Reverend Named in St. George's Scandal Restricted from Pastoral Duty in Pennsylvania

By Elisabeth Harrison & John Bender
Rhode Island Public Radio
January 6, 2016

http://ripr.org/post/reverend-named-st-georges-scandal-restricted-pastoral-duty-pennsylvania

The entrance to an administration building at St. George's School in Middletown.

As the St. George's sexual abuse allegations continue to unfold, an Episcopal reverend named in the investigation has been relieved of some duties in the small Pennsylvania town where he now works.

The Rev. Dr. Howard White served as an assistant chaplain at St. George's, a prep school in Middletown, in the 1970s. In a report prepared by attorneys representing the alleged victims, White is accused of sexual misconduct with male students during his time at the school.

The report states that White was ordered to leave the school for at least five years, by then-headmaster Tony Zane. White subsequently worked at another boarding school after leaving St. George's. He has since retired and works as a long-term supply priest at St. James Episcopal Church, in Bedford Pennsylvania, a small community about 100 miles east of Pittsburgh.

The head of the Pennsylvania diocese, Bishop Audrey Scanlon, has "restricted" White's duties, and she announced the decision in a letter to church members issued on Wednesday. Scanlon writes that she has "no information" that would leave her to believe there have been incidents of abuse at St. James.

"If there are those in our diocese who have a need to talk about this or any related incidents, please know that I am ready to listen and respond in a confidential pastoral manner or make provisions for appropriate care," Scanlon wrote.

The Rhode Island State Police are continuing their investigation into the allegations involving St. George's school, which began in November. The Episcopal Church is also conducting its own formal disciplinary process for White and two other people with ties to the church.