Bishop Suspended Amid Inappropriate Scandal
A former bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California will continue to be suspended from ministry and must undergo counseling following a credible accusation involving a prolonged inappropriate relationship.
Marc Andrus, who retired as bishop of the diocese, was previously restricted from ministry in 2023 after a disciplinary inquiry under the Episcopal Church’s Title IV canons.
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe announced last Thursday that an agreement had been reached regarding the Title IV case involving Andrus. Under the terms of this agreement, Andrus will remain suspended until Rowe is convinced that meaningful personal reform has taken place.
As part of the resolution, Andrus is required to participate in a full psychological evaluation by a professional selected by Rowe and to continue the counseling and spiritual reflection he voluntarily began upon learning of the complaint.
Rowe stated that the agreement also ensures that the complainant will receive appropriate pastoral and therapeutic support. He emphasized that all actions are guided by the principles outlined in Canon 1 of Title IV, which focuses on healing, justice, repentance, restitution, and reconciliation.
Bishop Austin Rios, who currently oversees the California diocese, acknowledged the emotional toll the situation has had on the diocesan community. “If this situation has weighed on you and you need support, please reach out to the Rev. Canon J. Sierra Reyes or the Ven. Miguel Bustos,” Rios wrote in a public message. “I remain committed to supporting our congregations and clergy during this time.”
He also invited prayers for those affected and for the continued unity and healing of the church.
Ordained in 1988, Andrus served as bishop suffragan in Alabama before being elected to lead the California diocese in 2006. He became known for his strong advocacy on environmental issues and his opposition to both Proposition 8, which sought to ban same-sex marriage in California, and the federal Defense of Marriage Act.
In 2013, he was among several Episcopal bishops who signed a legal brief opposing both measures. At the time, he noted that the church had evolved alongside society on LGBTQ+ issues, sometimes leading and sometimes learning from secular movements.
Andrus’s restrictions were first imposed in October 2023, shortly after his retirement, due to what church authorities described as an inappropriate relationship with another adult. The disciplinary measures were initiated by the Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves, a former bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real and the designated leader for handling Title IV cases involving bishops.