RNS: Philadelphia Area Episcopal bishop, back in office, vows to stay

The embattled Episcopal bishop of Philadelphia said he erred in not investigating his brother’s sexual abuse of an underage girl 35 years ago, but brushed aside calls for his resignation, saying it is more “interesting” for him to remain in office.

Bishop Charles Bennison was removed from ministry in 2007, when he was charged with “conduct unbecoming of a member of the clergy.” A church court found him guilty in 2008. But Bennison returned to his Philadelphia office on Monday (Aug. 16) after a church appeals court ruled last month the 10-year statute of limitations on the charge had expired.

Even so, prominent Philadelphia Episcopalians — including the diocese’s elected standing committee — said Bennison should resign.

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Posted in * Anglican - Episcopal, Episcopal Church (TEC), TEC Bishops, TEC Conflicts, TEC Conflicts: Pennsylvania

6 comments on “RNS: Philadelphia Area Episcopal bishop, back in office, vows to stay

  1. palagious says:

    What’s he going to do, hang out in his office and collect a paycheck?

  2. Br. Michael says:

    That’s what he has been doing.

  3. Already left says:

    “More interesting”? For whom?

  4. Christopher Johnson says:

    Even by Episcopal Organization standards, Chuckles is repulsive.

  5. Daniel says:

    Hi, I’m Chucky … wanna play?

    You’ll wish it was only make-believe. 🙂

  6. Bookworm(God keep Snarkster) says:

    Try a diocese-wide vote of no confidence.