Dear People of God in The Episcopal Church:
Earlier this month, I announced that I had reached an accord with Bishop Prince Singh that resolved all of the Title IV matters pending against him. Today I am writing to let you know that the related Title IV matters pending against former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and Bishop Todd Ousley, previously bishop in the Office of Pastoral Development, have been concluded with a pastoral response in keeping with Canon IV.6.8(a) and Canon IV.8. Under our disciplinary canons, a pastoral response can include actions that the respondents are required to complete as well as care for the complainants and other injured parties.
Under the terms of this pastoral response, Bishop Curry has agreed to write an apology to the complainants, who alleged that he did not appropriately oversee the allegations against Bishop Singh. Bishop Ousley will also write an apology to the complainants, who alleged that he did not provide timely pastoral care to them or complete a timely initial inquiry of the allegations against Bishop Singh. In addition, Bishop Ousley will complete training in the Title IV disciplinary canons, which I will prescribe. My office will also offer support for therapeutic and spiritual care to the complainants in keeping with Canon IV.8.1.
The decision to conclude these matters with this pastoral response was made by a reference panel that included Bishop Nicholas Knisely, president of the Disciplinary Board for Bishops; the Rev. Barbara Kempf, the intake officer for disciplinary matters concerning bishops; and me after I became presiding bishop. We made this decision after reviewing an independent investigation that the reference panel, which previously included Bishop Knisely, presiding bishop-designate Bishop Jim Mathes, and intake officer-designate Mary Sulerud, requested last spring and received in late September. I ask for your continued prayers that God’s power will bring healing and reconciliation to everyone involved in this painful situation.
Faithfully,
Presiding Bishop Sean W. Rowe
