Press Release from the Diocese of Olympia
The Rt. Rev. Gregory H. Rickel, Bishop of Olympia, has suspended the Rev. Lawrence S. Perry from his position as rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Everett, Wash., having recently received two separate complaints of sexual misconduct against Perry. In both complaints, Perry crossed boundaries that are to be held between a priest and a layperson. In neither of these cases was a child or youth involved. Perry has voluntarily submitted to Rickel's care and discipline and has fully cooperated. Perry has admitted that the complaints are substantially true. Counseling has been offered to all those involved, including members of the congregation.
"Please trust that as your bishop I take this matter seriously," Rickel told the congregation. "The members of the parish, the people who have been harmed and the Perrys are all in my prayers and will continue to be in those prayers."
Although the details of Perry's discipline are still to be determined by Rickel and will in large part be between Rickel and Perry, the following terms were reported: Perry will not return to Trinity, Everett; he will be suspended from the priesthood and may not function as a priest in any way; he may not contact Trinity, Everett parishioners, be on the grounds of Trinity, Everett or wear priestly garb. If any of the terms of the suspension and discipline are not obeyed, it becomes a matter for further discipline.
"A significant amount of time and space for healing in the congregation is necessary," Rickel said, explaining that the process to call a new rector would not begin until sometime in the future. With the input of Trinity's vestry, or administrative committee, Rickel will appoint a priest-in-charge in the near future. Meanwhile, the Revs. Robert Dunn and Wayne Bond, already exercising ministry at Trinity, Everett, have agreed to cover the liturgical and pastoral needs of the congregation.
More here-
http://www.ecww.org/news_detail.cfm?NID=544
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