| June 14, 2024 People of God, As we have communicated previously, Bishop John Howard has been under two Title IV investigations. One involves allegations of discrimination and the other involves allegations of a financial nature. We do not have any more specific information than that. While some in the diocese may have heard more details, the Standing Committee and the diocesan staff have not been given any other specific details regarding the two allegations. We can only speak on what information we have been given as the Ecclesiastical Authority. The only information the Standing Committee has been given is the same information which is publically available on The Episcopal Church website here. We have not been part of the investigation and no one is communicating directly with the Standing Committee about these two investigations. As indicated on the website, on June 7, 2024, the Reference panel referred the matters pertaining to both Title IV allegations against Bishop Howard to the Hearing Panel. The Title IV website explains the composition of the Hearing Panel: This panel of three members of the Disciplinary Board is appointed to act as a court to conduct a formal hearing. One member is appointed President, who serves as the presiding judge for the hearing and for any preliminary steps with the Church Attorney and the Respondent’s Counsel. The three members of the Hearing Panel will not be from our diocese but from the wider Church. The Episcopal Church website does not indicate when the Hearing Panel will convene. The Standing Committee has instructed the diocesan staff to continue to cooperate fully with any investigation. The Title IV canons apply to members of the clergy, “who have by their vows at ordination accepted additional responsibilities and accountabilities for doctrine, discipline, worship, and obedience.” (Canon IV.1) When an allegation comes forward, there are specific processes and procedures which must occur. If you would like to better understand the Title IV process, please visit the Title IV website. Please keep Bishop Howard and all those involved or affected in your daily prayers. As the Title IV process is designed, we pray for “healing, repentance, forgiveness, restitution, justice, amendment of life and reconciliation.”Now is a time to love one another. May we seek to make Jesus visible in our diocese through our actions and words. |
| God be with you, Your Standing Committee The Rev. Teresa Seagle, Ms. Jackie Jones, The Rev. Sarah Minton, Ms. Heather Prox, The Rev. Justin Yawn |
