Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire’s statement of intervention in Catholic controversy in Grenada

The leadership of the Province of Castries, Antilles Episcopal Conference, is deeply saddened by the situation unfolding in Grenada, and by the continued public display of disregard for leadership, and the policies and processes of the Church.

The series of errant actions which occurred at, and following the annual Chrism Mass on Wednesday 27, March has brought disrepute to the Church and immeasurable hurt to the Church.

It has now become necessary for the leadership to intervene and take action in accordance with the right order of the Church. Bishop Clyde Martin Harvey is the rightly appointed bishop of the St George’s-in-Grenada and must be respected as such. As required by Canon Law, he submitted his resignation on attaining his 75th birthday. The Holy Father Pope Francis, by letter of January 2024, asked him to remain as bishop of the diocese with full duties and rights until a new bishop is chosen and duly appointed.

Consistent with the policies and processes of the Church it is the expectation that any instruction that Bishop Harvey, as duly appointed Bishop of the diocese, issues to members of the clergy of the Diocese of St George’s-in-Grenada, must be adhered to. Any objections to such instructions must follow the requisite internal processes of enquiry and resolution. It is not the practice nor the desired position of the Church to address internal differences publicly.

As Church we take guidance from both scripture and law. The Gospel of Mark chapter 18 provides us with initial steps for fraternal engagement and correction. Canon Law provides more explicit guidelines for right order in the Church. As archbishop of the province, I am prepared to urgently hear and consider any objections which Father Gerard Paul wishes to make concerning his suspension or any complaints against his bishop.

It must be clear that the removal of a bishop must follow due process. The Church is governed by its own system of laws and procedures and these must be respected and followed. Until such [time as] the action of Bishop Harvey are revoked or overturned by a lawful process, then they stand and should be respected and followed.

I urge all the faithful in the Diocese of St George’s-in-Grenada to join me in fervent prayer for your bishop, clergy, and lay faithful that the present tension in the diocese may soon give way to a stronger, united Christian community at the service of God’s people in Grenada.