(CP) A former bishop of the Church of England in North America has been faraway from his ministry after being discovered responsible in an ecclesiastical courtroom of quite a few costs, together with “inappropriate relations with ladies.”
ACNA introduced Monday that Todd Atkinson, former bishop of the By way of Apostolica Mission District based mostly in Alberta, Canada, has been “faraway from ordained ministry following the completion of his ecclesiastical course of.”
The announcement got here after the ACNA's Trial of a Bishop discovered Atkinson responsible in April of 4 costs associated to “conduct which was simply trigger for scandal or offence, together with abuse of ecclesiastical energy”.
The 4 allegations included “Inappropriate Relations with Girls”, “Interfering with Marriage and Household Relations”, “Inappropriate Interactions with Minor Females”, and “Abuse of Church Energy by means of Patterns of Manipulation and Management”.
ACNA Archbishop Foley Seaside mentioned in an announcement that he was grateful for “those that courageously got here ahead.”
“Working for justice typically entails danger, and many individuals have willingly taken that danger as they participated within the investigation and trial. As a church, we owe it to you,” Seaside mentioned.
“Expensive Church, please be a part of me in praying for all concerned. Pray that the victims and the church group discover restoration and therapeutic. Pray that the responsible select true repentance. Pray that the teachings of those occasions contribute to constructing safer church and group”.
The Anglican Diocese of the Higher Midwest, the place Atkinson served as performing assistant bishop, issued an announcement Monday in response to the choice.
“We want to remind you that in 2019 Todd and a few of his leaders attended a number of occasions and providers in our diocese. He preached within the cathedral and assisted within the affirmation. Todd and a few of his crew attended Holy Week and Absolutely Alive within the cathedral as company, ” mentioned the diocese.
“On the time, the Diocese was not conscious of any inappropriate habits or considerations concerning Todd. If you happen to had any questions concerning your interplay with Todd Atkinson, or if you want to talk with a pastor for any cause, we encourage you to hunt out Pastors and Caregivers. ” in your congregation.”
In November 2021, ACNA introduced the launch of an investigation into allegations of misconduct towards Atkins, together with abuse of church energy.
Atkinson was given day off. Bishop Quigg Lawrence, bishop suffragan of the Anglican Diocese of Christ Our Hope, has been appointed to work with By way of Apostolica through the investigation.
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