This is a concerning trend.
The family of former Episcopal Church bishop Prince Singh, who resigned last year amid credible abuse allegations, is demanding an inquiry into the handling of the accusations by denominational leaders, including Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop Todd Ousley. Singh’s ex-wife and two adult sons filed a complaint, alleging a failure to adhere to the prescribed procedures outlined in the Title IV disciplinary canons, designed for investigating accusations against clergy, including bishops. Singh stepped down in September following multiple abuse allegations from family members and others.
Singh served as the bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester from 2008 to 2022. In October 2021, he was elected bishop. The tumultuous period began in April 2022 when Singh and his wife divorced. Later that year, his ex-wife and sons contacted Curry to disclose years of alleged abuse they endured from Singh, leading to a public disclosure of the abuse allegations in June 2023.
The family asserts that Curry and Ousley did not properly adhere to the Title IV canons and communicated their concerns to Curry in December 2022, making them public in June 2023. As part of the Title IV investigation on Sept. 7, Singh was officially restricted from ministry due to the abuse allegations, prompting his resignation from the office the next day. The Standing Committee of Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan issued a joint statement characterizing the resignation as a “mutual decision” and acknowledging the complexity of the situation, expressing a commitment to address the challenge with careful stewardship and compassion.
Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves, vice president of the House of Bishops, recused herself from the Title IV complaint involving Curry, as indicated in an email on Jan. 10. The family’s objections to how Curry and Ousley handled the accusations were outlined in a 19-page letter dated Dec. 28, 2023, attached to the email. This controversy underscores the difficulties faced by denominational leaders in addressing abuse allegations within the clergy, and the family’s pursuit of accountability in the handling of these sensitive matters.
WHERE THERE IS SMOKE THERE IS FIRE. SO VERY SAD THAT CHRISTIAN LEADERS ARE REALLY NOT VERY GOOD CHRISTIANS AT ALL ANYMORE. IT IS ALL ABOUT MONEY. WE DO NOT LIKE THE TV CHURCHES ASKING FOR HAND OUTS ALL YEAR LONG. IT IS VERY SAD THAT OLDER PEOPLE WHO ARE HOUSE BOUND GIVE MONEY THAT THEY NEED FOR FOOD OR MEDICINE ETC. IT IS ALL A MONEY MAKING BUSINESS NOW. YEARS AGO IN GERMANY THE COMPANIES WOULD DEDUCT A FEW MARKS ON EVERY PAYCHECK FOR THE CHURCH. THIS WAY WE HAD NO BEGGING.