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Suspended priest in Batavia sues Episcopal Diocese
By JAY TOKASZ
News Staff Reporter
THE BUFFALO NEWS
11/15/2004
A Batavia priest suspended from ministry is suing the Episcopal Diocese of Western New York, contending that the diocese retaliated after he accused another priest of sexual harassment.
The Rev. Simon B. Howson, rector of St. James Episcopal Church, contended in court papers that he had been sexually harassed by his superior, the Rev. Jerry E. True, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Attica and dean of the Genesee Region Deanery.
Howson accused the diocese of failing to stop the behavior, which he said spanned several months, despite several complaints to diocesan officials, including Bishop J. Michael Garrison, according to court papers.
Howson also contends that his suspension was in retaliation for his complaints.
Garrison announced Oct. 21 that Howson had been temporarily "inhibited" for "conduct unbecoming a member of the clergy."
At the time, neither the bishop nor a diocesan spokeswoman would elaborate on why Howson was suspended.
Before being served with the suit, the bishop issued another statement defending True and explaining some of the allegations against Howson.
Garrison acknowledged that Howson had complained about True last spring but said he believes that the charges are without merit. "After speaking with both men, I instructed them to stay away from each other and referred both to counseling," Garrison said in the statement. "True acted on and completed this instruction to the satisfaction of both the designated counselor and myself. Howson has not. True denies without qualification any sexual misconduct on his part."
Through diocesan spokeswomen Laurie Wozniak, the bishop has declined to comment on the suit. Howson's suspension was accompanied by a split vestry vote to dissolve the parish's pastoral relationship with him.
Some members of the congregation credit Howson, a charismatic preacher, with reinvigorating the small parish of about 150 to 200 people.
The suspension has split the congregation, and some members have decided to leave the church.
In a news release, Garrison listed some of the charges against Howson, including the priest's removal from ministry by the United Anglican Church for "alleged fraudulent handling of funds, deceit concerning two marriages and divorce and for co-habitating, while a priest in that church, with the woman to whom he now claims to be engaged."
The United Anglican Church consists of traditional Episcopalians who broke away from the Episcopal Church USA over doctrinal issues and does not allow women to be ordained priests.
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