An open letter to the members of Holy Communion Church in Bend Oregon

 

The Most Reverend James Alan Wilkowski
Evangelical Catholic Bishop for the Diocese of the Northwest
11045 South Avenue G
Chicago Illinois 60617-6747

(T) 773-721-5383
bishopjames@diocesenorthwest.org

 

November 26, 2020

Greetings:

I have received numerous correspondences from members of Holy Communion Church in Bend Oregon regarding my announcement that the Canon Mark Hebert has begun the process of forming a new parish in communion with the Evangelical Catholic Church and the Diocese of the Northwest.  The bulk of these correspondences can be placed into three categories:

1.  Why Father Radloff  was removed as a priest of the Diocese of the Northwest and the Evangelical Catholic Church.

2.  How Father Radloff's removal affects the standing of Holy Communion Church in Bend with the Evangelical Catholic Church and Diocese of the Northwest.

3.  Why I am allowing Canon Mark to establish a new parish within Bend and thereby divide Holy Communion Church.

After his Incardination as a priest into the Diocese of the Northwest and the Evangelical Catholic Church, in which he promised  respect and obedience and to uphold the Ecclesial, Sacramental and Canon Law of our Church, Father Radloff became increasingly difficult to work with. At best, one could describe my professional and fraternal relationship with Father Radloff in terms generally used in common law marriages. Despite my best efforts, I was unable to establish a healthy collegial relationship with him. 

Prior to my hospitalization in June I learned of the backroom deal between Father Radloff and Bishop Serra to consecrate Father Radloff a bishop.  I learned of this deal via an email announcement from Bishop Serra.  This deal was executed completely outside of the norms of the policies and procedures of the Evangelical Catholic Church.  In secular terms this back room deal could best be described as a hostile take over.  These actions are in violation of Canons 1,2, and 28 of the Code of Canon Law.  By these actions both Father Radloff and Bishop Serra have placed themselves outside of the Church.  They in effect ex-communicated themselves.  My letter of July 7th, 2020 simply memorialized the results of their actions. 

Under common circumstances the removal of Father Radloff would have dictated the obvious decision to name Canon Mark as his replacement.  But I knew that Father Radloff would never acknowledge the facts of the July 7th letter nor would he ever surrender the office of pastor to Canon Mark.  Since the establishment of Holy Communion, Father Radloff structured the parish as a personal fiefdom with only one toe standing within the body the Evangelical Catholic Church.  The realities of geography made it nearly impossible for me to remove Father Radloff from the parish.  In my heart I continue hold the People of God who are members of Holy Communion as part of the family of the Evangelical Catholic Church despite Father Radloff's refusal to cede his control over it.  Father Radloff ex-communicated himself.  You, the people of this parish are not excommunicated.

I am empowering Canon Mark to establish a new parish in the greater Bend community because he is first and foremost a loyal and dedicated priest of this diocese and community of faith who will build with you a parish which is fully a member of this Church and not another personal fiefdom.  The doors of Canon Mark's new Holy Family mission parish shall always remain open to one and all who desire to be part of a drama free parish in union with the Evangelical Catholic Church.  For those who wish to remain with Father Radloff's non-affiliated community church you are free to do so with my prayers and best wishes.

I am deeply saddened by these turns of events in Bend.  I shall trust in your personal good judgment to decide your future and will respect your choices.

I remain,

Respectfully Yours in Christ,

James Alan Wilkowski
Bishop for the Diocese of the Northwest