[ad_1]
An Episcopal bishop in Michigan has been placed on an immediate restriction from his ministry amid a misconduct investigation stemming from allegations by his adult sons of past verbal and physical abuse.
The restriction against the Rt. Rev. Prince Singh of the Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan was announced Thursday by the Episcopal Church.
The Episcopal News Service reported in a church statement in June that Singh had requested a Title IV investigation into himself after two of his sons accused him of physical, verbal and emotional abuse of themselves and their children. mother. They also alleged that he had consumed alcohol excessively. Title IV refers to the section of the canons of The Episcopal Church which details the process for investigating and resolving issues when a clergy member is accused of misconduct.
VERMONT CATHOLIC SCHOOL CHANGES NAME TO REMOVE NAME OF BISHOP WHO LEADED DIOCESE DURING ‘UNTHINKABLE ABUSE’
The Associated Press left a voicemail and email Thursday afternoon with the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan seeking comment from Singh.
Singh said in a statement released by the dioceses that he encouraged an investigation.
A Michigan-based Episcopal bishop has been barred from ministry amid a Title IV investigation.
“In my view, a formal Title IV proceeding is the appropriate vehicle to clarify these painful allegations,” Singh wrote. “As part of this, I have offered to undergo a full psychological and alcoholic evaluation by a clinical professional. By taking my sons’ concerns seriously, I hope this will keep the possibility of reconciliation open.”
The AP was unable to find phone numbers for Singh’s sons on Thursday.
The allegations were initially made in emails and social media posts, according to a pastoral statement posted in June on the church’s website. The Episcopal Church said church leaders were in contact with Singh’s sons and his ex-wife.
FORMER BISHOP WHO WAS CLEARED BY VATICAN OF MULTIPLE SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS dies aged 91
“These claims follow Bishop Singh’s divorce in 2021 and his recent public engagement announcement,” the statement read.
Singh was elected in 2022 as Provisional Bishop of the Dioceses of Michigan. He served as bishop of the Diocese of Rochester in western New York from 2008 to 2022.
The Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane, Bishop of the Diocese of Rochester, wrote on the diocese’s website that “the investigation was prompted by a written complaint of misconduct” by Singh’s son for alleged actions that occurred then. that Singh was bishop there.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“It would be inappropriate for any of us to prejudge the outcome of a Title IV investigation,” Lane continued. “There is a presumption of innocence for the accused, unless and until the facts prove otherwise.”
[ad_2]
Fox