A CORRESPONDENT
DIBRUGARH: In an unprecedented move, 31 clergy members of the Diocese of North-East India under the Church of North India (CNI) 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 stabilize the diocese, which they claimed was on the brink of disintegration.
The memorandum, dated August 13, outlined 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 had caused irreparable harm to the spiritual and administrative unity of the diocese.
One of the most significant losses cited was the departure of the Northern Assam Deanery five years ago, which the clergy attribute directly to the Bishop’s policies. This exit 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 was 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 recognize the new Treasurer. Matters worsened when Rev Masih 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.’
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