A row has broken out over the appointment of the north and north-east’s new anglican bishop.
Canon Anne Dyer, the first female to be elected to the role in the Scottish Episcopal Church, was chosen to represent the Aberdeen and Orkney diocese in November.
However, her appointment has sparked controversy among some members of the clergy who were opposed to her selection and who claim their views were ignored by the decision-making panel of bishops.
Canon Dyer’s opponents, who say the issue is causing “disquiet and division”, have also argued she is not suitable for the role due to her reportedly being unable to drive, given the large rural area much of the diocese encompasses.
The group – who insists their opposition is not based on her gender – has also accused the bishop-elect of refusing to meet with them prior to her taking on the position.
An open letter has been sent to Canon Dyer and the College of Bishops which has been signed by seven members of the stipendiary, or paid, clergy and eight other priests or diocese representatives from across the north and north-east.
In the letter, the group calls on the bishop-elect to withdraw her acceptance or for a further decision to be taken on her appointment by the electoral synod of the diocese.
A spokesman for the group said: “The number who have signed the open letter represent 50% of the stipendiary clergy of the diocese.
“The lay people who have signed are members of the standing committee and the warden of the lay readers.
“No attempt has been made to find further signatures, but it is known that there are many more people concerned about the process to which we are objecting than have had the opportunity to sign.”
The Yorkshire-born cleric will be the first ever woman to take up the role in Scotland since the creation of the church in the 1580s.
Women have only been considered for election since 2003.
Canon Dyer – who will leave her post as Rector of Holy Trinity church, Haddington – will be consecrated on March 1 and will take over from the Rt Rev Dr Robert Gillies, who retires from the post after nine years.
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Episcopal Church said “We are aware that a letter has been sent to members of the College of Bishops and the Bishop-Elect, however at this point we are unable to make any comment.”
