“He has has committed serious breaches of trust”
The Bishop of Chotanagpur, Basil Baskey, has been removed from office and laicised by the united Church of North India (CNI). The move was taken after he announced that his diocese was leaving the CNI and becoming independent.
In a statement, the Primate and Moderator of the CNI, Dr Prem Singh; and the General Secretary, Dennis Lall, explained that the Synod Executive Committee met on 11 August to consider a report of an Enquiry Commission set up to investigate Bishop Baskey’s claim of independence.
“He illegally attempted to claim himself to be independent of the CNI and acted against the interest of the CNI”, the official statement said. It went on to say that Bishop Baskey “refused to honour the decision of the Synod Office Bearers” of 21 July to place him on leave of absence while the Enquiry Commission investigated.
“The Executive Committee of the CNI Synod, after considering all aspects, found that Rt. Revd Basil B. Baskey’s conduct does not call for any leniency”, the Moderator and General Secretary said. “He has not only violated the CNI Constitution by which he was appointed, but has committed serious breaches of trust. His purported claim to declare the Chotanagpur Diocese of CNI as autonomous and subsequent actions have made him liable for serious action.
“Accordingly, it was unanimously resolved by the CNI Synod Executive Committee to terminate the services of Rt Revd Basil B. Baskey from all offices, including that of the Bishop, with immediate effect. The instrument of election and appointment as a Bishop in CNI . . . stands withdrawn and his ordination as Priest and consecration as Bishop is withdrawn. Hence from today he will be known as Mr. Basil B. Baskey.”
A Commissary, Joljas Kujur, has been appointed by the Moderator to “take all steps to protect the property and funds of the Chotanagpur Diocese”.
The Church of North India was established in 1970 when the Anglican, Methodist Congregationalist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Brethren and Disciples of Christ churches united. In addition to being a full member Province of the Anglican Communion, the Church of North India is also a member of the World Methodist Council and the World Communion of Reformed Churches.