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(CP) A former bishop of the Anglican Church in North America has been faraway from ministry after being discovered responsible in a church court docket of a number of expenses, together with “inappropriate relationships with ladies.”
ACNA introduced Monday that Todd Atkinson, previously the bishop of the Via Apostolica Missionary District based mostly in Alberta, Canada, was “faraway from ordained ministry following the conclusion of his ecclesiastical trial.”
The announcement got here after ACNA’s Court for the Trial of a Bishop discovered Atkinson responsible in April of 4 expenses associated to “conduct giving simply trigger for scandal or offense, together with the abuse of ecclesiastical energy.”
These 4 expenses included “Inappropriate Relationships with Women,” “Interfering in Marriage and Family Relationships,” “Inappropriate Interactions with Minor Females” and “Abuse of Ecclesiastical Power Through Patterns of Manipulation and Control.”
ACNA Archbishop Foley Beach stated in a press release that he’s grateful for “those that courageously got here ahead.”
“Working for justice typically entails threat, and scores of individuals willingly took that threat once they participated within the investigation and judicial course of. As a Church, we’re indebted to you,” said Beach.
“Dear Church, please be part of me in praying for all concerned. Pray that the victims and the congregational group will discover restoration and therapeutic. Pray that the responsible will select true repentance. Pray that the teachings from these occasions will contribute to the constructing of safer church buildings and communities.”
The Anglican Diocese of the Upper Midwest, the place Atkinson served as appearing assistant bishop, launched a press release Monday in response to the choice.
“We need to remind you that in 2019, Todd and a few of his leaders participated in a number of occasions and companies in our diocese. He preached on the Cathedral and assisted in confirmations. Todd and a few of his workforce members participated in Holy Week and Fully Alive on the Cathedral as visitors,” said the diocese.
“At that point the Diocese was unaware of any inappropriate conduct or considerations concerning Todd. If you had any regarding interactions with Todd Atkinson, or, if you want to speak with a pastor for any purpose, we encourage you to hunt pastors and caregivers inside your congregation.”
In November 2021, ACNA introduced the launch of an investigation into allegations of misconduct towards Atkins, together with abuse of ecclesiastical energy.
Atkinson was placed on depart. Bishop Quigg Lawrence, bishop suffragan of the Anglican Diocese of Christ Our Hope, was appointed to work with Via Apostolica through the investigation.
© The Christian Post
