Marking the end of the Church in Wales as we knew it.
'We as a church ought to aqcuaint ourselves with what is going on,
fight injustice, and demand the rule of law be upheld whenever it is being
flouted for whatever reason' (please stop laughing). 'We have a duty to
speak out. What happens to one person or nation affects us all.'
Presidential address of Archbishop Barry Morgan September 2010 - Governing Body of the Church in Wales.
***********************
It was time for 'Horlicks' again - the Presidential address of the Archbishop Dr Barry Morgan at the Governing Body September 2010. Or, to be more frank, another dose of sleeping gas. 1
The Archbishop is not much of an orator. In fact, he is not an orator at all really, much the same as his 'life long friend' down at the 'bay', Diazipan Dave. I consider my five year old grandson a much more realistic prospect in that particular field. It's just so difficult keeping awake trying to listen to either of them.
Much of what Archbishop Barry says these days is pretty much recycled stuff, like an old tyre - threadbare. It feels and sounds as if he's been preaching the same sermon for years. Indeed, he has. Such as the 'golf club' story, (he doesen't do proper sermons) which, by now has probably done more provincial mileage than the average diesel engine.
First he dispensed with praise, with his usual use of the personal pronoun. Ostensibly he is marketing himself of course - Morgan plc. Shamelessly sucking up, like a dentists glurption tube, to anyone who might be useful to him, especially down at the 'bay'. Ah, yes, that old familiar Morgan drug - opportunism, he is still hooked - ' Where lies your treasure, there lies your heart also.' 2
He claimed to have met the Pope twice during his visit. It wasn't clear what he meant, whether he had been in the same building as him, or, whether they both had a natter and put the world to right! One thing is certain both Barry and his idol Tony Blair sat within feet of his holiness at Westminster Hall. My God, isn't anything sacred any more?
But then, towards the end of his address to the Governing Body he had us on the edge of our seats, (well, some of us at least) when he dropped a live plug into the bath water. I thought, what the on earth is going on in the 'Potting Sheds' these days? Have they dispensed with light spanking? Does he really believe what he said? Or does this new found quest for justice have more to do with personal positioning, (down at the bay) or the danger of past events being revisited, ( Benllech Bay) or possibly both? His words fell like icicles from eaves. Are we experiencing a thaw?
'Fight injustice.....demand the rule of law.......flouted
for whatever reason.....duty to speak out......what happens..
to one person.....affects us all.'
Not the brightest thing for Archbishop Barry Morgan to say, given that he himself looks like an ink monitor. 3
Tyrant
As political theories go, the 'Divine Right' of Kings, the idea that rulers were chosen by God, and, answerable for their actions to Him alone - does not have a good track record, particularly in Britain. It caused Charles 1st , one of its leading enthusiasts to lose two wars, and, eventually, his head.
Then there was Charles 2nd 'Secret Treaty of Dover 1670' when a misconceived war failed to go according to plan. Those closest to him pulled the plug as soon as they practically could. 4
It comes as no surprise to many that Dr Barry Morgan, appears to be a latter day convert to the 'Divine Right' view of the world. No amount of an all 'inclusive liberal theology' has even managed to create the slightest dent, let alone do away with the idea of a bishop being in office other than by 'Divine Permission.' Such belief has been held by him at times with a high-handedness worthy of any modern day impression of the Stuart Kings.
Truth
In the 'Scandal and Offence' church kangaroo court of 1997, Barry Morgan, now Archbishop of Wales, ignored the basic principle by which we make sense of our world, which is, that for every action there is a consequence. It is the principle by which we should modify behaviour. A kind of moral gravity. However, it has been plainly obvious over the years that the Archbishop's moral persona has as much backbone as a Kentucky fried chicken.
Writing to a parishioner in January 1998 he claimed to have acted in the case of the Anglesey Vicar because it was 'right, truthful and just.' 5 Had he, as bishop, simply taken public criticism at the time on the chin it would have been over and done with. To the contrary, the more he tried to defend himself, the more he retaliated against critics, the more he led himself into the mire and long grass. At times the slightest criticism would be met by legal threats. It seems that a good libel and defamation lawyer is a must if you're a bishop.
In trying to cover up the conspiracy he exposed the innocent - especially the young. One, in particular, who had just been confirmed by him, would find that his life would never be the same again following Morgan's actions. More on that some other time. The Enforcer, ( your unelcted at the Governing Body) will not let it rest.
In the 'Dear Marian letter' of December 1997 the 'Enforcer' reveals him as a manipulator and liar.6 The 'Scandal and Offence' blog will argue and prove that such a person, abusing the influence and authority of his office only to risk being found out at any time in the future. suggests a cavernous depth of dysfunction. 7
Bent on destroying, yet manifestly charming, Heir Von Morganmeistr would switch to a sudden change of soft, oh so reasonable, of the all inclusive liberal - vicarious voice of an ego manic bishop. Why is it that such a liberal is more uncompromising and unchristian than the fundementalists he roundly condems? The CIA would have been proud to have such a recruit.
In the infamous 'Dear Marian letter' he quotes extensively from the flawed and doctored judgement of Michael Evans QC. And, in case you might be wondering, the 'Dear Marian letter' is a personal letter written by Barry Morgan in December 1997 to the Head of Centre at the BBC Bangor, North Wales following which he procured an apology for remarks made by the deposed vicar Rev Clifford Williams on a radio programme. The apology was made public. The Scandal and Offence blog will reveal that its content displays perfectly the microcosm and delusion of a man who created his own truths. 7
The Enforcer is satisfied that the 'Dear Marian letter' confirms that as Bishop of Bangor, Barry Morgan construed, manipulated and lied in this lengthy and most damning of letters written by him. It is clear that he never envisaged at the time the possibilty of its content being made available to the public. How unfortunate for the Archbishop of Sleaze that the BBC are subject to the 'Freedom of Information Act.' 1998. One can only imagine what manoeuvers will now be employed by the 'Cardiff Mafia' to silence the Enforcer.
Meanwhile, we can be certain, that the oh so charming all inclusive liberal, with all the sincerity of an American televangalist, minus the cuprinol tan, will continue to chase every passing cheer-leader down there at the bay. It is a matter of public interest that he be exposed.
Travesty
What therefore are we to make of a 'Psychoanalysis of an Archbishop?' The Enforcer, would prefer the individual reader to make his or her mind up whether he his 'Mad'or 'Bad', or, if he is the one who can 'Open the Red Sea' for the rest of us, as he and his 'life long friend' (down at the bay) seem to believe.
However, general consensus within the church, and among some of the media, (behind his back of course,for fear of character assassination) is of a personality which manifests a toxic confection of narcissism, naked ambition and spite, bubbling at times with resentment and self pitying temper. His over blown sense of authority and ego is only matched by his ludicrous inflated opinion of his own abilities. What is even more disturbing, it is a behaviour that shows no signs of abating.
Failing miserably to win the backing of the Church in Wales to create a new Archbishopric, so that he can probably cruze around the 'bay' with ' Dave', who insists on referring to him as a 'National Political figure', or was it 'treasure'? Sorry, I tell a lie, 'The Father of us all' 2, (Please! This an order - stop laughing immediately.( Chap X1 Constitution Church in Wales. ).
Nevertheless, the Archbishop continues to defy his tribe and insists that there must be a new Archbishopric. My word, he will insist on hammering these things into their skulls! Why, oh why, won't this lot listen to such genius?
Incapable of accepting responsiblity for his own mistakes and character assassinations in the past 7, he seeks to crush any form of dissent. He has never been able to disguise his pathalogical contempt of his critics or those he considers to be his intellectual inferiors, which pretty much covers the whole of mankind - even, so it seems, the bishop of Rome, with exeption to one 'Rowan Williams.'
We know how he milks various situations and occasions for all their worth. The diagonal body language, the slight pause, then, going all sticky mouthed and thespian. Using and manipulating situations and individuals to butttress his own position. Its a very effective technique, (neuro linguistig programming) just ask any aspiring politician or super model!
How this guy in designer suit loves to feed off the emotion of the moment to reinforce his side of an argument. Then, when things aren't going his way his cheeks acquire a complexion as pale as a Korean television screen, followed by that facial expession reminiscient to the unhappy father of the bride at a shot gun wedding or a tortoise who has chewed his last leaf of lettuce. That winded expression - worrying at times. So much, that all unflattering photographs of 'His Grace' ( not too difficult to obtain) have been replaced, for the benefit of PR, with vanity glossy air brushed images.
Some of his addresses, (they cannot be rightly called sermons) as well as those that clutter the Church's website, about love and compassion are so outrageously hypocritical that it is difficult to keep a straight face. He exists within the liberal ecclesiastical - legal bubble of a deistic religion, which now faces a scrutiny he never imagined possible. How can any one take him seriously? His Legacy? The Archbishop who shut down the Church in Wales! Will someone please remind him to switch the lights off on the way out.
To his credit , he does admit that God is not always with him on the golf course 8. Wretched bunkers! Although in all others areas of life he would have us believe that the hand of history rests on his shoulders.
Refelcting on the 'Presidential Address', what a shame that the September meeting of the 'Governing Body of the Church in Wales' wasn't equipped with sick bags!
Consult 'Scandal and Offence' for more on the 'Dear Marian' letter- Sleazy lay preacher -and more, in the next update.
o
1. Google 'Church in Wales'.org
2.Tomorrows Wales - information pack. Also Feb 2nd 2010 'National Assembly Buildings'.
3.The 'Scandal of Ystrad Mynach' 2oo6
4. 'Invitation to a Funeral'. Molly Brown 1996
5.Letter from the Bishop of Bangor to a parishoner, November 17th 1997.
6.Letter entitled 'Dear Marian' Head of Centre BBC Wales Bangor 19th December 1997.
7. Reply letter to Head of Centre BBC Bangor from Rev C Williams.
8. Roy Noble interview. BBC Radio Wales Easter Monday 2008.
