Service Celebrates Decision Dismissing Heresy Charges Against Bishop Righter
96-1468
Episcopal News Service
Diocese of Newark Celebrates Court's Decision.
Members of the Diocese of Newark gathered at St. George's Church in Maplewood, New Jersey, May
19, to celebrate the decision of an ecclesial court to dismiss charges against Bishop Walter
Righter. Righter (center), who celebrated the Eucharist for the service, was charged with
violating the doctrine of the church and his ordination vows for ordaining the Rev. Barry
Stopfel (far right), a homosexual living in relationship with another man, as a deacon. Stopfel
is now rector of St. George's. In his sermon at the service, Bishop John Spong (far left) of
Newark praised the St. George's congregation for its support of Stopfel. Also at the altar are
the Rev. Anne Bolles-Beaven, associate at St. George's, and the Very Rev. Petero Sabune, dean
of the Cathedral of Trinity and St. Philip's, Newark. (Episcopal News Service photo by James H.
Thrall)
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