MARYLAND
Christian Today
Mark Woods 10 February 2015
The Episcopal Church needs to repent of its role in the death of Tom Palermo, killed when his bicycle was struck by Bishop Heather Cook while drink-driving, according to the president of its House of Deputies, Rev Gay Clark Jennings.
In a statement addressed to fellow deputies, he said that he was “deeply saddened” by Palermo’s death and outlined measures to “help our Church repent” for its failings.
Jennings continued: “In the weeks since Mr Palermo was killed, many people in the church have struggled to understand better how our systemic denial about alcohol and other drug abuse in the Church may have contributed to Bishop Cook’s election and confirmation as a bishop even as she seemed to be struggling with addiction.
Bishop of Maryland responds to Heather Cook hit-and-run incident, says Episcopal Church is in ‘deep pain’
“Many Episcopalians are asking what people in positions of authority in the Church knew about her history of addiction and driving while under the influence of alcohol. They are also asking why the electors in Maryland and the bishops and standing committees who consented to her election were not made aware of this information, some of which is a matter of public record.”
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