Diocese of NY Intake Officer Accused of Leaking Confidential Information in Title IV Case

Anglican Watch, the unofficial watchdog of the Episcopal Church, has accused the Episcopal Diocese of New York of leaking confidential information in a Title IV clergy disciplinary case. The leaks, according to Anglican Watch, involve the public identification of an adult male victim of three separate incidents of sexual assault by St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue rector Carl Turner. This disclosure is a violation of Title IV, which requires confidentiality for all clergy involved in such matters unless a bishop authorizes disclosure for pastoral response.

The leaks have also involved the Title IV process, including the intake officer, the Rev. Alison Quin. Anglican Watch executive director Eric Bonetti emphasized that while complainants are not obligated to maintain confidentiality, all clergy and diocesan employees are required to do so, including refraining from identifying victims or complainants in cases of alleged sexual assault.

Bonetti further expressed concern over the Diocese’s alleged retaliatory actions, including the termination of a Diocesan employee on a pretextual basis. He also criticized the Diocese for potentially misusing the Title IV process, suggesting it is being used to suppress dissent and gather information for litigation against victims of alleged sexual abuse.

Additionally, Bonetti raised concerns about Suffragan Bishop Shin, who is overseeing the Title IV case. He noted that Shin is a close friend of Turner, which he described as a flagrant violation of the impartiality required in a clergy disciplinary case. Bonetti called for Shin to recuse himself immediately.

Founded in 2015, Anglican Watch is dedicated to addressing issues within the Episcopal Church, including matters of accountability and transparency. The organization has been vocal about the need for ethical conduct and the protection of victims in disciplinary processes.

Source: Read the original report