UNITED KINGDOM
This is Guernsey
A SUGGESTION that Jersey and Guernsey might withdraw from the Diocese of Winchester might not affect most islanders – but the threat is hugely significant.
Historically, the Channel Islands were part of the Diocese of Coutances. However, Pope Alexander VI transferred them to Winchester in 1500. Despite that, the Bishops of Coutances continued to exercise de facto jurisdiction and it was not until an Order in Council of 11 March 1569 that the Channel Islands were finally placed under the Episcopal jurisdiction of the Bishop of Winchester.
So whatever has triggered the latest talk of separation is clearly serious, given the centuries of tradition linking the islands with Winchester.
At the heart of it is the handling of an investigation into a sexual misconduct complaint and the gagging of a report into it which has led to the Bishop of Winchester parachuting two other bishops in on a fact-find mission with the full support of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
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