Episcopal Church and Bishop Singh’s Family Reach Agreement on Disciplinary Process

The Episcopal Church and the family of Bishop Prince Singh have reached an agreement regarding the disciplinary process following credible abuse allegations. Bishop Singh, who served as bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester from 2008 to 2022, was suspended from ministry in September 2023 amid multiple accusations of abuse from family members and others. The family had expressed concerns about how the disciplinary process was handled, particularly under the Title IV canons.

The Presiding Bishop, Scott Rowe, issued a joint statement with Singh’s ex-wife and two adult sons, announcing that they had “reached a resolution to the concerns of the Singh family about the handling of the Title IV processes.” The statement emphasized a mutual commitment to the goals of the Title IV canons, which include healing, restitution, and reconciliation. The family and church leadership expressed hope that the resolution would inspire the church to practice these values more fully.

Singh’s family first raised concerns about alleged abuse in April 2022, following his divorce from his wife. They later communicated with then-Presiding Bishop Michael Curry about the abuse they had endured. The family went public with the allegations in June 2023, prompting an official Title IV investigation. Singh was restricted from ministry work in September 2023 as the process unfolded.

In December 2023, Singh’s family filed a complaint against Curry and Bishop Todd Ousley, who was involved in the disciplinary process, alleging that the bishops had failed to properly follow the Title IV disciplinary canons. Last December, Rowe announced that he had reached “an accord” with Singh over the allegations. As part of the agreement, Singh will be suspended from ministry for at least three more years and will undergo a psychiatric and psychological assessment, along with education and training on anger management, domestic abuse, and proper exercise of authority.

The resolution underscores the church’s commitment to accountability and reconciliation, reflecting the call to be responsible to one another as Episcopalians. The process highlights the importance of addressing abuse and ensuring that disciplinary actions align with the church’s ethical and pastoral standards.

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