Episcopal Church reinstates bishop who concealed abuse
August 11, 2010
An Episcopal Church bishop who was suspended for concealing sexual abuse committed by his brother will be reinstated in his office on August 12.
Bishop Charles E. Bennison, Jr. failed to report the sexual abuse of a girl by his brother, who at the time was a married priest of the Episcopal Church. In 2007, a church court suspended Bishop Bennison from his ministry in the Diocese of Pennsylvania, where he clashed with conservative Anglicans. Last month, a church appeals court reinstated him, ruling that the canonical statute of limitations had expired.
The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP) protested his reinstatement. "It's heartbreaking that he has been returned on a technicality," said local SNAP leader Karen Polisir.
For all current news, visit our News home page.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
