Former St. George's Chaplain Removed from Priesthood over Allegations of Sexual Abuse

By Elisabeth Harrison
Rhode Island Public Radio
October 12, 2016

http://ripr.org/post/former-st-georges-chaplain-removed-priesthood-over-allegations-sexual-abuse

St. George's School in Middletown

The Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania has removed Rev. Howard White from the priesthood, citing allegations of sexual abuse documented in a report about St. George's School in Middletown.

Since those allegations became public, accusations have been reported in other states where White also worked.

White served as an associate chaplain, dorm parent and in other roles at St. George’s from 1971 until 1974, when he was fired after admitting to sexual abuse.

Eric MacLeish, the attorney who represented some of the former St. George’s students, says the church's action to remove White is long overdue.

"Rev. White was someone who preyed on young people in every setting where he went," said MacLeish. "He preyed upon them at St. Paul’s, he preyed upon them at St. George’s, he preyed upon them in North Carolina, where we also represent two people who were the victims of Rev. White."

A State Police investigation in Rhode Island failed to bring criminal charges against White and other St. George’s staff accused of abuse, but MacLeish says he continues to pursue criminal charges in other states. A group of former students reached a settlement with St. George's over the allegations of abuse.

An independent investigation commissioned by St. George's School and completed earlier this year detailed what investigators termed "credible" allegations against White and other staff at St. George's over a period that spanned several decades. While the school failed to notify law enforcement when it became aware of White's behavior, the report said St. George's did notify the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island.

"We're still trying to verify that, but if it's true, it's puzzling and, I think, upsetting to think how someone who had admitted to sexually abusing two students at St. George’s could have continued on with that collar," said MacLeish, noting that it was White's role as a priest that helped him gain access to children.

A spokesman for the Episcopal Church in Rhode Island says an extensive search turned up no evidence that church officials knew about White. The bishop at the time, Fred Belden, passed away in the late 1970s, according to the church.

But the independent investigation of abuse at St. George's includes two letters, attached as exhibits, suggesting Belden was at least aware of an issue involving White. In one letter, the school headmaster at the time, Anthony Zane, informed the board of trustees that White had agreed to resign "for unbecoming conduct involving a male student last spring." The letter is dated September 16, 1974, just a few days after White's termination.

As head of the Rhode Island Diocese, Belden was a member of the school's board, so it seems likely that he would have been included in this letter. A second letter, which Zane addressed to White a few days later with a bcc to Belden and several others, discussed financial details of White's departure. The school provided what appears to be two months pay, plus moving expenses and forgiveness for a small loan.

"Under the circumstances, I think the school is being generous, and if you find yourself hard pressed in the future I suggest that you consider selling you. [sic] Porsche," Zane wrote.

The letter instructs White not to return to St. George's for at least five years, and not to attempt any contact with the student or his parents.

"I feel strongly that you should not be in a boarding school and that you should seek psychiatric help."

In the final paragraph, Zane references an apparent conversation between White and Belden, telling White "I'm glad that you have talked to Bishop Belden," and expressing regret that he had to leave the school.

Responding to the announcement of White's removal from the priesthood, Rhode Island Bishop Nicholas Knisely said he was "grateful" for the Central Pennsylvania church's decision.

"I have had the chance to meet with some of the courageous survivors who helped bring the sexual abuse scandal at St. George’s School in the 1970s and 80s to light," Knisely wrote. "I hope Mr. White’s deposition reassures them that they have been heard, and that the church is invested in their healing."