Settlement Announced in Defamation Case

In accordance with the terms of a mutually agreed upon court settlement, Mr. David Jenkins offered an apology to Bishop Michael Bird for “any suffering he has experienced as a result of blog postings” on his Anglican Samizdat blog. The terms of settlement also stipulate that Mr. Jenkins publish an apology on his blog, pay the majority of the legal costs involved, remove the Bishop from his posts, and agree not to publish any similar posts about the Bishop in the future.

“I am pleased that a settlement has now been reached and accept Mr. Jenkins’ full and public apology to me for the suffering he has caused,” said Bishop Michael. He added, “I believe that the successful conclusion to this action sends a strong message to all who unjustly seek power over others through bullying behaviours.”

Over the past five years Mr. Jenkins operated a website and blog entitled Anglican Samizdat in which he published his own commentary on issues and events both in the church and beyond.  The Diocese of Niagara and Bishop Michael have figured prominently in his writings on a regular basis. Having “turned the other cheek” for years, the Bishop finally proceeded with a personal lawsuit against Mr. Jenkins in February of 2013. The statement of claim identified 31 instances of defamation of character, among many other posts in which both the Bishop and his family were the subject of Mr. Jenkins’ critical attacks.

Bullying in all its forms is one of the greatest plagues in our society today. As Anglicans we are called to challenge violence of every kind, and this situation echoes the efforts of many to address the systemic issues that have enabled such bullying to continue unchecked. The Bishop welcomes healthy debate, questioning and criticism but the attacks in Anglican Samizdat passed far beyond respectful debate.

As this matter comes to a conclusion, Bishop Michael wishes to express his gratitude “for the overwhelming support and encouragement from many in and beyond the church who believe that behaviour of this kind must be held to account in what ever form it takes.”