Bishop Suspected Cook Was Drunk at Installation

WBAL
February 3, 2015

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/church-bishop-suspected-cook-was-drunk-at-installation/31069272

Episcopal Bishop Heather Cook

The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland said it suspects that the bishop charged in a fatal drunken-driving crash was drunk during her installation.

The diocese posted an updated timeline of events to its website Monday, saying another bishop thought Bishop Heather Cook was drunk in September when she officially became a bishop.

The timeline read, "Bishop Sutton suspects that Cook is inebriated during pre-consecration dinner and conveys concern to Presiding Bishop before rehearsal the next morning. Presiding bishop indicates she will discuss with Cook."

Cook was installed despite that concern.

Cook currently faces manslaughter and other charges in connection with the death of cyclist Thomas Palermo in Roland Park in December.

Church officials have said for weeks that they knew Cook had been arrested on DUI charges in 2010 when they elected her as their first female bishop last spring.

The diocese has asked for Cook's resignation.