Court clears way for Diocesan Council and elections of Anglican Church

The District Court of Colombo yesterday (27) rescinded a ruling issued the previous day staying the Diocesan Council and elections of the Anglican Church (Church of Ceylon) scheduled for October 27-29 at the Diocesan Chambers at the Cathedral, Baudhaloka Mawatha.Yesterday’s ruling paved the way for the commencement of the event scheduled to be held at 4 pm.

The District Court has issued the order on Oct. 26 consequent to a petition filed by S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole, a delegate from a northern parish who was to attend the three-day event where elections were to be held for Oct 2022-Oct 2023 period.

The petitioner moved the court against the failure on the part of the Church to ensure that in case of parishes sent two or more delegates for the Diocesan Council and elections the inclusion of one woman and one youth (male or female under the age of 35).The other issue at hand that had been challenged in the District court pertained to the delay in making available the agenda. The court has been told that though council members should receive the agenda two weeks before the event it was received by mail and compact disc on Oct 19th and 20th, respectively.

In a letter dated Oct. 25 addressed to members of the Standing Committee, Prof. Hoole said that at least 18 out of 123 parishes blatantly violated the special status afforded to women and youth. Prof. Hoole also questioned the Standing Committee over its continuing failure to either respond or at least acknowledge concerns expressed with regard to what he called recurring illegalities, such as gifting of cars each worth as much as Rs 10 mn to retired Bishops without confirmation by proper authority (SF)