On weekdays he worked as a stockbroker.
On Sundays he served as an Episcopal priest.
But the lines got blurred, and now both of the Rev. William Warnky’s careers are in jeopardy.
Securities regulators suspended the Dallas man’s registration as a broker last week. They said he had defrauded a former client and disregarded an order to repay him $50,000.
At least one other former client has accused Warnky of financial misconduct and is also seeking a repayment order, according to Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records.
A priest cannot serve both God and Mammon. I know far too many EPAC ministers who think that they can.
This is a recurring theme. God’s work suffers when a priest is too concerned with running other affairs. Tent-making ministry can work but it takes a special person who should be under supportive direction rather than a loose item in the diocese. A parish in our diocese closed after a mere 50 years, in no small part, due to a priest who was divided: she had a cattle farm and an antique store. Then she blamed the demise of her parish on the economy and lack of community interest. Excuse me, but isn’t that the SAME economy that was good to her cattle farm and antique store? No. The church was closed because the priest was divided. If she had spent a similar amount of time gathering sheep as driving cattle, and polishing saints as polishing antiques her parish would still be open in it’s 51st year. The bishop let her off the hook because he is of a similar lack-luster nature when it concerns the Great Commission….it’s never the responsibility of the priest…or the bishop.
As with full-timers, it depends on the priest. My REC pastor is a banker during the week. He gives more time to the parish than did several “full-time” priests I’ve known, Episcopal or Continuing. It’s not the employment status, it’s the commitment.
I know Bill+ and have a great deal of affection for him. I am saddened by the accusations and by the fact that they could be true. I don’t know if they are or not. I will pray for Bill Warnkey and for Ray Jennison and for the small family of Good Samaritan. Who ever is in the wrong, my God bring them to repentance and to amendment of life.
YBIC,
Phil Snyder