The Rt Rev Anne Dyer, Bishop of Aberdeen & Orkney, sent a message to all in the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney following the news that the Canon 54 process had reached it’s conclusion:
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am writing to you following the ending of the Scottish Episcopal Church complaints process yesterday. This process has required a long period apart from you, and I am delighted that I can now return to my role as your diocesan bishop. The process, which began in July 2022, has been long and arduous for all involved. I thank you for your faithfulness in prayer, which has been such a great support to us all. Throughout my time away I have prayed for you, and I now look forward to hearing the news from individuals and charges, and to knowing what has been going on in your life in Christ.
Through these past two years others have cared for the diocese. I am deeply grateful for the diligence of the three consecutive acting bishops; Bishop John Armes, Bishop Dorsey McConnell, and Bishop Ian Paton. The demands upon them were considerable, and they gave their time and ministry to the diocese generously throughout. I want to express my thanks to the diocesan officers and staff, and to those who serve on Standing Committee and other diocesan boards, who have given their attention to the stewardship of our resources, spiritual and material, through this period of disruption.
As I have been away from public ministry for a considerable time my return will be phased. I will begin by offering reduced hours and using a pattern of blended working, at home and out and about. To enable me to do this I have made Bishop Ian Paton my Commissary. This means that he will continue in the diocese as a support to me.
As I return, I am aware that there are still matters of dispute dividing the diocese. These are well known and are preventing this diocese moving forward in mission and ministry. These will need to be addressed through a process of conversations, mediation, and reconciliation. To do this we will need a change of heart. The letter to the Ephesians 4:32 says:
‘Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.’
And in his letter to the Church in Rome, St Paul wrote:
‘If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.’ Romans 12:18
My prayer for myself, and for you, is that by God’s grace and power we are able to do this.I am sending this letter to you from Italy, where I am with Roger, celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. On my return, my first day of work will be Thursday 24 October, when I will be in the Diocesan Office. If you would like a conversation (telephone or zoom) or to meet up with me, please phone the office or send an email to bishop@aberdeen.anglican.org. My personal assistant, Maureen, will be organising my diary for me as I return.
Yesterday afternoon I visited the place in Bologna where St Dominic is buried. He lived through a period of the church’s life that experienced much change and turbulence. I end with a prayer attributed to him:
May God the Father, who made us, bless us.
May God the Son, who redeemed us, send healing into our midst.
May God the Holy Spirit, who gives us life, move within us.
May God give us eyes to see to God,
ears to hear God,
and hands to bring God’s work into the world.
May we walk with God and preach the word of God to all.
May the angel of peace watch over us
and lead us at last by God’s grace to the eternal Kingdom.
With my love to you all, in Jesus’ name
+Anne, Aberdeen & Orkney