Move to seek resolution in dispute between priest and church members

Efforts are underway to try to resolve the impasse between priest-in-charge at St Clement’s Anglican Church, Reverend Graveney Bannister and a group of disgruntled members who are demanding his removal.

Last Sunday morning, placard-bearing parishioners staged a protest outside the St Lucy church as mass was going on, expressing dissatisfaction with the way in which Bannister has been managing the affairs of the church. Their grievances include the decline in church life, the absence of ministries such as providing hampers to the needy and a previously active youth band. 

“The Archdeacon will be meeting with us on Saturday, as well as other officials of the diocese,” one of those spearheading the protest action, speaking anonymously, told Barbados TODAY. They expressed hope that the meeting would help end the standoff with Bannister.

While on the picket line last Sunday, longstanding church member Louise Armstrong said the conflict with the priest had been going on for the past three years.

Before Sunday’s action, Archdeacon, The Very Reverend Eric Lynch, confirmed to Barbados TODAY that two complaints had been sent to the Rural Dean for St Peter, Reverend Beverley Sealy-Knight, the overseer for St Clement’s. (EJ)