Walkergate Ordination
No easier second time around
Ed Moll's ordination as presbyter by retired Bishop Howell Davies was "valid but irregular". This course of action was the inevitable outcome, given the statements and actions of the Bishop of Newcastle.
The Bishop of Newcastle, Martin Wharton, has publicly stated his unbiblical views on homosexuality. Because of this, the PCC and staff at St Oswald's Walkergate has, since December 1997, rejected his spiritual oversight. Readers of the first two editions of the Reform Tabloid will know that only after nine difficult months was Ed Moll, curate at St. Oswald's, ordained deacon by the Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones.
Deacons in the Church of England are normally ordained again after one year, this time as Presbyters (or priests). Although Ed's first ordination had been complicated, it looked initially as if Ken and Ed might not have to start again from scratch; because the principle had been established and a way had been found for Ed to be ordained deacon, there were hopes for a similar arrangement to apply for his being made presbyter. These hopes were dashed when the Bishop of Newcastle did not allow Ed to be ordained by a Bishop from outside the diocese. The only Bishops within the diocese were Martin Wharton, and his Assistant Bishop-- of whom he wanted it to be said that "where he is I am, and where I am he is". In other words, to accept the Assistant Bishop was to accept Martin Wharton himself-- not an option for Ed and St Oswald's.
Ed and Ken and St Oswald's were in another impossible position. An impasse had been reached and therefore it was with some reluctance, but with no other option on offer, that Ed's ordination went ahead-- but without the Bishop of Newcastle's permission.
Ed Moll was ordained presbyter (or priest) on 26th June, before the Church Family and supported by ministers and representatives of other congregations.
The validity of Ed's ordination is not in question-- he is a minister in the Church of God. But we understand that the "regularity" (i.e. keeping the Church of England's house-rules) is in the hands of the registrars of York and Newcastle. At the time of writing there has been no indication whether or not there is any progress. So far no action has been taken to prevent Ed's ministry in Walkergate, but his ministry beyond Walkergate remains problematic.
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