The expanded scope of the Provincial review has led to the Rt. Rev. Todd Atkinson taking a leave of absence amidst allegations of misconduct. Atkinson leads the Via Apostolica group of churches which recently joined the Anglican Church in North America.
Former members said church leaders pressured them to stay in abusive relationships, subjected them to conversion therapy and denied them leadership positions for voicing criticism. They describe a culture of censorship and controlling behavior, all packaged in overtly spiritual language.
“SB 8 could very well violate our First Amendment rights, because if it is restricting … the ability of clergy or religious individuals — a congregation — to provide that kind of counseling, which is fundamental to their faith, then that violates their religious freedom,” an ACLU spokesperson said.
Beginning September 1, upon entry to the Cathedral, all visitors will be required to show a hard copy or photo of their vaccination card or the NYS Excelsior Pass. Masks are required for all visitors, staff, and clergy while in the Cathedral and in any Cathedral buildings. All staff and clergy are vaccinated.
I am writing today to announce that COVID-19 vaccinations will be mandatory for all staff members of the bishop’s office, affiliated diocesan organizations, and all clergy of the Diocese of Long Island effective Wednesday, September 15, 2021. – The Right Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, Bishop of Long Island
I did not intend to be writing something this sober, so close to my retirement, and I promise this will not be my last word to you! Betsy and I look forward very much to being with as many of you as can be present for the Pig Roast this Saturday. – Bishop Dorsey McConnell
In 2014 Charles Appel was “sentenced in federal court to five years imprisonment, to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, on his conviction of receipt of material depicting the sexual exploitation of a minor” (US Justice Department). It is not known whether the diocese took any action to identify possible victims of Appel following his 2014 sentencing.
“We want to say to everybody in Maine that we trust public health leaders who say to us that the vaccine is the best tool we have to curb this pandemic,” Brown told RNS. “And if we could somehow do our part, assure them that our clergy leaders are going to do what we can to keep them safe, it becomes a message of liberation.”
For the bishops of the Church of Wales to “say that same-sex couples are “unable” to marry in church is a bit like me having my front door key in my pocket, trying to open the door without it, and saying that I am “unable” to do so.”
I am therefore directing all members of the diocesan staff, and all of you — clergy serving pastorally or sacramentally in any congregation in the Diocese of Maine — to be vaccinated unless you have been directed by a physician not to do so. Please click on this form to attest to your vaccination status.