Sentences of 'Admonition' Improper, ACU Official Says
Diocesan Press Service. July 21, 1975 [75254]
From: The Rev. Canon Charles H. Osborn
The American Church Union
60 Rockledge Drive
Pelham Manor, N.Y. 10803
914/738-2973
PELHAM MANOR, N.Y. -- The ecclesiastical courts for the trials of the Rev. William Wendt in Washington, D.C. and the Rev. Peter Beebe in Ohio have both recommended improper sentences accompanying their findings of "Guilty." A sentence of admonition is not authorized by the canon law of the Episcopal Church, according to an official of the American Church Union.
The Rev. Francis W. Read, Chairman of the Legal Committee of the American Church Union has said, "A sentence of admonition was formerly allowed by the Constitution and Canons, but was specifically removed in 1967 and 1969 respectively by the General Convention. The rationale for this removal, contained in the Journal of Special Convention II (p. 391), held 'admonition... as not being properly a sentence, but, rather, a pastoral activity inherent in the Bishop's office .... '"
According to Fr. Read only three sentences are authorized: suspension, removal or deposition. "Since there has been no renunciation of the ministry by either Fr. Wendt or Fr. Beebe, a condition precedent for a sentence of removal," said Fr. Read, "A sentence of either suspension or deposition is the only one that can be imposed. "
Even if the Diocesan Canons of Washington and Ohio permit such a sentence, they would be in conflict with those of the General Convention, which takes precedence. "It is a sad commentary," said Fr. Read, "on the ecclesiastical learning of the members of the courts and their advisers. Together with the recent 'cop-out' by the Board of Inquiry investigating the charges against the four bishops involved in the Philadelphia debacle, we have a graphic illustration of the breakdown of discipline, orderly administration and judicial process in the Episcopal Church."
The American Church Union is a national organization of "high" or Catholic-minded Episcopal bishops, clergy and lay people.