Loading ...ECUSA: It’s not “pedophilia”, it’s — at worst — pederasty
flockwoodPresiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori helped a Roman Catholic priest who had been accused of inappropriate contact with a minor in the 1980s to become a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada when she was its diocesan bishop.
While the priest, Bede Parry, was never charged with a crime, he was sent to a treatment center in New Mexico — Servants of the Paraclete — for three months following the alleged incident, according to the Kansas city Star.
In an interview with the Star Parry admitted inappropriate sexual encounters with two minors.
Edwards’ statement makes clear that Episcopal Church officials were aware of the allegation when Jefferts Schori welcomed him into the Episcopal Church priesthood. It’s unclear whether parishioners were also informed.
Current Nevada bishop Dan Edwards is stressing that the allegations have become public in a civil — not a criminal — legal proceeding and that the alleged misconduct involved a post-pubescent minor, not pre-pubescent minor.
In a statement posted on the diocese’s website, Edwards writes:
“An incident with a late adolescent, while certainly morally wrong, and unquestionably a matter for serious concern, does not indicate pedophilia.”
If Jefferts Schori offers any response, I’d like to post it. An Episcopal News Service story posted on her denomination’s home page indicated she has “not spoken publicly” about the matter.
It’s unclear whether the presiding bishop declined to answer questions about Father Parry or whether Episcopal News Service declined to ask her.
July 12th, 2011 at 8:22 pm
If the Episcopalians want to be more Catholic, certainly there are better ways to show it.
July 13th, 2011 at 10:08 am
Oh, well, since it was two “post-pubescent” minors, no big deal. Thanks for clarifying, Rev. Edwards!
July 13th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
Read the adjacent articles, it 6 teens,not 2, and he admitted it!
July 18th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
This is ridiculous. If she helped someone become an Episcopal priest who had any history of molestation, she should be removed from office. There has to be an absolutely ZERO tolerance for this sort of thing.
July 21st, 2011 at 4:57 pm
Umm… Any sexual relations outside of marriage, regardless of age, is grounds for permanent dismissal if not excommunication in my book. And especially in the priesthood! This is the exact opposite of Christ’s teachings (to not offend the little ones—even those not so little) and there is absolutely no grey area here! I suggest a millstone be hung around a certain “priest’s” neck… Isn’t that what Jesus said? Or do churches even bother with such “unenlightened” simple scripture?
Wow! I miss the old-time religion!