(RNS)– The governance laws of the Episcopal Church run for over 300 pages, with more than 70 dedicated to the church’s approach to allegations of clergy misbehavior.
Some recent high-profile cases have led to criticism of the effectiveness of this process, causing people at all levels of the church to question “Title IV,” the church’s procedure for addressing these issues. Declarations from various individuals within the church have resulted in a review of Title IV. This review has gained momentum, with members and church authorities weighing in on what changes should be made, if any.
A whole website is dedicated to laying out Title IV’s intricate processes, titles, and panels, yet the procedure still feels less than accessible, say survivors. For some, going through the process can be quite traumatic and inhumane.
“Yes, my abuser was eventually removed from the position,” stated a parishioner in the Diocese of Pennsylvania, who endured grooming, unwanted sexual advances, and spiritually and emotionally violent behavior from her priest. “But what I had to go through to get there was so terrible that I don’t know if it was worth it.”
In August, Julia Ayala Harris, president of the church’s House of Deputies, voiced her frustration by publicly voicing her grievances about the response to her sexual harassment complaint. Bishop Prince Singh of the Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan took six months before an inquiry into the abuse allegations made by his children and wife took place, and waited two more months before Singh was placed on leave. The family has also, to no avail, requested that an impartial, outside party lead the investigation.
Bishop Michael Curry has directed the Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, Constitution and Canons to review Title IV, after 55 bishops expressed their concerns about the current system, suggesting that some changes need to be made. (continued)
