Anglican Watch, the unofficial watchdog of the Episcopal Church, today condemned the failure of senior Episcopal Bishops, including former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, to report allegations of historic child sexual abuse to law enforcement.
The allegations in question involve The Rev. Richard Losch, who reportedly traveled across state lines in the 1970s with a boy to rape him.
A grand jury in New Hampshire subsequently indicted Losch. However, when the case went to trial, the jury deadlocked.
The alleged victim repeatedly pleaded with multiple Episcopal bishops for help, including:
1. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry.
2. Bishop for Pastoral Development Todd Ousley. Ironically, at the time, Ousley was responsible for training bishops on their obligations under the church’s disciplinary policies.
3. Alabama bishop Glenda Curry (no relation to Michael).
4. Bishop Herman “Holly” Hollerith, who inadvertently sent an email to the victim saying “Needless to say, I wouldn’t touch this complaint with a 1000 ft. pole.” (Anglican Watch believes the message was intended for Todd Ousley.)
In every instance, Episcopal bishops refused to address the issue and failed to report the allegations to law enforcement and child protection officials.
Meanwhile, Losch remains an Episcopal priest in good standing, despite the criminal indictment.
“We are shocked and appalled, but hardly surprised, that bishops in the Episcopal Church simply couldn’t be bothered,” said Anglican Watch official Eric Bonetti. “Additionally, we have reason to believe that Glenda Curry repeatedly engaged in coverup. Certainly, she has ignored our repeated emails about the issue.
“Even though Losch is now in his 90s, we believe he should be held accountable,” Bonetti adds. “And even though Losch was not convicted, we believe there is more than ample evidence to support his laicization.”
Founded in 2015, Anglican Watch is the unofficial watchdog of the Episcopal Church. The organization addresses both sexual and nonsexual abuse in the Episcopal Church and other faith communities.