Stalemate

The Anglican Church in Barbados has failed to elect a Barbadian to lead its diocese.

The outcome was evident in the many disappointed faces of those who emerged just after 10 o’clock on Monday night from the church’s elective Synod held at the Ivan Harewood Church Hall, Church Hill, Christ Church.

Positions remained steadfast amongst clergy and laity as they failed to give overwhelming support in the ballot to either Dean Dr Jeffrey Gibson or Reverend John Rogers.

Monday was the fourth meeting and 11th vote to reach a decision, but as has been the case previously, it ended in deadlock.

The voting pattern continued virtually as had occurred in the past; Gibson got 44 clergy and 20 laity votes while Rogers received 31 clergy and 57 laity votes.

Some clergy have indicated that Rogers, 45, is too young to take up the leadership position and favoured Gibson, 61.

The matter will be sent to the region’s House of Bishops for a decision.

Anglicans in Barbados therefore face the possibility of someone from outside of the diocese taking up the top position in the church.

Diocesan administrator Canon Wayne Isaacs noted that this was the second time the church had failed to elect a bishop. The first time was in 1972 when Bahamian Drexel Gomez was sent to lead the church in Barbados, a position he held for more than two decades. (GC/ES)