11 December 2009

My Dear Friends,

As your Bishop, I want to provide you an update on the difficult events of the past several days. On Tuesday past, I was informed that the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary arrested one of our clergy, the Reverend Robin Barrett, Rector of the Parish of New Hope. He has since been charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. I immediately relieved him of his duties pending the outcome of the police investigation. I would also like to assure you that the Diocese has not contributed to his legal costs or provided sureties for his bail. I ask you to keep Robin and his family in your prayers.

I must admit I was heartbroken, hurt and physically sick when I learned that Robin had been arrested. However, I am even more deeply concerned with the issue of the sexual exploitation of children in our society. We cannot, and will not, tolerate the sexual abuse or exploitation of children. It is the policy of this Diocese that sexual misconduct of any kind is wrong and will not be tolerated on the part of clergy, employees, or volunteers in any activity of a parish or of the Diocese. I ask your prayers for all victims of any form of sexual exploitation and abuse.

I remind you that as clergy we are not superheroes. However, as with all people in positions of leadership, we are and should be held to a higher standard. Pastors are Christian role models, leaders, teachers and counselors. The pastoral relationship can and should be a sacred trust, a place where parishioners of all ages can come with the deepest wounds and vulnerabilities and feel safe, secure and sheltered. When this sacred trust is broken, it is our responsibility as faith communities to come together to heal our wounds and continue to build vibrant worshiping communities.

In the meantime, we have responded swiftly and will do everything in our power to address this issue and actively try to ensure that all parishes are safe and secure for people of all ages. We are cooperating fully with the authorities as they carry out their investigation.

But we are a people of hope. I have asked The Ven. Sandra Tilley to assume parish and pastoral duties at the Parish of New Hope. Please keep her and the members of the parish in your prayers. The Parish of the Good Shepherd and The Parish of All Saints, and all parishes, have been affected and are grieving. All are in need of our support and prayers as together we provide pastoral care and pursue the mission and ministry God has called us to through our Baptism.

During this Advent season, as we prepare to celebrate the birth or our Lord, we affirm that we are called to shine light in the darkness and we know that the truth of Christ will be revealed and will set us free.

May God bless us all in the days ahead,

The Rt. Rev’d Cyrus Pitman
Bishop of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador