Episcopal Church’s Bold Plan To Hold Bishops Accountable
The Episcopal Church has responded to recent demands for greater accountability by introducing a new protocol aimed at enhancing transparency in handling disciplinary cases involving bishops.
Announced by the Church’s Office of Public Affairs, the new “three-part protocol” is designed to provide clearer insight into the disciplinary procedures concerning Episcopal bishops facing allegations of misconduct. These procedures are delineated in Title IV of the Episcopal Church’s bylaws, which govern ecclesiastical discipline matters.
The protocol comprises three key components: the establishment of a webpage for reporting allegations of misconduct against bishops, another webpage for updates on ongoing disciplinary cases, and the issuance of an annual statistical report detailing complaints involving bishops and their resolutions.
Presiding Bishop Michael Curry exercised his authority in instituting this protocol, as confirmed by the Public Affairs Office. In a letter circulated on Thursday to outline the initiative, Curry acknowledged the growing calls for enhanced transparency in the Title IV process, emphasizing the protocol’s dual objectives of transparency and privacy protection, consistent with the goals of Canon I of Title IV.
Curry also highlighted the appointment of the Rev. Barbara Kempf as the full-time Intake Officer for Bishops, a role created last year to manage misconduct allegations more effectively and improve communication throughout the Title IV process.
Critics had previously voiced concerns about the efficacy of the Title IV procedures in addressing credible abuse allegations involving Episcopal clergy. Last year, House of Deputies President Julia Ayala Harris publicly disclosed her own experience navigating the Title IV process after alleging that a retired bishop had subjected her to physical overpowering and inappropriate verbal remarks. Despite the challenges, Ayala Harris noted the experience’s informative value for her leadership role and underscored her commitment to fostering safer communities within the church.
In a separate incident last December, the ex-wife and adult sons of former Bishop Prince Singh lodged a complaint against Curry and Episcopal Bishop Todd Ousley, alleging mishandling of abuse accusations against Singh. The family members accused Curry and Ousley of deviating from proper Title IV procedures in addressing the allegations against Singh.