Echo backs Bishop’s ministry in Liverpool
Following an employment tribunal yesterday the Bishop of Liverpool was very pleased to hear that the local newspaper, the Liverpool Echo was supporting him as their Bishop and keen to remind everyone of the commitment he has shown the city.
Bishop James came to Liverpool in 1998. Since then he and his family have immersed themselves very much in Liverpool life. In the article the Editor Alastair Machray said people should remember in particular his work in the vital regeneration of Kensington and with the Echo’s own Stop the Rot campaign, which preserves heritage buildings in Liverpool. In the Editors own words many schemes have benefited from the Bishops ‘personal enthusiasm and engagement’.
He says: “These are just two examples of a wider pastoral mission which counters Mr Johnston’s accusation.”
Bishop James’ other recent community involvement includes being Chair of St Francis of Assisi City Academy and providing support for the Restoration of the Florence Institute in Toxteth. He is also the Patron of Project 2000 ( work with young people in Kensington), and works with Faiths4Change, is Patron of Abdullah Quilliam Historic Mosque and has worked closely with the Capital of Culture team over the past few years.
Chair NWDA and Chair of Liverpool Culture Company said “Bishop James is a tireless ambassador for the city and Diocese of Liverpool. I have been fortunate to work with him in my regional capacity and also as Chair of Liverpool Culture Company and through my involvement in the Liverpool Diocese as a member of the Cathedral Council and as a Reader.
“I have always found him to be totally dedicated and committed to working to improve the city and region on behalf of all those who live, work and visit the area”
The Diocese is delighted the Echo is backing the Bishop during this period as it believes any close examination of the Bishop’s work would show an outstanding level of commitment to Liverpool people and that he will continue to be a key voice and excellent ambassador for the City and Diocese of Liverpool.
A True Servant of Liverpool
Below is the full text of the Liverpool Echo's leader comment published yesterday
Jun 17 2008 by Joe Riley, Liverpool Echo
THE rancour between the Liverpool Church of England diocese and its former press officer David Johnston is a matter for regret: ironically, a high-profile tale of error, confusion and fall-out between church officials and the man charged with promoting their Christian mission.
Mr Johnston – suspended and twice sacked in a dispute lasting 18 months – has now won an industrial tribunal hearing for unfair dismissal. The tribunal panel took just 15 minutes to find in his favour, awarded him more than £19,000 in compensation, but then deducted 25% for his “intemperate” remarks about his bishop, James Jones.
It needs to be made clear that the decision for Mr Johnston was made on the grounds of faults with the diocesan procedure in presenting its own case, and not based on the personal attack he chose to make against Bishop Jones when giving evidence to the tribunal.
Under legal privilege, Mr Johnston was entitled to say whatever he wished in giving his side of the story. Obviously, he felt deeply let down.
But in the context of the bishop’s overall responsibilities and the way he carries out his office, Mr Johnston’s views will not hold sway with the organisations and groups with whom Bishop Jones has voluntarily involved himself.
The regeneration of Kensington and the work of the ECHO’s Stop The Rot campaign to save heritage buildings and sites, have benefited from the bishop’s personal enthusiasm and engagement.
These are but two examples of a wider pastoral mission which counters Mr Johnston’s accusation that the bishop “does not like the city”.
Whatever, the ultimate mission and purpose of the Liverpool diocese is beyond the remit of two men involved in a single dispute.
There are more important things to be getting on with.
Copyright Liverpool Echo used with permission.
Statement regarding David Johnston versus the Diocesan Board of Finance
A spokesperson for the Diocese of Liverpool said: “while we are disappointed we accept the tribunal’s decision. It appears that our processes were in some way deficient and we are looking into this as a matter of urgency. That said we now want to put this matter behind us and concentrate on the important work of the Diocesan Board of Finance and support our clergy and congregations in their work pursuing the mission of God in the Diocese of Liverpool.”
Allegations made against the Bishop of Liverpool at the employment tribunal have been made by a former employee of the Diocesan Board of Finance. They did not form the basis on which the judgement was awarded. In any case the Diocese rejects these allegations completely. As far as the Diocese is concerned any close examination of the Bishop’s work over the last ten years shows an outstanding level of commitment to our city and diocese. Bishop James was, is and will continue to be a key voice in and excellent ambassador for the City and Diocese of Liverpool.