College of Bishops Delays Considering
Any Action in Response to Carter Suit
The College of Bishops will, for the time being, take no action in response to a recent decision of a jury in judicial proceedings of the 48th District Civil Court of Tarrant County, Texas, in which Bishop Kenneth Wayne Carter, presiding prelate of the 6th Episcopal District, was found to be liable in a monetary judgment for Negligence and Assault. In a statement read at the opening of the 24th CME Convocation in Louisville, KY, by Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III, Secretary of the College of Bishops, on behalf of the College, ..."[I]n the absence of a formal charge filed within the Church, there is no action to take against Bishop Carter."
Earlier in the statement, Bishop Reddick read, "The College of Bishops recognizes the rights of all persons involved in this matter but above all realizes that the church is of God and not of human beings. While the church exists in a civil society and is subject to the laws of that society, it has its own laws and procedures which in this society are given due deference when followed. For this reason, until a final judgment has been entered regarding the...finding, the College of Bishops asks members of the CME Church to refrain from rash and partially informed judgments or actions."
The judgment rendered by the Civil Court on August 27, 2010, found the CME Church to be 25% or one-quarter responsible for the judgment amount, according to the statement. But the CME Church, through its legal representative, has filed a motion for a Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict "which asks that the judgment against the church be reduced and/or set aside." The Bishops' statement suggested that a final judgment is expected in the next six weeks.
In the statement, the College of Bishops said that with respect to "issues and questions of theology and [CME] doctrine raised by this case...[the College] will present a report to the General Connectional Board suggesting steps for the church to take in order to define and clarify the church's position on" those issues related to the civil suit against Bishop Carter. The statement made clear that the suit against the Bishop was in fact "civil" and not "criminal." Finally, the statement again made clear that once a final judgment by the judge is rendered, the College of Bishops will "...determine any appropriate follow-up action."
Bishop Reddick asked that any CME members with questions should direct them to each members respective Episcopal leader.
1 comment:
I am writing this letter to express my concern with the recent appointment of Bishop Kenneth Carter to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. In 2008 Bishop Carter was charged with the rape of an African American male. Although he denied the charge of rape, Bishop Carter admitted to having consensual sex with the young man. The charges were dropped after the College of Bishops and the General Conference passed the character of Bishop Carter.
I am deeply disappointed with the College of Bishops and the General Conference’s choice not to take any disciplinary action against Bishop Carter. It seems that Bishop Kenneth Carter’s homosexual behavior is being condoned by the Church. This decision will, without a doubt, divide the C.M.E. church. It is stated in the social creed of the C.M.E. Discipline that any part of sexual perversion disrupts the sacred covenant of God with us and each other and are unacceptable in the church where God’s grace in Jesus Christ is proclaimed and experienced.
Please note the specified references from the C.M.E. Discipline and reflect on the questions that follow:
431. The Bishops shall see to it that a policy on moral and ethical behavior for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church be developed and implemented in accordance with the directives of the General Conference. (How can this Bishop address issues relating to morals and ethical behavior in light of his own behavior?)
432.6 The committee on Episcopacy shall determine whether the characters of the several Bishops shall or shall not pass. Final action shall be taken by the General Conference. (How did Bishop Carter pass a character test when he admitted having consensual sex with a man? Was this just a procedure?) (What part did politics play?)
Being the central governing body of the C.M.E. Church, it is incumbent on the College of Bishops to fulfill its Christian obligation to read, teach, and follow the Word of God as stated in the Bible. The members of our church system look to you for direction in upholding God’s law. I am beseeching you to reconsider your decision regarding Bishop Kenneth Carter’s assignment. Because of his unethical behavior, he should voluntarily abdicate his position or be removed by the C.M.E. leadership! It is crucial to the well-being of our Church system that we stand united against moral degeneration!
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