A HISTORY OF SEXUAL ABUSE BY EPISCOPAL CLERGY

[Note: This is a chronologically ordered compilation of abuse cases spanning decades and multiple countries. Due to sheer length and repetitiveness (e.g., recurring names, locations), it has been condensed while preserving geographic scope, severity, and institutional relevance. Duplicate entries (same incident cited in multiple years) were removed.]

United States

• Denver, CO (2002): Donald Shissler, former teacher and priest, sentenced to 24 years after pleading guilty to assaulting at least two boys; up to 20 additional victims suspected. Called “the most disturbing case” by the prosecutor.

• Provincetown, RI (2002): Pastor resigned after admitting to sexually molesting a teenage boy in the 1960s while in Maryland.

• Philadelphia, PA (1999): Fr. Robert K. Orr convicted of possessing and distributing child pornography found on his church computer.

• Danbury, CT (1998): Fr. Bruce Jacques defrocked after allegations he offered oral sex to a 13-year-old as a “confirmation gift.”

• St. Petersburg, FL (1999): Family sues diocese after Fr. Greydon Copeland allegedly abused a minor altar server (1985–89); Copeland committed suicide after investigation.

• Vineland, NJ (1999): Fr. Thomas Berlenbach accused of raping a 14-year-old altar girl and fondling a 40-year-old parishioner; removed in 1997.

• Williamsburg, VA (1998): Lawsuit alleges Fr. Michael W. Jones and layman John Grubb participated in abuse by baby-sitter Richard Weaverling (later convicted and sentenced to 73 years).

• Minneapolis, MN (1993): Music minister at St. Andrew’s confessed to molesting a 15-year-old parishioner; terminated after 17 years.

• Palmdale, CA (1994): Fr. Robert L. Ducker sentenced to 12 years for repeatedly molesting two boys.

• Wyncote, PA (1998): Fr. Robert Orr arrested again for child pornography (second offense).

• Cleveland, OH (1993): Fr. Douglas Hodges charged with sexual battery of a woman in counseling; multiple civil suits filed.

• Falls Church, VA (1993): Six women accused Fr. Byron Bruce Newell of misconduct; one filed $4M suit alleging coercion under guise of spiritual guidance.

• DeWitt, NY (1992): Rev. Wallace A. Frey, highest-ranking U.S. Episcopal priest (chair of sexuality committee), resigned after admitting sexual misconduct with young men and a teenager.

• Catonsville, MD (1989): Rev. William Edward Thompson Jr., headmaster, pleaded guilty to molesting 7 boys (ages 11–16) and child pornography.

• Winnipeg area (1986): Rev. Charles Griggs pleaded guilty to molesting a 13-year-old; kept as rector for a month after conviction.

• Moreau & Fort Edward, NY (1988): Rev. William S. Barrett pleaded guilty to oral sex with two 14-year-olds; known volunteer “helper of troubled youth.”

• Minneapolis (1988): Rev. James Leech charged with molesting a 15-year-old in his home.

• Santa Rosa/Windsor, CA (1987): Rev. Francis Papworth sentenced to 7 years; $120M lawsuit filed claiming diocese knew of misconduct.

• Seattle (1987): Military chaplain Rev. Thomas Evans Dobson convicted of exchanging meth for sexual acts with homeless boys.

Australia (Selected Cases)

Numerous convictions across Queensland, NSW, Victoria, SA, WA, ACT, and Tasmania—including bishops, archdeacons, school staff, and youth leaders. Notable patterns:

• Cover-ups: Archbishop Hollingworth (later Governor-General) repeatedly ignored or concealed abuse by priests Elliott, McAuley, Shearman, and Lynch.

• Repeat offenders: Multiple priests reassigned after allegations (e.g., Brazier, Ellmore, Sapsford).

• Institutional awareness: Internal reports (e.g., Not The Way of Christ, 1998) were produced but not acted upon. Dozens of priests were credibly accused; hundreds of victims identified in single investigations (e.g., SA: 217 victims, 48 suspects; projected >400).

Other Countries

• UK: Rev. Robin Everett (Leics) convicted of assaulting two girls (2003); Rev. Gordon Haggarty jailed (1990); Winchester group of 5 men jailed (1988) for abusing boys as young as 7.

• Canada: Rev. Russel Nicolle (Ontario) jailed for abusing two boys (1988).

• Brazil: Rev. Peter Brazier sentenced twice for assaulting teens; moved between parishes despite prior conviction.

Organizational Context

• SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests) warned in 2003 that ~400 ex-Catholic priests might surface in other denominations, including ECUSA.

• Systemic failures include: lack of background checks, reassignment of offenders, suppression of reports, and delay of investigations—all while maintaining public façades of pastoral care.

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