorded, and for it to be made clear, over and over again if necessary, that that sort of behaviour is not acceptable.

If you are a member of the diocese of The Murray who has been bullied or abused, please contact us by using the email link above. You are not alone. Something can be done!

From the Scriptures

Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:6-7

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27

There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18

He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8

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