In a letter to Executive Council, The Most Rev Michael Curry, has provided an update on the ongoing investigation related to the suspension of three senior members of the Church Center staff (Chief Operating Officer, Bishop Stacy Sauls, Deputy Chief Operating Officer and Director of Mission, Samuel McDonald, and Alex Baumgarten, Director of Public Engagement). The Presiding Bishop announced the investigation in December shortly after the three were suspended, though the nature of the allegations has yet to be be revealed.
February 24, 2016
Dear brothers and sisters,
I am writing to bring you up to date on the investigation of the three members of the staff of the Presiding Bishop who I have placed on administrative leave. I have written a similar update to the staff which will be sent to them and then made public today.
I anticipate the investigators will complete their interviews in the next 3-4 weeks. Following that, they will share their findings and conclusions with me. I will then consult with the officers of the DFMS and legal counsel regarding appropriate steps forward.
Once the course of action is clear and it has been properly shared with those on administrative leave, I will share with you with as much transparency as is appropriate, protecting confidentiality, and the ways we will move forward from that point.
In my letter to the staff I say, “I am deeply committed to our all working together on healing, building trust, and nurturing a culture reflective of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as we move forward to help the church to serve the world in his Name.”
Please continue to pray to God for our brothers and their families, our staff and for us all.
God bless you,
The Most Rev. Michael Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate
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It sure seems to me that Presiding Bishop Curry’s statement is entirely proper. Frankly, I’m surprised there are so many negative, or at least questioning, comments. I played a very minor role, once upon a time, in an investigation. One thing I learned is that have to cover ALL the bases, and there are lot more than four. PB Curry certainly looks like he’s going straight down the line. Good for him!
Prayers for all concerned, esp. Presiding Bishop Curry. It is so hard to be at the “top”. God is in charge. Be at peace.
Amen, Sherrie!
An update about an update. It’s better than nothing. The investigation isn’t complete, and isn’t ready to be disclosed.
That being said, here’s my speculation – and dollars to pounds, I bet I’m right: the facts have long ago been gathered and are known. What’s happening now is an attempt to plead out the charges against the clergy and settle any employment claims/matters with the laity accused. And then to make sure those resolutions do not upset those bringing the complaints.
The ability of the three folks placed on leave to ever work effectively for the Episcopal Church (at 815) is over. Now it’s about sweeping up the broken glass and throwing sand over the gasoline.
You’ve got it.
??? Weren’t staff warned not to use private servers? Have the investigators returned 815’s computer yet? Is this a conservative attempt at a back door entrance? ???
Thank God! Whoever thought up that ridiculous “Missionary Society” handle OUGHT to be under investigation.