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Controversy in St George's Episcopal Church; Members referred to as 'rats'

- member of the congregation Donald E. de Castro speaks of hostilities allegedly between new Rector & church members
Controversy seems to be brewing in the St George's Episcopal (Anglican) Church in Road Town so much so that one member of the congregation allegedly referred to his brothers and sisters in Christ as 'rats'. Photo: VINO
Approached for a comment, Dr Ian E. Rock told this news site that he has not heard the show but noted that he had been making efforts to secure a copy or transcript of it. He said that he preferred to reserve comment until he has heard what was stated by Mr de Castro. Photo: Nation News
Approached for a comment, Dr Ian E. Rock told this news site that he has not heard the show but noted that he had been making efforts to secure a copy or transcript of it. He said that he preferred to reserve comment until he has heard what was stated by Mr de Castro. Photo: Nation News
Speaking on his show on Wednesday April 13, 2016, Donald E. de Castro expressed disgust at the member of the congregation for referring to church members in such derogatory language, noting that at the time there were persons from other denominations in the congregation. Photo: VINO/File
Speaking on his show on Wednesday April 13, 2016, Donald E. de Castro expressed disgust at the member of the congregation for referring to church members in such derogatory language, noting that at the time there were persons from other denominations in the congregation. Photo: VINO/File
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – Controversy seems to be brewing in the St George's Episcopal (Anglican) Church in Road Town so much so that one member of the congregation allegedly referred to his brothers and sisters in Christ as “rats”.

According to host of the radio talk show Straight Talk, Donald E. de Castro, this event has caused ripples in the already disturbed waters of the house of worship of which he is a member.

Speaking on his show on Wednesday April 13, 2016, de Castro expressed disgust at the member of the congregation for referring to church members in such derogatory language, noting that at the time there were persons from other denominations in the congregation.

“In one of the general meetings one of the church members got up and said 'we need to get the rats out of the church'. This was in January 2016. How could you be worshipping and greeting people with peace every Sunday and you going to call your brothers and sisters rats in a church meeting?” he asked.

“[There is a lot] of division in the St George's Episcopal Church since about October or November last year when we got a new Rector Dr Ian E. Rock,” he said.

He went on to explain that the church normally has its annual general meeting every year, and this year one of the members of the church would usually record the minutes. But he said this year the Rector decided to bring in court stenographers from different denominations and from what he has heard, charges for those services could be as high as $350 an hour.

“Why would you bring in people from a different denomination to record the minutes of your church business?” he asked.

Controversy around Dr Rock

According to De Castro on the show, Dr Rock has ceased all fund-raising activities for the Church's schools, saying that this is child labour. “If that was child labour in the Public and Private schools the Government would have done something about it already,” he said.

“Myself and another member of the congregation sent in our concerns in the form of a petition to the Vestry. A number of members of the congregation signed the petition and neither the Chairman of the Vestry nor the Junior or Senior Wardens saw it fit to put our concerns on the agenda,” he said.

De Castro alleged that Dr Rock came to his office and threatened to sue him for defamation of character. He alleged too that Dr Rock fired a secretary in the Church who had worked there for almost 13 years.

“The Church's email address was changed. I don't know why it was changed. Right now the congregation is saying that he is never in office and that he has moved everything to the Vestry,” he alleged.

De Castro added that persons are inquiring as to the reason that Dr Rock was allegedly turned down for a position in a New York Episcopal Church. According to media reports out of Barbados, students of Codrington College where Dr Rock had been Principal, complained about the treatment that Dr Rock meted out to them, including denying of access to the college bus to attend classes at the University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus and being fingerprinted by Police following an attempted break in.

Persons staying away

De Castro said that because of the frustrations about the goings on in the Church, a number of persons including organists and others stayed away, leading to their substitution by other persons. He said that the Easter Sunday service was one of the worst ever because of the unpreparedness of the substitute organist and other players of instruments.

“None of them had practiced with the choir so it was a mess,” he said.

Approached for a comment, Dr Ian E. Rock told this news site that he has not heard the show but noted that he had been making efforts to secure a copy or transcript of it. He said that he preferred to reserve comment until he has heard what was stated by Mr de Castro.

70 Responses to “Controversy in St George's Episcopal Church; Members referred to as 'rats'”

  • redemption (18/04/2016, 12:52) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply
    YOU SEE WHY I DON'T GO TO CHURCH IMAGINE THEM CALL THERE BROTHERS AND SISTERS RAT MY MY WHAT WOULD THEY CALL ME ?
    • Jules Winnfield (18/04/2016, 14:09) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
      Caps lock mfer do you use it
    • saying (18/04/2016, 16:50) Like (3) Dislike (2) Reply
      CAT THAT'S WHAT THEY WILL CALL YOU LOL
    • Whattt??? (18/04/2016, 20:30) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
      …I suppose a dog!
    • Peaches (18/04/2016, 20:38) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
      My dear don't let him deter you from going to church because on that day EVERY "tub" has to sit on its own bottom. Jesus is soon to come. This is a distraction from the enemy. Pray and ask God to lead you to a peaceful church where you can worship him in spirit and in truth.
      • prampram (19/04/2016, 18:01) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
        The fact that you believe "Jesus Is Coming" in this day and age, with all the facts regarding religion and its origins and history baffles me. Still a slave ...still a slave. I'm wondering what you're gonna sit on...on "that" day.
    • annie (15/09/2017, 17:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Someone who can't spell.
  • Xxx (18/04/2016, 12:57) Like (12) Dislike (5) Reply
    all deeds churches are the same about money and power and has nothing to do with saving souls
    • THESE (18/04/2016, 16:10) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
      You been commenting for years and up to this day your use of "deeds" for these remains the same... Is that your trademark?
    • @xxx (18/04/2016, 18:49) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
      What is saving souls. Do you know if any souls that have been save
  • *Hmm (18/04/2016, 13:07) Like (12) Dislike (17) Reply
    After Father Clarke & Father Branche to me that's it for St Georges, I miss them especially Clarke. From the first Sunday I went to church since the new guy took over from Father Branche my spirit didn't take to him & it still don't.
    • Opinion (18/04/2016, 15:18) Like (48) Dislike (9) Reply
      Thats exactly what the issue is. You are going to church for the person! You go for the word and to be fulfilled. But you go in with a closed mind, of course you are leaving empty!! Just saying
  • huh (18/04/2016, 13:24) Like (30) Dislike (1) Reply
    boy these churches have in so much cofusion
  • member (18/04/2016, 13:41) Like (9) Dislike (9) Reply
    I am not paying no more tides
  • west (18/04/2016, 13:47) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    more in the mota
  • Where were these before he came here (18/04/2016, 13:48) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ok then
  • tell the truth (18/04/2016, 13:48) Like (43) Dislike (22) Reply
    It is a shame and Donald know that what he is saying he's only telling one side of the story.St Georges was ran ti the ground financially by Fr. Branche and now they pretending like it ain't true. The Easter service was awesome. The issues is they cannot accept change.

    A church that disrespected the Bishop of the Diocese.

    It's a shame the church has come to this; and the ignorant members from Sea Cows Bay that are believing what they are told.

    Dr. Rock has brought great experience to the church.

    As for music, The organist are childish and the reasons they walkout are because they aren't focus on spiritual things but earthly things

    Children of God it's time to wake up. St Georges has always been crumbling, what Fr. Branche did was become a activist and spoke on community issues but failed to deal with the internal issues. The issues that have are what they created of which Dr. Rock met; they fail to accept it so he gets the blame. With all the issues they will have it hard to find another Rector.

    • Hmm (18/04/2016, 15:04) Like (14) Dislike (20) Reply
      You to damn lie! I go to the same church and that new man need to stop being the bishop puppet.
      • the truth shall set you free (18/04/2016, 16:43) Like (21) Dislike (7) Reply
        The new man is being hones in the administration of the church, just because Fr. Branche allowed was not doing his job and someone else comes to do the right thing and the Bishop now has knowledge of what is going on at St Georges everybody vex.

  • Disgusted Parishoner (18/04/2016, 13:48) Like (8) Dislike (11) Reply
    Get rid of the priest and put donald de Castro as priest of St Georges Church. In my opinion 'ambitions should be made of sturner stuff '
    Who is donald fighting against? The Church, The Priest, or HIMSELF?
    We at St. Georges's welcome everyone. We do not discriminate.
    • Rapture (18/04/2016, 14:16) Like (3) Dislike (9) Reply
      Maybe you don't discriminate but walking around with you all snobby self
    • member (18/04/2016, 14:25) Like (17) Dislike (8) Reply
      Donald is a disgrace, make we church look bad when his own family member tired of his piss, Donald grow up and stop trying to destroy people
  • Me (18/04/2016, 14:05) Like (23) Dislike (12) Reply

    There is some truth to De Castro's side of the story. Dr. Rock needs to be a priest not only in name but in actions. Despite the fact that there are issues at every church there was never this level of segregation at st. George's. Where parishioners had to leave and find elsewhere to worship. This looks like a divide and rule. It is even spilling over into the school. St. George's do not discriminate but the new rector does. His comments about his concerns that some teachers not Anglican is a perfect example....... There is much more to be said....Father Branche wasn't perfect but this rector seem to be stirring up trouble wherever he goes..........His condescending remarks, and accusations about teachers and other church parishioners is something new to the St. George's family.......The experiences he has meted out to parishioners need to be made public.
    • Me (18/04/2016, 15:03) Like (9) Dislike (12) Reply
      @ Me I totally agree with you. We never had this at st. George's and especially up at the school. Something is not right! and yes the experiences that parishioners, teachers and especially the church secretary that was fired on the spot, whose had negative experiences with him needs to be made public.
    • @me (18/04/2016, 15:45) Like (21) Dislike (7) Reply
      In my opinion Dr. Rock is doing a great job. The school has struggled hmmmm, some peoples actions and service perhaps need examination by the court. Say no more.
    • Agree (21/04/2016, 11:03) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
      I must say I agree with Dr. Rock, that the teachers of St. Georges Schools should be Anglican. Please correct me if I am wrong, but I don't know of Seventh-day Adventist School having teachers of other faith and place where I have been that have Catholic Schools, The teachers were all catholic and many times Nuns.
  • wellsa (18/04/2016, 14:12) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    TORTOLA HAVE MELEE EVERY DAY THAT IT COMES THE CAPTIAL MELEE OF THE CARIBBEAN .AMEN
  • wize up (18/04/2016, 14:41) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    government in shambles and the church in shambles... what to do?? what can be done??
  • Help (18/04/2016, 16:09) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    Y Donald gone public with the church business. Lord send help!
    • @ Help (18/04/2016, 22:47) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      Well, it is good that this matter come to light because action will be enforced soon to ensure that the playing field is leveled.
      • wize up (19/04/2016, 17:57) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
        @ help: decastro know everything about everyone BUT can NOT get a simple workers union off the group in almost 20 years but on public radio talking and talking about evey business and he need to fix his own business .just saying
  • Factual (18/04/2016, 16:31) Like (43) Dislike (14) Reply
    The truth is, Dr Rock came to St George'sand found a financial mess. He decided to be transparent and in his report to the Annual General Meeting of the Church he explained in detail what he found. He did not tell it to anyone outside the church.

    Some persons felt that Dr Rock should have covered it up and others felt that he should have waited a year before exposing it but he decided to do it NOW. Truth is, some people like to cover up shit although it stinks but Dr Rock did not create the mess. I will not go into details but the mess is very messy and, if I were Dr Rock I would hurry up and leave Donald de Castro and others of his thinking to sort it out. He and they might have the finalcial means to do it. But I don't think any of them has offered to sit down and find ways to correct the problems.

    The Secretary was not fired by Dr Rock. He did not hire her. She was asked to resign by the Vestry that Dr Rock came and found. She refused to resign. The new Vestry met with her and tried to sort matters out. A majority of them and Dr Rock wanted to find a way out of the mess. It seems that they found that they had no choice but to let her go. If her dismissal is unfair, there is a procedure under the Labour Code available to her and there are a lot of lawyers in the BVI. No need for ranting and raving. From what I gather a lot of mess continues to be uncovered that has not yet been told to the church members. I hope they are told about it soon, regardless of whosoever it pleases or displeases.

    The sermons that we are having at St George's are of a very high standard. Dr Rock preaches the WORD and explains the Bible like no one before him ever did. It will be a pity to see him leave but it will not be surprising if he gets fed up and leaves. But one thing is sure, no priest will ever come to St George's if he or she knows of financial mess that Fr. Branche left. They will stay away from it.

    To make matters worse, two Sundays ago, Fr. Branche was in the BVI visiting from Trinidad and he conducted a service at a hotel in Road Town at the same hour that St George's was having it worship service. I don't know if he had permission from the Bishop to conduct a service in the diocese or whether he thought he was doing the right thing. Maybe the organists and the Donald de Castro do not consider the holding of that service to be a divisive act since I gather that there is an untruthful rumour that Fr. Branche held that service because Dr Rock would not allow him to come to St George's. That rumour has to be a lie as we all know that no one can prevent a person from coming to church. Not even the priest can do that. It is a place where whosoever will may come. It is not known whether Dr Rock was even aware of Fr. Branche's visit before he came. Perhaps he heard about it like most of us after the gentleman was here. The problem is that: "Give a lie a head start and ask the truth to catch it".

    One sure thing, those who come to St George's to worship a priest or a secretary seem to have made their exits after those persons left. Those who worship God Almighty appear to have remained and will help to solve the problems. Remember that the church has had to face problems all through the ages just like man on whose death and resurrection it is founded.

    Christ had his enemies and there was no better man that ever walked this earth so, who is Dr Rock or the Bishop or any of us, for that matter?

    • Fix it Jesus (18/04/2016, 18:23) Like (19) Dislike (1) Reply
      One of the better written pieces on here. Content appears to be subjective though. While I agree that the previous Rector may have had some faults, which are highlighted here, the current Rector also has his own (notably missing, therefore subjective). I think the missing link is the fact that the church is crumbling right before ALL of us. The blame game is not going to help the situation.

      Perhaps consideration of what WE can all contribute to fix the issues in a RESPECTFUL manner would better advance the entire situation. The church is not about Branche or Rock but about The Father, Son and The Holy Spirit.

      Let's commit to putting the devil back in his hole instead of choosing sides.
    • Parishoner (18/04/2016, 19:09) Like (15) Dislike (3) Reply
      @ Factual and Tell the truth: You fail to mention that both priest answer to a higher head. As I, recall they were both selected and approved by a vestry who in turn answers to the diocese with our over head being in the US and the final bishop in the UK. Bear in mind God makes the final decision. Any decisions or action taken by Father Branch had to be first approved by the vestry and major ones had to go thru the diocese which is in St. Thomas. All the development you see took place they all had to approve.

      What is currently happening at St. Georges is just a down right shame and in my opinion all involve need to be checked. Neither parties are right. I blame the bishop for allowing this to progress and I blame the current priest, vestry, members and past priests also. Reason being, the new priest arrived already aware of some members, he did not take the time to get to know us and we the members did no take time to get to know him. Straight out the gate we had all this confusion to deal with. He is here less than six months. Changes must happen but how you do it and how it is perceive and receive makes a big difference. It can make or break any church, organization or someone.


  • cay (18/04/2016, 16:55) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Its about time someone talk about this
    • @ cay (18/04/2016, 22:37) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      What good has impatience ever brought ?.

      It has only served as the mother of mistakes and the father of irritation.
  • pray (18/04/2016, 17:18) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is a predominantly Christian community and seems like some of the parishioners on here blogging...why don't ya'll stop and pray...I just did...just pray...God is not the author of confusion...ya'll need to pray for everybody involved...pray that God would come into the situation and bring peace. PRAY PEOPLE!
  • member (18/04/2016, 17:23) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
    Donald what have you done. What seeds are you planting for others to harvest. God is not a God of confusion/discord but a God of peace.
  • The Voice (18/04/2016, 17:43) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    It is time that we who profess and call ourselves "Christians" understand what it means to be one....To Rev Rock, Remember the words in Joshua 1:5 "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." Continue to P.U.S.H my brother.
  • Aye (18/04/2016, 18:52) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Used to be my church mehson wtf
  • farmer brown (18/04/2016, 19:29) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    I knew this was going to end up in the public domain sooner or later!
  • L**s (18/04/2016, 19:30) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    Easter Sunday sermon was very soul searching. The reverand is teaching Godly love
    • #StayWoke (18/04/2016, 20:39) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
      Only that one! You just so happen to hear a break in the intervals of hate ! Open your eyes ! #StayWoke
  • Warrior (18/04/2016, 19:38) Like (19) Dislike (9) Reply
    Doctor Rock, Please know that there are more with you than those that is against you. You are covered with the blood of Jesus Christ. No weapon formed against you wil prosper. We are holding you up in prayers
  • member (18/04/2016, 20:10) Like (14) Dislike (9) Reply

    . What I am hearing is very upsetting and disappointing. ..Recently, things have been happening in my life that are steering me to Seventh Day Adventist church. This has now convinced me that I am to join the SDA church. .things happens for a reason. I wish St Georges church all the best and God's guidance. As for me and my house SDA here I come . I know a church cannot save a person but the going ons at St Georges will distract me from my spiritual growth.
  • this is wack (18/04/2016, 20:53) Like (15) Dislike (13) Reply
    The problem in this who scenario, is that Mr DeCastro is known for spreading inaccurate information and ignorance. His editorials always divide instead of unite and he is now taking it into the Church. Is this the same man who a few years ago wept before the congregation to say no one likes him. I wonder why no one likes him because he spreads false information. Dr Rock is doing a fantastic job. He respected the Diocese and the Canons. Something Fr Branche did not do. Fr Branche was a nice guy but he did a lot of incorrect things that went against the Dioceses of the Virgin Islands headed by the Bishop. Half of the persons passing comment and judgement I am sure are not Episcopalians and further are not members of St Georges. People kick up against someone who makes them do the right thing and do the correct policy. Fr Rock is doing what he know and it is in line with the Canons ( Church Constitution). Mr DeCastro have you read this document, are you doing what you try to do with everything else divide without a lack of knowledge. Fr Rock came here and met a muck. FR Branche left a muck and all sorts of impropriety within the church.
    You go to church to worship God not a man, man has faults. Are you in a cult where you praising man or the Church where you follow God. Remember Jim Jones they followed a man to Guyana to drink koolaid. De Castro you willing to go Trinidad and drink yours. What happens in darkness will come to light. The only people dividing the church are negative ignorant people like Decastro and others, who want to do what they want in the Church, Misuse funds and other things against the work of God and the Church. Someone pray for Decastro.. mental illness is real and it look like he have it bad.

    All of you blogging do you really know what you talking or are you just talking. Find out before you open your mouth or type on the keyboard. People like DeCastro are looking for news, and causing confusion.
    • brace yourself (18/04/2016, 21:38) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply

      You think that mismanagement of funds happened before, wait until ....is through with you all.

  • Hmm (18/04/2016, 21:33) Like (19) Dislike (9) Reply

    As a young person of the "church," I find this entire situation to be completely disheartening. I believe that the new "priest," a term I use very loosely, should seriously consider taking a step down from the ego trip that he is currently on. It appears to me that the priest came into the church with preconceived ideas that had been gathered prior to his arrival and he allowed those thoughts to be the driving force behind his actions towards some individuals. I also believe that he has a personal agenda and is trying his best to remove anyone that would be in a position to stop him from executing it.

    The way in which they treated the secretary, someone who has contributed significantly to the development of the institution for many years was atrocious. While I do understand that they have the right to choose who is employed there, I also believe that there is a proper way to execute one's actions. Why was she being forced to resign? What were the grounds for her dismissal? She served in that capacity for many years and had she been ineffective in her position, why didn't anyone say something then? If you wanted her to be fired, why not just fire her? That thing called severance pay, I guess.

    I don't think that we realize the huge generational gap that exists in the church and instead of creating initiatives that would allow more young people to remain active in the church, we prefer to listen to the ancient beings that have been there forever and refuse to entertain the thought of succession planning because they have no intention of changing their ways. They should have seen this as an opportunity to include young people in the process while serving as an example in which they should live their lives. But no, he has allowed the church politics to be the determining factor in everything he does and it is sad.

    When you have the church saying "the affluent persons in the church won't be happy with this," you are creating a classist environment. Why is the church engaging in this "worldly" way of thinking?

    It is said that we should listen to the message and not the messenger, but I think this way of thinking is complete garbage. In an office environment, we choose the best medium to send a specific message; email vs. phone call for example, so why are we forcing ourselves to believe that the message is going to be received best by someone that wrapped their neck in a collar and called them self a pr8888? Sometimes we have to accept the fact that the messenger that we choose isn't the best one to deliver the message.

    Why are we allowing one man to contribute so much negativity to our lives? We speak about young people turning their back on the church, but if the church is worst than the world, why should they view the organization as a "safe space?" This man has been around for roughly six months and there has been nothing but confusion since he has been here. Does he really care about the spiritual development of the Virgin Islands? This is just the beginning and I want nothing to do with the shenanigans.

  • Expat (18/04/2016, 22:21) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    People must be willing to protest for their right.
  • member (18/04/2016, 22:50) Like (26) Dislike (4) Reply
    It is very unfortunate that this has reached the media and I blame the vestry(the governing body of the church for this. From day 1, persons were uncomfortable with the new rector's leadership style and a number of persons wrote the vestry asking that matters be addressed and up to now, not even a letter of acknowledgement was sent out to the members. Ignoring people and their concerns is not the way to lead. I don't blame the new rector. The vestry dropped the ball. They could have called a meeting and let us openly and respectfully discuss the concerns. We could have saved ourselves all this disgrace. It doesn't make sense we hide our heads in the sand and pretend that all is well but trying to embarrass both priests is not the way to go. Fr. Branche is not perfect but I think he wanted the best for St. Georges and we need to stop behaving as if the man pocketed St.Georges money. We need to stop trying to tear down all the good he did.We need to also respect Fr. Rocke and it is the vestry's responsibility to guide the new priest - not the other way around.We can recover from this but we have to be open, honest and forgiving and remember what Fr. Branche would admonish us to do each Sunday: Go in peace and serve the lord.
  • Rupee (18/04/2016, 23:48) Like (1) Dislike (3) Reply
    Members,

    Please take your concerns to Ran in prayer. Only Ran can help us to overcome this.
  • Genesis (19/04/2016, 00:01) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    It’s all under the name of the next most powerful institution on Earth, besides Government. It’s called, Religion. They are the only two (2) Institutions that can collect money and do not have to pay taxes. Religion, on the other hand, is but an institutionalized form of legal exploitation. One of the BIGGEST SCAMS ever created by man to extort money from the poor, again. There are more churches in any poor community that you can find, all sending prayers to some fictitious entity who has never even listened to one thing they have to say, and their circumstances either remain the same or get worse if they themselves don’t get up and use their brains and two (2) hands that they were born with to do something to change it. I guess it solves its purpose for those who desperately need an alternative escape from their reality- so they pay dearly for that- plus 10% of their earnings in a collection plate to their favourite WAR-SHIP.
  • The Facts (19/04/2016, 00:33) Like (28) Dislike (6) Reply


    Some of the facts before us are:
    Since October 2015 the following things have happened:
    1. A number of persons have stopped coming to church
    2. A number of persons have written to the vestry with concerns
    3. The organists have stopped coming to church
    4. The choir has dwindled
    5. The conveners of God's Treasurers have stepped down
    6. The Parish Secretary was fired
    7. A vendor who has provided lunch for the students for years was told to leave
    8. The principal is frustrated
    9. The moral of the teachers has hit an all time low
    10. The church is split to the point where people are being referred to as rats
    11. The school is split
    12. Concerns have been raised about non-Anglicans teaching at the school
    13. St.Georges now looks and feels like an abandoned place most days
    14. The steel pan orchestra seems to have died
    15. The vestry is divided
    17. There are concerns about children raising funds
    18. The church's email address was changed
    19. Based on all the negative things that have been said about the former priest, he refused to visit the church when he visited week before last.
    20. The former priest was invited to bless the opening of Clarence Thomas
    21. Over a hundred church members attended a Sunday morning church service that was held by the former priest.
    22. The St. George's Liturgical Dancers is no longer active and many of the members have stopped coming to church
    23. For the first time in many years, St.Georges did not have an Easter Cantata
    24. There are serious issues and concerns that need to be discussed. Sweeping them under the carpet will not solve the problem.
    25. The vestry dropped the ball. They heard the concerns. They received letters outlining members' concerns. They saw the dwindling church numbers and they chose to ignore the issues. How can you be leading an institution and all these things steering you in the face and you do nothing ? I blame them. If they had responded to the concerns chances are all this dirty laundry would not have hit the air waves.

  • Factual (19/04/2016, 10:46) Like (21) Dislike (8) Reply
    No one seems to address the real issue. The real issue is not the new Rector. If he had allowed everything to drift as he found it and simply kept everyone smiling no one would be saying anything. The problem arose when the new Rector drew the attention of the congregation to the issues. He did not state any personal opinion. He merely pointed to them. Some of them were shocked and some were offended. But, "Woe to him by whom the offence comes" and it did not come by the new Rector.

    It is true that the leader of God's Treasures resigned. She was a niece of the Parish Secretary . The organists backed the Parish Secretary and some of the members of the choir followed the organists. The Parish Secretary was made the issue. But the issue remains and will remain and will have to be addressed even if the Rector leaves.

    The issue is the finances of the church and how to address them. The mortgages must be paid to stop the threatened foreclosure on the schools by the Bank. The several creditors that have not been paid for years must be paid. More and more are coming forward. None of these debts were accumulated in Dr Rock's time. All of these must be paid. Getting rid of the Rector will not pay them. Getting rid of the Parish Secretary or reinstating her will not pay them. The walking out of the organists will not pay them. The filling of the choir stalls will not pay them. The return of the organists will not pay them.

    On hindsight, it is a good thing that Dr Rock exposed the issues because, if he did not, he would be blamed for the mess. Look how he is being blamed for what he found and how hell's foundations quiver, but the gates of hell will not prevail. Yet no one is asking why Fr. Branche was allowed not to act contrary to the Canons of the Diocese and not have Vestry elections. Why did the Vestry accept to act unconstitutionally?

    If Dr Rock needed my advice, I would tell him to stand firm and get down on his knees and storm the citadels of Heaven with prayer and thanksgiving. For if we truly begin to give thanks, we will not have room or time to ask God for anything. Alternatively he should leave and leave these problems behind him. He can do without them.

    Finally,we are not rats but it is the same God who made us that made the rats and the mice and he hates nothing that he has made.



    • okay (19/04/2016, 13:57) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      I completely understand what it is that you are saying, but if the financial situation was as bad as it is now being made to be, why wasn't it brought to light before? There is the Annual General Meeting where reports have to be made by the accountant on the financial standing of the church and schools so why wasn't this highlighted by the accountant before all of this mess? I am finding it a bit difficult to understand how this issue could have been swept under the rug when there are measures in place to prevent such an occurrence. It is unfortunate.
  • .................. (19/04/2016, 11:03) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    The church rocks
  • Factual (19/04/2016, 15:32) Like (15) Dislike (2) Reply
    My dear Okay

    I agree that the financial mess should have been brought to light long before the last parish meeting. Like you, I am annoyed that that was not done but why blame Dr Rock and the present Vestry for it? Are you saying that matters are not as bad as is now being made out simply because the past Rector and some of his chosen few on the past Vestry chose not to disclose it at an earlier parish meeting? By not disclosing it, matters got worse.

    Remember that the past Vestry did not want Dr Rock to expose it either and, when defied them and did so , a member of the congregation stood up and asked that discussion of the Rector's report be deferred. It was not deferred and that person and some of the old Vestry left the church and did not come back. Two or three were offended because Dr Rock wisely avoided persons being misquoted by procuring a verbatim record of the meeting.

    If the past Rector and the past Vestry wanted the true state of the finances disclosed, they would have done so. But it is clear that they did not. You cannot blame Dr Rock for what that group hid from the congregation. Let me tell you that since Dr Rock's disclosure in January, it has been discovered that the financial situation is much worse than he or anyone else thought. Only half the story has been told. The past Rector and the former Secretary knew more than the Vestry did.

    If Dr Rock holds a special meeting and exposes what came to light since his January report, he will be accused by some of attacking the past Rector and they will want to martyr him.

    Just to answer blogger who wrote under the name "The Facts". The current Vestry did not "drop the ball". They are proceeding correctly. It is the past Vestry that allowed present issues to develop by incurring debts and not paying them. Let us be fair. The issue remains the finances and they must be addressed. If we address them, everyone will be too busy to be unfair to the current Rector. Do not borrow unless you know how you can repay. Psalm 37 says "The ungodly borrows and does not repay".

    The current Rector is also right to respect the Bishop of the diocese. The Bishop has been disrespected for so many years that some of the congregation now believe that he is an intruder and are saying that Dr Rock is too close to him. Dr Rock will have educate them and let them know that a priest cannot come into the diocese and conduct a service or preach unless the Bishop is informed. Neither can one remodel a church without the consent of the Bishop. These things happened in the past but they were wrong and everyone who condones it is a lover of wrong doing.

    Too much blame is being placed on the present Vestry for trying to clean up the mess. The should proceed undeterred. Like Nehemiah, you are doing a good work. Do not come down to anyone's standards.
    • Looking (20/04/2016, 06:31) Like (7) Dislike (3) Reply
      No matter how much education you have. No matter how skilled you are. If you don't know how to listen. if you don't know how to speak to people. if you don't know how to be humble. if you don't know how to unite people . if you don't include people in your decisions. if you think you know all . you are setting yourself up to fail.
  • . (19/04/2016, 16:42) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace: Give us grace seriously to lay to heart the great dangers we are in by our unhappy divisions. Take away all hatred and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord: that, as there is but one Body, and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all; so we may henceforth be all of one heart, and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and with one mind and one mouth glorify thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
    The Book of Common Prayer
  • malee (19/04/2016, 19:07) Like (1) Dislike (6) Reply
    i hear about that preacher he need to be deported let us sign a petition to get him out of here he aint easy we will find out when its too late
  • Concerned (20/04/2016, 06:14) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Why wasn't the contract of the new priest renewed at Codrington College in Barbados ?
    Could it have something to do with his leadership style ? Just asking.
    • ha (20/04/2016, 13:25) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
      After a quick google search, that was exactly the reason why it wasn't renewed.
  • Concerned (21/04/2016, 00:43) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    So if his own country had issues with him and his leadership style , why did we bring him here?
    Di'd we expect a miracle ?
  • Observer (21/04/2016, 01:00) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    I think it's important that a proper background check be done on anyone who is taking up an important position such as a priest for a church.
    1. What is the temperament of the person
    2. Does the person suffer from any illness that may interfere with his job.
    3. How did the person perform in his / her previous job.
    4. Does the person have a family and has he / she been able to keep his /her family together
    5. What are your aims and objectives ?
  • Observer (21/04/2016, 07:58) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    no amount of money or whatever could keep me in a country or organization where my presence has caused so much dissent and controversy. i would pack up and go back home to my family.i would not be playing no hero.
  • lamb (21/04/2016, 23:19) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need to trust God to see us through this challenging time. Let us let go and see what faith in God can do. Invite the Holy Spirit to revive the Church in this dark period. We need a revival in St Georges, please remember the gifts which were given to us during the Life in the Spirit week. Let us call upon God to give us a spirit of boldness.
  • Ya (17/05/2016, 18:21) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is the first time I haveheard so much of the Church's business in the media. All of this should have been resolved internally. My prayers are with this Church and its members so that God's will will be done.
  • The Holy Spirit (22/07/2016, 19:20) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    The church (THE BODY OF CHRIST) need the Holy Spirit experience. An encounter with the Holy Spirit edifies the spirit- hence knowing God's purpose for you.


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