Dibrugarh, Aug 14: In an unprecedented move, 31 clergy members of the Diocese of North-East India under the Church of North India (CNI) have formally demanded the immediate removal of Bishop Michael Herenz, accusing him of divisive leadership, administrative negligence, and financial mismanagement.

In a strongly worded memorandum addressed to the Moderator of the CNI Synod, the clergy also called for the urgent appointment of a Moderator’s Commissary to stabilise the diocese, which they claim is on the brink of disintegration.

The memorandum, dated August 13, outlines a series of grievances against Bishop Herenz, alleging that his leadership has led to widespread disaffection, fractured congregations, and a breakdown of trust. The clergy, who initially supported his appointment, now assert that his policies have caused irreparable harm to the spiritual and administrative unity of the diocese.

One of the most significant losses cited is the departure of the Northern Assam Deanery five years ago, which the clergy attribute directly to the Bishop’s policies. This exit, they claim, marked the beginning of a broader pattern of disunity, with multiple pastorates across Meghalaya, Upper Assam, and Middle Assam distancing themselves from his authority.

A particularly distressing case highlighted in the memorandum is the ongoing conflict at Christ Church in Guwahati, where tensions have persisted for over three years. The dispute began with the appointment of Reverend Harrison Masih as Presbyter-in-Charge, leading to a bitter standoff between church officials and the bishop’s administration.

Former Secretary Samuel Sangma and Treasurer Celiya Gayari, elected in the 2022 Annual General Meeting (AGM), were reportedly sidelined by Rev Masih, who refused to recognise the new treasurer. Matters worsened when Rev Masih allegedly transferred a substantial sum of church funds to the diocese without transparency. A Holy Communion service was abruptly halted, and the newly elected Secretary was barred from making announcements. Despite repeated appeals, Bishop Herenz took no action to resolve the conflict, leaving the congregation to worship outside the church for years.

Similarly, at All Saints’ Cathedral in Shillong, the clergy accuse the Bishop’s administration of attempting to seize control of the church hall. Rev Himansu Christian, the former Presbyter In-Charge, faced such strong opposition from the congregation over his support for the Bishop’s policies that he was barred from conducting services. In retaliation, he filed multiple defamation cases against church members, further deepening the rift. The Shillong Pastorate has since voted to withdraw all support from Bishop Herenz, describing his behaviour as “unacceptable, harsh, rude, and unwelcoming.”

The memorandum also raises serious concerns about financial and administrative misconduct in Upper Assam. The alleged sale of church land and the abrupt closure of St Luke’s Hospital in Tinsukia have reportedly caused severe hardship to the local community. Additionally, tutors at the Nursing School in Tinsukia have gone unpaid, a situation the clergy describe as a failure of basic administrative duty.

Further allegations include the Bishop’s arbitrary revocation of clergy licences, replacing them with short-term permits that have since expired, leaving many priests in professional limbo. The clergy also accuse him of suspending and terminating priests without due process, fostering an atmosphere of fear and injustice.

They have also demanded the dissolution of the current Executive Committee of the 24th Diocesan Council, arguing that it is operating without formal approval. Despite the circulated minutes being found inaccurate and corrections requested, the final version was never ratified, rendering the committee’s authority illegitimate, according to the memorandum.

With approximately 30 pastorates no longer aligned with Bishop Herenz, the clergy warn that the diocese risks complete collapse without urgent intervention. They have appealed to the CNI Moderator to act swiftly, emphasising the need for a transitional leader — a Moderator’s Commissary — to restore order and begin the healing process.

As of now, the CNI Synod has not issued an official response to the memorandum. The clergy’s collective stand signals a deepening crisis within one of India’s prominent Christian denominations.

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