Dissident priest suspended
A priest who led a group of Central Florida Episcopalians out of the Episcopal Church into an association with the Anglican Province of Kenya a year ago has now been suspended by his bishop because of an inappropriate relationship with a woman in his parish.
According to a report in a local paper:
The Rev. Lorne Coyle, of Christ Church of Vero Beach, was suspended effective 2 p.m. Sunday because his bishop received an out-of-state woman’s allegations that she and Coyle, who is married, had an affair, said the church’s senior warden, Jim Reamy III.According to another source Guernsey learned of the charges from Bishop Howe of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Florida.The bishop, from Virginia, met with Coyle last week in Vero Beach to inform him of the accusation. [John Guernsey, a bishop for priests and congregations in the United States that are affiliated with the Anglican Church of Uganda.]
On Sunday, Coyle stood in front of the 400-member congregation and confirmed he had sexual relations with an adult women over a period of years, Reamy said. Coyle left the building before the recessional hymn.
“This is very overwhelming,” Reamy said.
Read the full article here.
The congregation's website is here and here. More information about Canon Coyle can be found here. Coyle was a Canon at the Cathedral in Orlando when he was still part of the Episcopal Church, and served as a board member of NOEL, a group in the Episcopal Church opposed to abortion.
TV report (the "Anglican Church" is, of course, not the Anglican Church):
I'm sure it would be uncharitable to note (sexual) sin in one for whom the Episcopal Church was too tolerant of (supposed sexual) sin . . . so I'll just say "Lord have mercy" on all involved.
JC Fisher
Posted by tgflux![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 2, 2009 7:12 PM
What Dr. Fisher said, and more.
Posted by David Allen |dah • veed|![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 2, 2009 9:20 PM
A lesson in jumping to conclusions, on the same story at another blog:
Comment: "Call me doubtful. But I don’t believe this. If it is true I pray for all involved that they may be reconciled to Christ and to each other."
Next comment (same commenter): "Oh sorry. I posted while distracted and misread the post. Please omit my other post. Prayers for all involved."
Posted by John B. Chilton![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 2, 2009 10:10 PM
It's important to know that we all fall short of the glory of God -- alas, Church Leaders are held to a higher standard. While painful for Rev. Coyle to step down, it is the right thing to do. In time, perhaps he can be reinstated to a Leadership Position. I'm strengthened to know that Christ's Church is at least being consistent, in calling sin, sin. Thank you for continuing to draw the line in the sand.
Posted by LGMarshall![[TypeKey Profile Page]](http://www.episcopalcafe.com/lead/nav-commenters.gif)
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February 3, 2009 4:43 PM